Spence And The Holiday Murders

Detective Chief Superintendent Ben Spence #1

by Michael Allen

Book by Allen, Michael Derek

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Procedural, Christmas, British Literature

173 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Michael Allen is best known for writing popular mainstream fiction, and he's been doing it successfully for more years than he cares to remember. His first novel was published in 1963.

Extract from bio on Amazon UK

Reviews

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of three which Allen wrote about Superintendent Ben Spence and it's the last of the three that I was able to get my hands on. In fact, I believe I read the trilogy in reverse order.

Spence's debut is made at Christmas time. Just three days prior to the holiday, Roger Parnell, a local businessman and playboy, is killed in his driveway. Someone caught him from behind with the proverbial blunt instrument before he could find the right key to unlock his front door. When the milkman first spotted him laid out in the drive, he thought Parnell had been celebrating a little early and a little too hard. But the blood beneath his head told a different story.

Spence is breaking in a new Detective Inspector and as they begin the investigation Inspector Laurel learns that Spence isn't a man to hurry things along and he's definitely not going to jump to any conclusions. Interviews always take place twice--because you never know what a witness/suspect might remember or let drop in a second round of questioning. They soon learn that while Parnell was an attractive, smooth single man with wads of money at his disposal, he was also a bit of conman....staying just barely on the right side of the law. Not to mention a bit of a cad and a peeping tom too boot. He made plays for the young women at the nearby school (but only those of legal age...) and was the love 'em and leave 'em type. He also managed a second mortgage scheme that put his clients in deep trouble over late payments as well as an iffy bathroom remodel business. There are plenty of people who might have taken offense at the way he handled women and business. But was anyone upset enough to kill?

This was an interesting police procedural which is a window on the past. There are a lot reminders of behaviors that were perhaps not acceptable then, but blinked at. The plot and narration reminded me a great deal of Dragnet at its best. It is bare bones detection ("Just the facts, Ma'am") and yet the characters are interesting. I particularly enjoyed watching the way Spence worked with the new man and the way he carried out his interviews. Allen did a fine job spreading the suspicion around so we had plenty of potential suspects in the mix. What keeps this from being a full four star book was the explanation of the motive and the actions of the killer that night. I realize that people kill for all kinds of motives that may seem inadequate to others, but generally speaking the motive at least seems to fit the character of the culprit (if the author gives adequate information on said character). I certainly can imagine the guilty party killing and I can even imagine them killing Parnell...just not for the reason given and not carrying it out as explained. ★★★ and 1/2 (rounded up here)

First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting portions of review. Thanks.

[John Morris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written in 1977 this hasn't stood up to the test of time very well. Too simplistic, corny and cliched for me but on a positive note it's a quick read. Has a number of 5 star ratings but at the time of writing this none of those who have it 5 stars have left any comments as to why they enjoyed it so much. Would be interested to know what they liked that I missed.

[SWZIE · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very enjoyable book is in the genre of murder mystery.

Roger Parnel was wealthy and lived in Petal Park, an elite area. People either loved him or loathed him. He was in the business of money lending and had no compunction that his clients could lose their houses if they fell behind with their repayments.

He was described as a chameleon, who could adapt to whoever he was with. Parnel had a rather seedy, lecherous background and when he was found murdered there were numerous suspects. There was something quaint about the book; not like modern murders; there was no gratuitous violence or explicit gory details. This, for me, was refreshing.

The author, Michael Allen, was very descriptive and described the characters in precise detail, so the reader can vividly visualise them. I really like this in a book.

I love reading about police procedures and this one was interesting. Detective Spence who led the murder investigation was very fastidious. A few suspects had a motive and there was enough evidence to charge them, but Spence was determined to find the right killer. So there were a few red herrings along the way. I found it entertaining trying to work out the killer from the clues.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting! Intriguing! First Class Read!!

This is a new author and series for me. A first rate police procedural filled with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. Detective Superintendent Spence is an old school copper, thoroughly committed to solving the case by sussing out the clues, the hidden motives and lies being told by most if not all of the suspects.

