Crime at Home

Detective Markham Mystery #8

by Catherine Moloney

A TAUTLY PLOTTED CRIME THRILLER WITH AN EXPLOSIVE ENDING

IN A GATED COMMUNITY, SOMEONE HIDES A DEADLY SECRET

Nothing ever happens in New College Close.

Until one day a piercing scream shatters the calm.

A GRIM DISCOVERY AT NUMBER SEVEN

Two women are found asphyxiated beneath a luxury mattress. They are retired schoolteacher Marian Bussell and her ex-pupil Dawn.

The only clue: a badge from the academy where the dead woman once taught, clutched in her hand.

Marian was no stranger to controversy. She was a long-time campaigner for LGBT rights and had received vicious poison pen letters.

Detectives Markham and Noakes race to uncover the reason why. But they soon realize that no one in the Close is what they seem.

AND THEN THE MURDERER STRIKES AGAIN

Is an Art Deco compact found at the scene the key to breaking the case?

A classic whodunnit perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Ann Cleeves, Clare Chase, Helen Cox and Betty Rowlands.

Genres: Mystery

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2020

About the author

I was born in Ikom, Nigeria (where my parents were missionaries) and come from a Liverpool medical family, but am not a doctor of medicine. . After graduating in Jurisprudence from Jesus College (University of Oxford), I was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn. Despite qualifying as a barrister, my first love was English; this led to a PhD in English Literature at Birkbeck College (University of London).

In my academic career, I lectured and published widely on the subject of tuberculosis and nineteenth-century literature, but somehow managed to avoid contracting galloping hypochondria and turned my attention to crime fiction.

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really 2.5 rounded up to 3. Some of it is okay, but once again the lead detective, Markham, is overly praised for his looks and his talents. A couple of people were killed practically under his nose, which makes the reader question his competence. And while I like Noakes, his second-in-command, and can appreciate Markham's loyalty to Noakes, the DI is not doing him any favor in not speaking to him about some of his attitudes. Noakes is a good man, but needs to realize that many of his ideas are way out-of-date. The other problem is Markham's obliviousness to the fact that his female DS has a serious 'crush' on him. If Markham is such a hot-shot detective, why can't he see what is right in front of him? This could be a good series, but really needs work in certain areas.

[Ted Tayler · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Uninspiring"

I expected more from this one, based on the ranking this title has achieved. The dialogue was annoying at times, and the characters didn't encourage me to dash back to #1 and follow the series.

[Lynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I persevered through sheer determination to finish this book, it was hard going, all over the place. Not an enjoyable read at all, I won't be keen on taking on anything else by this author in a hurry.

[Margaret Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed initial few but then got bored as plot remained the same just in different scenarios. There were so many murders which had there been efficient policing would not have happened! I was determined to finish 1-8, but won’t be looking to read the others!

[margaret chalmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close murder.

At fine finish (for now) to this excellent series. In a genteel development two women, one elderly one younger are found dead in a most intriguing place. I won't spoil a new reader's s pleasure by giving details. Byronic Markham and scruffy Noakes with their two trusty sides swing into action. It is wintertime and the corpses keep on coming. Midsomer eat your heart out. Our sartorially distressed (channelling my inner Markham) Sancho Panza has acquired a new catch phrase he trots out at every opportunity, definitely 'deffo' to an annoying degree. Not much of the drippy ethereal girlfriend, a good clue from the formidable Muriel who could give Hyacinth Bucket (Bouquet) a run for her money on etiquette. It is near Christmas and the crime is right up to date since it involves the new craze for young folk feeling unhappy in their current gender and the consequences thereof if their choices go wrong. A good read but to me it felt a bit tired and rushed at the end as if the writer has grown a tad tired with these characters. I understand there will be more and I look forward to that. Hopefully they will all come back refreshed although I hope something positive happens with the Markham/Lady of Quality girlfriend who is in danger of becoming a caricature, too waifish by half, sitting at his feet sparingly with her long red hair spread out like a cloak....oh, yuk! Anyway, highly recommended but not an exciting one this. No a slow steady tramp through snowdrifts.

[Kim Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! Okay, I admit it...this one really had me spooked! Just the thought of hands coming through the curtains had me checking all my windows and doors were locked up tight! I had to keep reading just to make sure DI Markham and his small team did actually catch the perpetrator (of course they did). I have binge read the first 8 of the DI Markham series and have found then really hard to put down. There are laughs, thanks mostly to DS Noakes and some tears. There are some thought -provoking issues and lots of 'unPCness' thanks again to DS Noakes. He is refreshingly old-school and I have a sneaking regard for George Noakes. I hope Markham keeps his 'wingman', despite the 'gold-braid brigrade' wanting to put him out to pasture.

[Maggie Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

This is the first book I've read from this author. Because it is Book 8, I had a slight problem in catching up with the characters. Once I'd achieved that I found myself on a rollercoaster as I turned the pages.
Noakesy slang added more enjoyment to the read.
Definitely going to go back to the beginning of this series and start from Book 1.

[Margaret Barbour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crime at Home by Catherine Moloney.

I found this book quite hard to get into, though I'm not quite sure why. Further through the book, it started to become more interesting and moving along. Quite interesting information on the "gay and trans" community bringing out different views there.

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

Another great story

Another great story in the Inspector Markham series.Great characters with plenty of twists and turns and an ending that I did not see coming. It had me gripped right to the.

[Lynn Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another interesting story

Interesting take on transitioning which leads to murder, Gil and his team get to solve as normal with no backing from above. Kate seems to attract trouble but Noakes is there to help her.

[Graham Tallents · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last book in my box set of Markham mysteries, and certainly did not disappoint. A very creepy storyline with many twists to keep you guessing. As always, Markham and his team eventually get their man. A great read.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine continuation of the series. Markham an his team rock!

[Margaret Lind · Rating 1 out of 5]

I agree with the person who commented uninspired.

[diana hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime at Home

I am enjoying the DI Markham series, all intriguing mysteries with an extra twist in the end, well worth reading

[Elizabeth Patalano · Rating 5 out of 5]

great books

Love these books great reads from the other side of the pond!!I highly recommend the series by this author! One expands your knowledge of English vernacular!

[Susan Steif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysterious

I like the characters very much. Like a family enjoyable reading am almost finished with the whole series. Fun fun

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bodies of two females are discovered in the gated community of New College Close. Unfortunately not the last deaths. DI Markham and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery