The Man Who Changed His Name

Charlie Salter #4

by Eric Wright

Inspector Charlie Salter must solve the murder of Nancy Cowell to prove to his ex-wife, Gerry--who thinks the police don't care about what happened--that not all policemen are callous

Genres: Mystery, Canada

212 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

There is more than one author with this name in the database. Not all books on this profile belong to the same author.

Eric Wright was born in London, England and immigrated to Canada in 1951. He is the award-winning author of seventeen crime novels, including his first novel, The Night the Gods Smiled, which won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel, the Crime Writer's Association's John Creasey Award, and the City of Toronto Book Award. His memoir, Always Give a Penny to a Blind Man, about growing up poor in working-class London, was published in 1999.

Reviews

[Jack Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars. One of the best I've ever read. Was it the locale or the mystery? Both. True confessions - I am a Torontonian and became a full-fledged adult in the 1980s. The book is all about T.O. at that time - the Annex neighbourhood, Ed's Warehouse restaurant, Simpson's Department Store, and local expressions like when Charlie Salter and his out-of-town relatives have Boxing Day dinner at the top of the CN Tower, "I've never met anyone who lives in Toronto who has eaten here." In order for those four examples, I've lived there, eaten there, worked there, and said that! Winnipeg plays a big role too and I've always enjoyed visiting. Were Eric Wright and I ever in the same place at the same time? This police procedural is excellent. Inspector Salter takes on an unsolved murder brought to him by his first wife Gerry. He's warry of her motives but agrees to look into the death of Nancy Cowell, an ex-Winnipegger separated from her husband. To put some distance between them, she moved to Toronto. Lonely, she put an ad in Companions Wanted. Every man who responded becomes a suspect. It's all about Christmas, murder, and Toronto. Loved it. (No2023/No2025)

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y'all got the wrong book here. This one takes place in Canada — a woman is murdered and Charlie's assigned the case after Homicide gets stuck.

I grabbed this from the library shelf on a whim and it paid off nicely. It's a good procedural and doesn't have a lot of aimless cussing or idiotic chases or sophomoric sex scenes.

A nice, tight story, believable characters, not a lot of fuss. Why have I never heard of Eric Wright before now?

[C. (Don't blank click my reviews, comment please! · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Single Death” looked least interesting in my set. Standing corrected, this is the first of Eric Wright’s books I’m giving five stars. Charlie’s first wife, Gerry interested me as a speck in his back story; mentioned once, unlikely to appear. She is engaging; a radical thinker yet her composed intellect soothes you. She asks Charlie to audit the murder case of Nancy; worried that police dismissed it. There used to be a stigma about people who try a dating service, which Gerry is concerned caused a lull. He agrees to confirm with his homicide peers that they’re stalled by a plateau in clues.

A lot of sensitivity goes into scenes featuring Gerry and Mrs. Salter, in support of women who have the courage to seek a new relationship. If accidental introductions haven’t occurred, why are men who consult services not considered sleazy but women doing something constructive to combat loneliness, are? This is a profound look into society’s weak mindsets, with an eye on resolving them seldom seen in mysteries. It brought a hopefulness and warmth, making me cheer for Nancy’s justice from a greater emotional place.

Charlie always brings readers in on his strategy and we really feel like we’re observing his investigation of suspects, visit by visit. Giving me the greatest appreciation of all for this beautifully-layered journey, is Charlie’s emphasis on his trip to Winnipeg! He doesn’t solely name it. He describes streets and confusion over our three universities in my home town! Our weather wonders contribute a laugh and to my surprise, Eric achieves a treatise on one element of culture! Nancy’s ex-husband and Mother-in-law are Ukrainian. His blunt sister is hilarious. The nature and attitude of older Ukrainians are integral to the resolution. Eric proves he used to live here and does us proud!

[Alton Motobu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspector Charlie Salter of Toronto PD is asked by his ex-wife to investigate the unsolved murder of her friend whose case is growing cold after 2 months. The case has many complications because the victim advertised for male companionship and had several liaisons. Charlies painstakingly follows up on various suspects and eventually finds the killer. Story takes place in December and there are many Christmas references, but there is no real flavor or atmosphere about the holiday season.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspector Charlie Salter looks into an unsolved murder of a recently separated woman who possibly met her killer through “ companion wanted” ads. Salter’s ex wife Gerry wants him to solve this two month old cold case that has few clues but a boatload of suspects. Quick read that I throughly enjoyed.

[Terry Polston · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Inspector Salter from Toronto is very laid-back in a Columbo way. He takes on a seemingly hopeless task and just keeps on asking questions until one pops back at him as being answered untruthfully. He truly is a 'sdlt of the earth' man and in 1985 not quite ready for the computer take over that is about to happen
Charming, would recommend and will take on another Salter mystery.

[Susan Collinsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most books that are further in a series have started side quests that take up more and more of the story. For a reader who hasn't read the first books, these are confusing, even boring, time wasters. This one, if it did have anything, it was handled seamlessly. The main course was well done. Clues, red herrings. Very enjoyable.

[Cws]

M Wri

[Linda Yamamoto]

[Read edition published as The Man Who Changed His Name]

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely complicated!

[Joan Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read and I like Charlie Salter . Recommend