The murder victim had more than a few people with a grudge against him, and some had not only means but opportunity as well. With only a few days til Christmas Spence would like to wrap this case as quickly as possible, but it proves a daunting task as he pulls back layers of deceit, conniving, and some very questionable behavior by the victim.

Fast paced, entertaining, it kept me engaged from beginning to end. And I didn't have a clue as to who the actual culprit was. A very lively and enjoyable read. I have downloaded the remaining 2 books in the series and I do hope to find more books by this very talented author! 👏👏🌟🌟

[Barry Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I got this book as a freebie from Lume Books during their Easter lockdown giveaway and started reading it on Friday, today is Saturday and it’s finished, enjoyed it so much I couldn’t put it down. I’d never heard if Michael Allen previously but its a name I shall certainly look for in the future. The book starts with the murder of Roger Parnell in a town on the south coast, he is a womaniser and a philanderer and has made some enemies along the way both in business and his affairs. Enter Superintendent Spence as the investigating officer and his subordinates Detective Inspector Laurel and Detective Sergeant Wilberforce. Thoroughly enjoyed and would definitely recommend.

[Book Him Danno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again another brilliantly written British Police procedural murder mystery. Detective Superintendent Spence is on top of his game as he investigates the murder of a young male who resides near a girls private school. He is able to sort the wheat from the chaff in his all business and no nonsense manner and solves the case in short order.

I have given this book a four star rating. I really like this author's style and highly recommend him if you enjoy cozy British murder mysteries.

I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.

[Barbara Fricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first detective Spence book

This book was recommended by a friend who enjoys English mysteries. I liked the way the story was set up and how the characters were identified. The story was easy to read and follow. I also enjoyed the way the detective didn’t try and o rush the investigation as he questioned each suspect. This was a straight forward murder investigation with no twists and turns but just the facts as they came. The ending was not rushed and I felt it flowed to a natural ending. The book was well written and I look forward to the next one.

[Doug Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 1977 mystery is a police procedural with an emphasis on the "procedural"; Detective Superintendent Ben Spence adheres to a well developed and careful procedure in investigating a murder. In this case the victim, Roger Parnell, was a charming young man, but one who exploited young women and engaged in some questionable business practices. So there was no lack of suspects, and lots of information to collect.

The murder takes place on December 22, but the highly organized Spence wraps up the case just in time for Christmas.

[Patti St · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has potential

The storyline was good, but it needed editing. All the characters spoke in the same way, for example, "oh yes" was used by just about everyone. Also, the author went to great lengths in describing the clothing of each character, whether they were key to the plot or not. He has high potential to be a good mystery writer, but it takes a good editor to bring out the best in a story. I wish Mr Allen all the best with future books.

[Brian Holmwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Written in the 1970s it is a wonderful example of police procedurals of that era, the time when I started reading thrillers. Ben Spence is an old-fashioned policeman who writes cards to remind him of what needs to be done. No internet or mobile phones is a plus in my book. Good characters, an unpleasant victim and a list of suspects make for an enjoyable read. Downloading book 2 of only 3 that were published.

[Sally J Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spence in Petal Park

This is a very compelling mystery. Various people are introduced. It seems most of them have a good reason to want the victim dead. When you have decided this is the murderer you find out there is another likely person, then even another. You have to keep reading to the end to find out the answer.

[chrisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the methodical approach to the investigation and overall I liked Spence and I am looking forward to reading more in the series.

I will say this book is a product of the time when it was written and there were a few aspects (involving racism and sexism) with which I was uncomfortable.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rather dull police procedural. Spence is a rather soul-less copper and the reader doesn't get much idea of his personality. This is the first in the series and perhaps he improves so I might try the next one.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a pretty solid police procedural investigating the murder of a man who had lots of questionable behavior. I was kept guessing until the end. However, the writing has not held up well over time and the descriptions of women, the heavy handedness of the male policemen and the racial attitudes are severely outdated. While the story is set in late December, this book is not Christmas themed.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable murder mystery that was a quick read. It ended rather abruptly which left me disappointed but otherwise it is a good beach read or book to read while traveling.

