The Farming Murder

Eric Ward #2

by Roy Lewis

Looking for a classic murder mystery from an acclaimed crime writer?

Discover Eric Ward, policeman turned lawyer. Enjoy a beautifully told story from a time before smart phones and DNA testing. Full of twists and turns, this will have you gripped from start to finish.

Please note this book was first published as “Dwell In Danger”

“Strong drama of legal niceties and human nastiness neatly dovetailed into delayed whodunitry.” Northern Echo

“A deeply moving book.” Chicago Sun Times

“Sober, yet not without humour, full of deft character touches, well plotted…an unexpected denouement.” New York Times

THREE SONS. THREE FARMS. ONE MURDER

Jack Saxby is trying to keep the farm he thought he’d been given by his mother. His vindictive father wants to take it away, and Jack’s two brothers also have their own agenda.

Then there’s a suspicious death, and the family’s dark secrets come to light. Can Eric Ward, representing Jack, find out who’s really guilty.

Eric is facing a risky eye operation and he's still resisting a serious relationship with young heiress Anne Morcombe.

Can he solve the case and save his reputation?

This fast-paced mystery will have you enthralled from the start. Set in England in the early 1980s, this is the second book to feature Eric Ward. More coming soon.

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE MYSTERY WRITER

Perfect for fans of Peter James, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James and Peter Robinson.

THE DETECTIVE
Eric Ward is forced to retire from the police when he discovers he suffers from glaucoma but qualifies as a solicitor (lawyer) and sets up his practice on the Quayside in Newcastle, where he deals with the seamier side of the law. When he marries a wealthy young woman she attempts to persuade him to settle in Northumberland and work with wealthier clients but he stubbornly refuses to give up his criminal practice in Newcastle. Although she draws him into the world of high finance he still insists on continuing at the Quayside—which causes tensions within his marriage, and lead to fatal consequences.

Roy Lewis is one of the most critically acclaimed crime writers of his generation.

ERIC WARD BOOKS
Book 1: THE SEDLEIGH HALL MURDER
Book 2: THE FARMING MURDER
Book 3: THE QUAYSIDE MURDER
Book 4: THE DIAMOND MURDER
Book 5: THE GEORDIE MURDER
Book 6: THE SHIPPING MURDER
Book 7: THE CITY OF LONDON MURDER

INSPECTOR JOHN CROW BOOKS
Book 1: A LOVER TOO MANY
Book 2: ERROR OF JUDGMENT
Book 3: THE WOODS MURDER
Book 4: MURDER FOR MONEY
Book 5: MURDER IN THE MINE
Book 6: A COTSWOLDS MURDER
Book 7: A FOX HUNTING MURDER
Book 8: A DARTMOOR MURDER

More books coming soon! Join the Joffe Books mailing list for updates.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2019

About the author

John Royston Lewis, who published his fiction under the name Roy Lewis, was a prominent English crime writer who wrote more than 60 novels. He was also a teacher, and he taught Law for 10 years before being appointed as One of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Further & Higher Education. He lived in the north of England where many of his novels are set.

Lewis is also the author of several law texts, which he published under the name J.R. Lewis.

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Joan Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excessive legal issues and no murder til last half of birth

I finished this but found the legal issues too technical and excessive. I like the character development but the main character was pitiful and depressing.

Will not read any more in this series. Liked other series much better!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dispute among the Saxby farming family results in a death. Was it an accident or murder. Ex-detective and now solicitor Eric Ward wonders.
An entertaining modern cozy mystery
Originally published in 1982

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Farming Murder is book two in the Eric Ward series by Roy Lewis. Jack Saxby had a letter from his mother stating that he could purchase his farm from his mother when he could financially. However, when he was finally able to do so, he was told by his mother that she had sold the farm to his father. Jack Saxby came to Eric Ward to determine if the sale was legal. During Eric Ward's investigation, he found out that documents were missing. The readers of The Farming Murder will continue to follow Eric Ward to discover what happens.

The Farming Murder is a fantastic addition to this excellent series by Roy Lewis. The Farming Murder is a quick read, and I engaged with the story and characters from the start. I enjoy Roy Lewis's portrayal of the characters and their interaction throughout this book. The Farming Murder is well-written and researched by Roy Lewis. I like Roy Lewis's description of the settings of The Farming Murder, which complimented the book's plot.

The readers of The Farming Murder will learn about the problems of people who suffer from glaucoma. Also, the readers of The Farming Murder will understand the meaning of cataclysmic decision-making.

I recommend this book.

[Tony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally published in 1982 under the title "Dwell in Danger", this second book in the 15+ book Eric Ward series takes place around 18 months after the events of the first book. The 40ish ex-policeman has risen from being an articled clerk at a Newcastle law firm into a junior partnership. However, his glaucoma is getting worse and he's faced with the prospect of potential blindness. As in the first book, the story revolves around a complicated legal inheritance matter and family dynamics that are less than warm. In that sense, the plot felt a little too similar in theme to that first book, and there's not a lot of color to the proceedings, save a bizarre side-trip to a kind of sex party. If anything, the technical legal aspects of the plot overwhelmed the story, and it proved very difficult to care about anyone involved or what the outcome would be. Since they are short, I'll try one or two more in the series, but they need to be better than this one for me to keep on!

[Helen Bakunowich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars

This is a great series. Straight forward stories . Do like the main character, Eric. Such a quiet achiever with great ethics with his clients. Hoping the surgery is beneficial for his glaucoma as much of the storys tell just how debilitating it can be. This story was as always so good. I was pleased he left the law firm owing to being used with no appreciation. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.

[Janice Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric's legal career is going well, but he can't let go of his detective experience. When something doesn't "feel" right, he won't let it go until he gets answers, even if his clients prefer to keep their secrets.

Lewis' stories are skillfully plotted, with just enough legal details for credibility without overburdening the reader with obscure details. As a lawyer and a detective, Eric is both competent and confident. His personal life is a little more complicated.

[Alžběta · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Farming Murder" is another excellent, multifaceted, and thrilling story in the Eric Ward series. Who knew legal disputes could be so engrossing? Also, Lewis's mastery of characterisation is incredible - he creates fascinating yet realistic characters that leap off the page. In this book, the character of Amos Saxby is a riveting study of human character and behaviour.
I'm only two books in but already loving this series. Can't wait to see what's next for Eric Ward.

[barbara jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again another brilliant story of lies, deceit and murder.

A person would need to be a trained solicitor to follow all the details in this story. But just reading it makes you see all the truth in the details. And the details are what matters.
Makes the reader think that the author may be the person who is really the solicitor.

[Kay Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot was a good one. The legal bits were, it has to be said we're dull and boring, no need for so much. I skipped over a good part of this book. I'm hoping the other 5 I have in a set of 7, will improve soon or I may just give up. A shame, they have real potential, just too much law for a layman.

[Scott Kalas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow start but picked up mid away

I was not into the story much and was thinking perhaps I didn’t find a good new series. However, the latter half was a good pace and I’ll give number three a try. I’m hoping in number three Ward is relieved of the glaucoma. The glaucoma attacks don’t add anything except give me an indication a critical moment is coming. 🤫🥱

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I guessed all the twists in the main plot well before they happened, this did not spoil my enjoyment of this very solidly written story. I enjoyed the legal and geographical background and the development of the central character, his relationships and his very believable attitude to his worsening health. A really good series.

[Vera Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible audio version needs adding to list.

Have enjoyed these older modern novels by Roy Lewis, and read well, by John Lee. Good narration can make all the difference; I did not enjoy the other two series [by this author] narrated on Audible.
This is a different take on mystery, murder and law and an interesting protagonist, in the 1970s, by a good writer.

[John Machata · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unfortunate read. Mr. Lewis spins a wonderful web of family greed infused with a touch of misguided love and real medical issues that devolves into an Agatha Christie-like sorting out in the final pages without preliminary preparation. Sad. I suspect the skilled writer felt the need to submit the manuscript in haste due to publishing pressure. Too bad. It could have been so much better!

[M Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Complicated and difficult to follow

I have enjoyed many Roy Lewis novels but found this one contained far too much complicated legal jargon which made the sorry very difficult to follow to the average reader like myself.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed the story and the undercurrents, I found the technical aspects too overwhelming and distracting - they were in quite a lot of detail in places and I just felt that it was too much in places

[Eirlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tangled Web!

An enthralling story that kept the reader guessing about who , or what was the mystery that lay like a thick fog over the characters. A family dispute, a complex relationship and a murder were skilfully handled by Eric Ward.

[R.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a different kind of novel. Though a bit old-fashioned there is nothing wrong with the twists and turns the read takes. There are three sons and a bitter old father who seems to be out to get all of them. He almost succeeds in ruining one, until that son is killed. Who did it?

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a painful story. The main character's affliction, the family in the story's secrets and their actions are all painful. However, interesting and I'm ready to read the next story in this series.

[Roxanne Manner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complicated plot

Quite a complicated plot interspersed with lots of legal jargon which can be off putting- will read the next book to see what happens to Eric

[Lee Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever and clear a lawyer was behind the legal info. Several layers to this I like the characters. I will look for more from this author

[C K Dundas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok good story the second read of this series characters starting to build

[KH Khaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book in Eric Ward's series

[Reevrb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book and very interesting legal aspects.

[Glenda Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read interesting characters.

[Cassie Hendricks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have finally finished reading this book! it took me a while because of college and work and spending too much time on my phone lol but this book was a good one! I enjoyed it. I rated it a 3/5 stars because
it was interesting but I think I would have enjoyed it a little more if there was a plot twist.

The design of the book was very nice too!

[Bev Priest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of his best.

Pretty humdrum story with quite obvious plot lines. The big family secret was easily discernable. Nothing original except the references to the suffering caused by glaucoma, which had nothing to do with the murder.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

Another great story by Roy Lewis with lots of twists and turns and plenty of intrigue. I must admit that I did guess part way through the book that Amos was not the father. This however made the reading more enjoyable in my quest to see if I was right.

[Diane E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family feuds

Very dangerous things. A young farmer is refused his right to purchase a farm his mother had given him option to . Exposing the frauds is a delicate matter that Eric Ward finds himself involved in . Terrific story.

[Mrs A. J. Turbfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read all of the Eric Ward tales. I a! Somewhat

,saddened,and unsure where to proceed. These have been thoroughly enjoyable and we'll written
with wonderful attention to detail. Almost enough to make you live through the various traumas.

Abl

[Philip Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting tale

This story rambled along quite strongly with enough to keep you interested for the journey. The conclusion was somewhat disappointing with no dalliance with Anne, but it will surely follow in the next tale.