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Ground Rules
Called out one night in the hope that she can identify the body of a man found in a field, Edinburgh forensic geologist Jessica Spargo (Jez) inadvertently becomes involved in the investigation of a university lecturer's murder. The investigating officer, Tom Curtis, hands her a small glass vial and asks her to analyse its contents. She agrees to do it. The results confound everyone.
Media attention around a seemingly unconnected incident on a construction site near Edinburgh means that all work has stopped. An object discovered beneath the site confounds everyone, including the police. Employed by the firm's owner to attempt to solve the mystery, Jez falls foul of an uncooperative site manager. Unruffled, she perseveres.
Meanwhile, the murder mystery deepens. Despite her reluctance to become further involved, she has her own theories about the origin of the vial's contents, theories the police do not accept.
To Jez's dismay there are more deaths. As she says to Curtis, 'I don't do bodies. I'm a geologist, I look at rocks. If I'd wanted to look at bits of body I would have become a surgeon or a pathologist.'
Media attention around a seemingly unconnected incident on a construction site near Edinburgh means that all work has stopped. An object discovered beneath the site confounds everyone, including the police. Employed by the firm's owner to attempt to solve the mystery, Jez falls foul of an uncooperative site manager. Unruffled, she perseveres.
Meanwhile, the murder mystery deepens. Despite her reluctance to become further involved, she has her own theories about the origin of the vial's contents, theories the police do not accept.
To Jez's dismay there are more deaths. As she says to Curtis, 'I don't do bodies. I'm a geologist, I look at rocks. If I'd wanted to look at bits of body I would have become a surgeon or a pathologist.'
235 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2020
2 people want to read
About the author
Richard Whittle
5 books5 followersAUTHOR BIO
Richard Whittle
Richard has been a policeman, diesel engine tester, university student and engineering geologist. Writing as Alan Frost he was shortlisted, from several hundred international writers, for the CWA (Crime Writers Association) Debut Dagger Award.
The Kindle edition of his first novel, Playpits Park, has been downloaded 6500 times.
Richard's novel THE MAN WHO PLAYED TRAINS is available on Amazon as a paperback and as a Kindle book.
Disambiguation: Please note that Richard is not the Richard Whittle who writes aircraft books.
Richard believes he discovered the power of the novel and his love of writing at the age of eleven when he read Paul Gallico’s novels The Snow Goose and Jenny. On his overseas trips many years later he armed himself with an excess-baggage mix of paperbacks that did not include crime novels (as an ex-policeman he had vowed never to read them, never mind write them. Now he no longer feels that way).
His central characters, people like you and me, are dragged into situations beyond their control from which there seems little chance of escape. For them, crimes are most definitely involved.
He is a former trustee of a Scottish Charitable Organisation, acting first as its project manager and then its technical advisor. He lives in the Scottish Borders, not far from Edinburgh, and now writes full time.
Richard Whittle
Richard has been a policeman, diesel engine tester, university student and engineering geologist. Writing as Alan Frost he was shortlisted, from several hundred international writers, for the CWA (Crime Writers Association) Debut Dagger Award.
The Kindle edition of his first novel, Playpits Park, has been downloaded 6500 times.
Richard's novel THE MAN WHO PLAYED TRAINS is available on Amazon as a paperback and as a Kindle book.
Disambiguation: Please note that Richard is not the Richard Whittle who writes aircraft books.
Richard believes he discovered the power of the novel and his love of writing at the age of eleven when he read Paul Gallico’s novels The Snow Goose and Jenny. On his overseas trips many years later he armed himself with an excess-baggage mix of paperbacks that did not include crime novels (as an ex-policeman he had vowed never to read them, never mind write them. Now he no longer feels that way).
His central characters, people like you and me, are dragged into situations beyond their control from which there seems little chance of escape. For them, crimes are most definitely involved.
He is a former trustee of a Scottish Charitable Organisation, acting first as its project manager and then its technical advisor. He lives in the Scottish Borders, not far from Edinburgh, and now writes full time.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 15, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
GROUND RULES by Richard Whittle is a mystery set in Scotland featuring a forensic geologist which is unique. This is new to me author and even though these characters are found in previous books, it is easily read as a standalone.