[Ian Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it but nothing stood out.

[Ruthie Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down!

A fast paced story. Loved how DS Spence's mind worked and how the author kept me guessing until the end.

[Sam Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I have read by this author and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Noel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starts off promisingly but is let down by an abrupt and anticlimactic ending.

[Alton Motobu · Rating 3 out of 5]

British police procedural - tedious investigation into the murder of a local swindler/conman - but with emphasis on interviews of witnesses and suspects and analysis of evidence and timelines. In the end the mystery is solved, but there is no sense of relief or satisfaction. The murder victim hurt so many people that no one really cared that he died. Many of the people he scammed were innocent and naive.

Compares with Ed McBain's 87th precinct mysteries, but British methodology is nothing like big city American police methods. Main difference is British detectives expect their subordinates and sergeants to do all of the heavy leg work, and every morning they go in to work with all charts, reports, and evidence meticulously prepared and ready for review. I cannot imagine Steve Carella or Bert Kling of the 87th having this service provided to them daily by Alf Miscolo or Dave Murchison. Lots of luck!

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Competent but unexceptional police procedural from the 1970s.

Inspector Spence is called in to investigate the murder of Roger Parnell, who was found bludgeoned on his doorstep. It turns out that the young man was both libidinous and unscrupulous, a combination that had not failed to make him many enemies. As a matter of fact, it seems that there are almost too many suspects and motives: blackmail, revenge for his lecherous behavior towards young girls at a nearby school, retaliation for his predatory mortgage business. Inspector Spence methodically interviews each suspect and has various premises searched. Everybody has something to hide : the pompous Member of Parliament who lent his name and respectability to Parnell's dubious business; the MP's ugly but sensual wife, the striking headmistress of the nearby school, the school's caretaker who fell victim to Parnell's financial chicanery, the school's old-maidenish history teacher... Spence remains unperturbable through it all.

The book is a police procedural with lots of detail about the mechanics of the police investigation, some interesting minor characters, but little psychology. Spence is almost a robot, with very little inner life. We know little of his private life, and so in the end he is not a very memorable hero, even though he is competent enough at his job.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spence

Excellent read, well put together, very witty and good characters. Michael Allen has great talent and I enjoyed this book very much. Look forward to more of his work.

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this one in one day and wasn't quite as enthralled with it as Book 3 but still like it enough to read as many as Author Allen has written. The man knows murder and how to solve it and his plots are intriguing enough to keep you turning pages until the end. Book 2 is next on my list.

[debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok

Pretty good read. Don't understand some of the British slang. Expected more in the ending. Would still recommend to a friend

[Toni Spalding · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murder mystery for this who want to help the police think it through.

I really rather enjoyed reading Spence in Petal Park. It was a different kind of police story with much more of the detailed, and sometimes errant, mental process of solving a crime-and less of the gore. Quite refreshing. The victim shows up early with very little back story. As this is all brought forward during the foot work of the police, the reader is provided with many opportunities to try to solve the murder themselves. Filled with interesting twists and turns.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in 1977 the book seems to reflect the views of that time. Detective Superintendent Spence is called in to investigate the death of Roger Parnell, a rich, young businessman and womaniser. Leading to many suspects.
We read about the detailed procedures that DS Spence believes will result in the arrest of the guilty party.
An interesting enough start to a series, but not a complicated story.
A NetGalley story

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 1977 police procedural featuring Detective Superintendent Ben Spence, british detective.
There are a lot of books featuring Spence, so they're clearly popular. But I thought the detection was sloppy and I can't say I remember very much about the book. Although I did like the ending--the confrontation with the murderer-- and find it believable.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, it really was a book that I couldn't put down, with so many twists and turns it really kept my interest throughout, and the ending was a surprise.
I enjoyed the storyline, modern but not over the top, detective Spencer and his team feels like real people and the stories moves along very well.
This book was provided to me in return for an honest and unbiased review

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid police procedural although it is a bit dated.

[Anne Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good light read

I read this book in one setting. The characters are well drawn and the plotline moved along. The book is dated, but still enjoyable.