Jessica “Jez” Spargo is called out in the night by DCI Tom Curtis to see if she can identify a body. She realizes that it is a Chemistry lecturer from the same university she lectures at part-time. Curtis gives her a small vial with what looks like gold in it for analysis.
At the same time, Jessica is hired by a large construction firm when a tooth and small portion of skull are found impossibly deep in the ground. It has stopped construction and brought excessive media attention. The owner of the company wants the mystery solved so they can get back to work.
Jessica works at the site, but she is more intrigued by the vial’s contents and has her own theories that the police do not accept. The killing continues and these two seemingly unconnected cases only increase Jessica’s determination to solve both mysteries.
I enjoyed Jessica as the protagonist. Her character was intelligent, curious and very unique in how her education and training was used to solve the mysteries. I did feel that the beginning of the story was a little slow in pace in places, but it did pick up and I became a determined as Jessica to find all the answers and solve the mysteries. I was surprised at the end and that is always what I hope for when reading a mystery.
I can recommend this protagonist and story for a mysterious and intriguing read.
GROUND RULES by Richard Whittle is a mystery set in Scotland featuring a forensic geologist which is unique. This is new to me author and even though these characters are found in previous books, it is easily read as a standalone.
Jessica “Jez” Spargo is called out in the night by DCI Tom Curtis to see if she can identify a body. She realizes that it is a Chemistry lecturer from the same university she lectures at part-time. Curtis gives her a small vial with what looks like gold in it for analysis.
At the same time, Jessica is hired by a large construction firm when a tooth and small portion of skull are found impossibly deep in the ground. It has stopped construction and brought excessive media attention. The owner of the company wants the mystery solved so they can get back to work.
Jessica works at the site, but she is more intrigued by the vial’s contents and has her own theories that the police do not accept. The killing continues and these two seemingly unconnected cases only increase Jessica’s determination to solve both mysteries.
I enjoyed Jessica as the protagonist. Her character was intelligent, curious and very unique in how her education and training was used to solve the mysteries. I did feel that the beginning of the story was a little slow in pace in places, but it did pick up and I became a determined as Jessica to find all the answers and solve the mysteries. I was surprised at the end and that is always what I hope for when reading a mystery.
I can recommend this protagonist and story for a mysterious and intriguing read.
May 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book!
I thought that it was a well-developed plot, there was plenty of action to keep me engrossed in the story and I loved the twists that the author added – I love a book that keeps me on my toes and guessing!!
I thought that the characters were really good too, genuine and believable and they worked really well with the story. I really liked the setting for the story too – it was one of the things that encouraged me to pick the book up!
It is 4 stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed the story and will certainly be looking out to see what he releases next!
I thought that it was a well-developed plot, there was plenty of action to keep me engrossed in the story and I loved the twists that the author added – I love a book that keeps me on my toes and guessing!!
I thought that the characters were really good too, genuine and believable and they worked really well with the story. I really liked the setting for the story too – it was one of the things that encouraged me to pick the book up!
It is 4 stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed the story and will certainly be looking out to see what he releases next!
May 14, 2020
Ground Rules appealed to me both because it is set in Edinburgh, and because of the concept of a geologist helping with a police investigation. Familiar with the city, I loved how the author created such a strong sense of place throughout the book, and even if I hadn’t had that familiarity I feel that I would have been able to visualise the surroundings that this story takes place in, which is a fantastic way of grounding the story in reality.
I was curious to see how the geological aspect would play out, and I will say that was probably my favourite part of the book, because it was a refreshing take on investigation. There was sill enough of the typical investigation process to keep it grounded and moving forward, but the focus and use of geology was fascinating and well applied and you can see the research and experience of the author shine through here.
I did struggle in places with the pacing of the story, which was rather slow until the end, and might be because of the somewhat different approach to the investigation. However, it was not enough to lose my interest, especially towards the end where the need to find out how the investigation would end was pulling me forward, and I feel that the pacing was made up for with the characters. In particular Dr. Spargo was a brilliant character, who was able to hold her own in a situation outside the normal, and make connections that others didn’t, and I found myself very much invested in her role and progress.
This was a refreshing take on a criminal investigation, and I would recommend to anyone looking for something a little different.
I was curious to see how the geological aspect would play out, and I will say that was probably my favourite part of the book, because it was a refreshing take on investigation. There was sill enough of the typical investigation process to keep it grounded and moving forward, but the focus and use of geology was fascinating and well applied and you can see the research and experience of the author shine through here.
I did struggle in places with the pacing of the story, which was rather slow until the end, and might be because of the somewhat different approach to the investigation. However, it was not enough to lose my interest, especially towards the end where the need to find out how the investigation would end was pulling me forward, and I feel that the pacing was made up for with the characters. In particular Dr. Spargo was a brilliant character, who was able to hold her own in a situation outside the normal, and make connections that others didn’t, and I found myself very much invested in her role and progress.
This was a refreshing take on a criminal investigation, and I would recommend to anyone looking for something a little different.
May 13, 2020
I understand this to be Whittle’s third book with these characters. As it’s a mystery/thriller, there’s no continuing storyline (which is good, because I haven’t read the first two!), but this works well as a stand-alone… though a little more backstory would be useful. I wanted to know how Jez and DCI Curtis met! I guess I’ll be downloading the other books.
That said, the story is an intriguing premise and definitely sucks you in.
The incident in the construction site is very well done; including all the police and university SOP (Standard Operating Procedures). Blackie comes across as a right moody bastard and an instant suspect!
I liked the characters and interactions, though it would have been nice to have a little more depth to Jez – everything is a little current and we don’t really get to see her thinking, just her reactions. And this, I think is where it’s assumed the reader knows the backstory; there’s very little background on Jez, DCI Curtis, Cassie or even John Spargo. For this to truly work as a stand alone, a little more backstory should be included. The reader needs to know a little of the relationship.
Whittle knows his stuff – the explanations of geological research are sound, complete and easy to follow. The descriptions of Edinburgh (a city close to my heart!) are nicely done – I can almost picture the city in my mind as Jez moves around it, and I’ve been in shops just like Andy’s jewellery store; tiny, closet-width places with the most wonderful stock. Kings’ Buildings at the University, New Town, Waverley Station… all brought back my memories of a lovely city!
I think I’ll be downloading Whittle’s other works with these characters. Ground Rules is definitely an enjoyable read, recommended to lovers of procedurals, geologists, or those who like a good mystery. I raced through this in about three hours one rainy afternoon, and I’d happily read the author’s other works with these characters.
That said, the story is an intriguing premise and definitely sucks you in.
The incident in the construction site is very well done; including all the police and university SOP (Standard Operating Procedures). Blackie comes across as a right moody bastard and an instant suspect!
I liked the characters and interactions, though it would have been nice to have a little more depth to Jez – everything is a little current and we don’t really get to see her thinking, just her reactions. And this, I think is where it’s assumed the reader knows the backstory; there’s very little background on Jez, DCI Curtis, Cassie or even John Spargo. For this to truly work as a stand alone, a little more backstory should be included. The reader needs to know a little of the relationship.
Whittle knows his stuff – the explanations of geological research are sound, complete and easy to follow. The descriptions of Edinburgh (a city close to my heart!) are nicely done – I can almost picture the city in my mind as Jez moves around it, and I’ve been in shops just like Andy’s jewellery store; tiny, closet-width places with the most wonderful stock. Kings’ Buildings at the University, New Town, Waverley Station… all brought back my memories of a lovely city!
I think I’ll be downloading Whittle’s other works with these characters. Ground Rules is definitely an enjoyable read, recommended to lovers of procedurals, geologists, or those who like a good mystery. I raced through this in about three hours one rainy afternoon, and I’d happily read the author’s other works with these characters.
May 13, 2020
I have to give the author mad kudos for this book. Once I picked it up, it was nearly impossible to put down! I wasn't certain that a crime novel featuring a geologist would be interesting, but boy, was I wrong!
Dr. Jessica Spargo( Jez to her friends), is a character that is a delight to read about. She's wonderfully real in her interactions, from dealing with the grouchy DCI that asks her to consult on cases, to dealing with mansplaining on the job, or dealing with the fact that bodies are not at all to her taste. Honestly, I think the reason I like Jez is that I kept expecting her to quote Bones McCoy when at a crime scene.
Ground Rules weaves a beautifully complicated narrative between two seemingly unrelated cases, and Jez trying desperately to solve them both. The search for clues leads to Jez making contacts all over Scotland and the final revelation of whodunit is a complete surprise!
This book was a treat to read and I very much hope the author will write more of Jez's adventures!
Dr. Jessica Spargo( Jez to her friends), is a character that is a delight to read about. She's wonderfully real in her interactions, from dealing with the grouchy DCI that asks her to consult on cases, to dealing with mansplaining on the job, or dealing with the fact that bodies are not at all to her taste. Honestly, I think the reason I like Jez is that I kept expecting her to quote Bones McCoy when at a crime scene.
Ground Rules weaves a beautifully complicated narrative between two seemingly unrelated cases, and Jez trying desperately to solve them both. The search for clues leads to Jez making contacts all over Scotland and the final revelation of whodunit is a complete surprise!
This book was a treat to read and I very much hope the author will write more of Jez's adventures!
May 13, 2020
Geologist, Dr Jessica Spargo doesn’t usually deal with dead bodies. In the opening chapter, Jessica is taken to a site where the body of a man has been discovered. Her help is requested by a friend of hers, Detective Inspector Tom Curtis who she has known for many years. Jessica has been called to see if she can help identify the victim as it maybe someone she knows. But soon Jessica becomes more involved in the case than her friend originally intended her to be. Jessica is pulled further into the mystery, but in doing so, she steers herself very close to danger. The mystery deepens even further with the discovery of another body. This time a body has been found at a construction site, and it may have been there for decades.
The mystery pulled me into the story in Richard Whittle’s latest book. Here we have the discovery of two bodies, seemingly unconnected, and a mystery which deepens as the plot unfolds. I could feel a creeping sense of danger as Jessica invested and got closer to the truth. Jessica’s line of work really intrigued me, and this book offered a different viewpoint for a crime novel. It was interesting to see how Jessica went about her investigations.
I thought that Jessica’s character came to life in this book, and I liked the relationship with her friends Tom and Carrie. She is certainly someone who won’t go away quietly. I could see her dislike for a certain site manager who is keen to get his workers moving again, even though they could potentially damage the body which has been discovered. Although Jessica isn’t part of the official police investigation into the man’s death, she is determined to find out what happened to him and how he ended up at his final resting place. Even though it has likely been decades since the man died, she wants to make sure that he is given all due respect. At this point, I did begin to feel worried for her as I wondered how the people in charge of the dig would react to her need to keep investigating. You can see that they aren’t happy about the building work being held up and potentially costing them a lot of money.
This isn’t a fast-paced read, but Richard Whittle gently pulls you into the story. I really like his writing style, and I became more interested in the mystery as Jennifer did. Her determination made me want to find out the truth, and it kept me turning the pages as I waited to see the mystery unravel. Richard’s description of the landscape and the building site made me feel as though I was there.
Richard’s characters and his writing will keep you completely invested in the plot. Ground Rules is a riveting read, I’d definitely recommend it.
The mystery pulled me into the story in Richard Whittle’s latest book. Here we have the discovery of two bodies, seemingly unconnected, and a mystery which deepens as the plot unfolds. I could feel a creeping sense of danger as Jessica invested and got closer to the truth. Jessica’s line of work really intrigued me, and this book offered a different viewpoint for a crime novel. It was interesting to see how Jessica went about her investigations.
I thought that Jessica’s character came to life in this book, and I liked the relationship with her friends Tom and Carrie. She is certainly someone who won’t go away quietly. I could see her dislike for a certain site manager who is keen to get his workers moving again, even though they could potentially damage the body which has been discovered. Although Jessica isn’t part of the official police investigation into the man’s death, she is determined to find out what happened to him and how he ended up at his final resting place. Even though it has likely been decades since the man died, she wants to make sure that he is given all due respect. At this point, I did begin to feel worried for her as I wondered how the people in charge of the dig would react to her need to keep investigating. You can see that they aren’t happy about the building work being held up and potentially costing them a lot of money.
This isn’t a fast-paced read, but Richard Whittle gently pulls you into the story. I really like his writing style, and I became more interested in the mystery as Jennifer did. Her determination made me want to find out the truth, and it kept me turning the pages as I waited to see the mystery unravel. Richard’s description of the landscape and the building site made me feel as though I was there.
Richard’s characters and his writing will keep you completely invested in the plot. Ground Rules is a riveting read, I’d definitely recommend it.
April 26, 2021
A very detailed, well-written and 'layered' novel. Great characters, and a gripping plot with more than a touch of originality. One to re-read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews