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DI Hogarth Poison Path #1
The Poison Path
DETECTIVE JOE HOGARTH IS CALLED IN WHEN A BODY IS FOUND BENEATH SOUTHEND PIER. THE BODY BELONGS TO A DEADBEAT ACTOR STARRING IN A LOW BUDGET FILM. FIRST IMPRESSIONS SUGGEST ACCIDENTAL DEATH… BUT HOGARTH LEARNS THE MAN HAD PLENTY OF REASONS TO LIVE... AND THE BODY UNDER THE PIER ISN’T THE ONLY MYSTERY IN TOWN. HOGARTH MUST BATTLE HIS DEMONS BECAUSE TEMPTATION IS SET TO STRIKE AGAIN…
No one knows why Gareth Manning died but everyone in the film crew has a theory. Manning was a drinker, a wastrel with a history of falling apart. But Manning had ambition too. DI Hogarth, DS Palmer and DC Simmons must work through the clues and the lies… but the deeper they delve, the murkier it gets.
No one knows why Gareth Manning died but everyone in the film crew has a theory. Manning was a drinker, a wastrel with a history of falling apart. But Manning had ambition too. DI Hogarth, DS Palmer and DC Simmons must work through the clues and the lies… but the deeper they delve, the murkier it gets.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2020
832 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Solomon Carter
186 books99 followersHello folks,
My name is Solomon Carter, and I am the author of the Roberts and Bradley PI crime thriller series, The Last Line international thriller series, the DI Hogarth Darkest series and more. I write mysteries, crime and thriller novels and more besides.
I was born in Southend, Essex and lived there for most of my life apart from eventful student days in South London. But my life in Southend was even more eventful still. I ended up working in a string of jobs including as a jobcentre clerk, a book seller, tutor for youth with low skills and low self esteem, mortgage broker, and latterly manager of a food bank which dealt with all kinds of interesting people facing all kinds of eye-opening, jaw dropping problems. Because of these ear-to-the-ground jobs the majority of my novels are set in Southend. In 2016 I moved to North Cornwall because I liked the idea of never-ending holidays - but I also write almost every single day. My aim is to write action-packed thrillers and page-turning mysteries that readers love and my hope is to get better at what I do with every book across each and every year.
I like to give away lots of free books as part of what I do. If you would like to receive some of these and get the exclusives on offer, than you're invited to join my free readers group at SolomonCarter.net. I won't spam you, just send the occassional email with news on the latest books and forthcoming freebies.
And if you want to see the memes, personal shares and other oddball stuff I do, then you can join me at Facebook via www.facebook.com/solomoncarterwrites and join the fun there too.
What I am good at: telling stories
What I am bad at: dancing, being patient.
What I love: nature, the seaside, adventures
Writers I heartily recommend: Lee Child, Ian Rankin, Henning Mankell, Val McDermid, Harlan Coben, Robert Crais.
Writers I need to read more of: Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly and others.
Other things I do beside writing: at present I like to keep my running going to balance out the sitting behind a laptop (a habit inspired by Haruki Murakami's 'What I talk about when I talk about running' - a great book).
-I am currently doing surf lessons. When in Rome, as they say...
-Getting out into nature as the weather allows.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Until then I'll keep on writing. Or running. Or surfing. Or chasing my children around the house.
All the very best,
Solomon :)
PS
if you have enjoyed any of my books, I'd be honoured if you could post a review. Those reviews really do help!
My name is Solomon Carter, and I am the author of the Roberts and Bradley PI crime thriller series, The Last Line international thriller series, the DI Hogarth Darkest series and more. I write mysteries, crime and thriller novels and more besides.
I was born in Southend, Essex and lived there for most of my life apart from eventful student days in South London. But my life in Southend was even more eventful still. I ended up working in a string of jobs including as a jobcentre clerk, a book seller, tutor for youth with low skills and low self esteem, mortgage broker, and latterly manager of a food bank which dealt with all kinds of interesting people facing all kinds of eye-opening, jaw dropping problems. Because of these ear-to-the-ground jobs the majority of my novels are set in Southend. In 2016 I moved to North Cornwall because I liked the idea of never-ending holidays - but I also write almost every single day. My aim is to write action-packed thrillers and page-turning mysteries that readers love and my hope is to get better at what I do with every book across each and every year.
I like to give away lots of free books as part of what I do. If you would like to receive some of these and get the exclusives on offer, than you're invited to join my free readers group at SolomonCarter.net. I won't spam you, just send the occassional email with news on the latest books and forthcoming freebies.
And if you want to see the memes, personal shares and other oddball stuff I do, then you can join me at Facebook via www.facebook.com/solomoncarterwrites and join the fun there too.
What I am good at: telling stories
What I am bad at: dancing, being patient.
What I love: nature, the seaside, adventures
Writers I heartily recommend: Lee Child, Ian Rankin, Henning Mankell, Val McDermid, Harlan Coben, Robert Crais.
Writers I need to read more of: Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly and others.
Other things I do beside writing: at present I like to keep my running going to balance out the sitting behind a laptop (a habit inspired by Haruki Murakami's 'What I talk about when I talk about running' - a great book).
-I am currently doing surf lessons. When in Rome, as they say...
-Getting out into nature as the weather allows.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Until then I'll keep on writing. Or running. Or surfing. Or chasing my children around the house.
All the very best,
Solomon :)
PS
if you have enjoyed any of my books, I'd be honoured if you could post a review. Those reviews really do help!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 26, 2020
"Solid start to yet another series"
When you hit on a winning formula you exploit it, and who can blame you? Hogarth and Palmer have cropped up in the annals of the Bradley and Roberts series, so it makes perfect sense to interleave personalities and locations in a brief outing for this interesting duo. I hope it goes further than a trilogy because the two lead characters have a lot of mileage. Palmer is the perfect foil for Hogarth and they have a mixed bunch in their supporting cast. The plot in this one was extremely convoluted, and my only criticism was it was played out a little too long. Manning's death was hidden in a tangled web, but without a lot of fast-paced action to speed things along the frequent walks along the beach to follow up another potential lead only served to remind me how tiring it can be tramping through loose sand. That apart, there was enough chemistry between the lead detectives to encourage me to read the next instalment.
When you hit on a winning formula you exploit it, and who can blame you? Hogarth and Palmer have cropped up in the annals of the Bradley and Roberts series, so it makes perfect sense to interleave personalities and locations in a brief outing for this interesting duo. I hope it goes further than a trilogy because the two lead characters have a lot of mileage. Palmer is the perfect foil for Hogarth and they have a mixed bunch in their supporting cast. The plot in this one was extremely convoluted, and my only criticism was it was played out a little too long. Manning's death was hidden in a tangled web, but without a lot of fast-paced action to speed things along the frequent walks along the beach to follow up another potential lead only served to remind me how tiring it can be tramping through loose sand. That apart, there was enough chemistry between the lead detectives to encourage me to read the next instalment.
June 12, 2020
An alcoholic actor starring ina low budget film is found dead on the beach. DI Hogarth suspects more than an accidental death and undertakes an investigation.
This book is populated with unpleasant personalities and a predictable plot. I quickly identified the doer. Hogarth's obsession with a criminal politician is tiresome. Didn't like the characters; didnd't care who dunnit. Not my cup of tea.
This book is populated with unpleasant personalities and a predictable plot. I quickly identified the doer. Hogarth's obsession with a criminal politician is tiresome. Didn't like the characters; didnd't care who dunnit. Not my cup of tea.
October 9, 2021
DI Joe Hogarth is called in when a body is found beneath Southend Pier. It belongsto a deadbeat actor starring in a financed-on-a-shoe-string movie. At first glance, it looks like an accidental death, but Hogarth learns otherwise. He battles his own affection for alcohol and his attraction to one of the suspects and his DS while trying to figure out which of a dozen suspects could have sped the dead guy to his demise.
I started out reading two of the author’s other series (Book 1 in both the Darkest Lies series and Book 1 in the Secret Fear series) and wasn’t sure what to expect out of this one. It held my interest all the way through, and I enjoyed the developing relationship between Hogarth and his DS, Palmer.
I’m still a little discombobulated by where/when each series fits in with the others, and the time/place of each individual book within each series. I would have preferred for the stories to be arranged in chronological order in one series, rather than split between currently three.
But, whichever series I’m in, the characters are compelling, the writing is brisk and clean, the plots dark and gritty, and Hogarth someone I’m getting progressively fonder of the more I read. I think I’ll take each series one at a time and read all the books in that series and then move on to the next. However you read them, the books are fun reads.
I started out reading two of the author’s other series (Book 1 in both the Darkest Lies series and Book 1 in the Secret Fear series) and wasn’t sure what to expect out of this one. It held my interest all the way through, and I enjoyed the developing relationship between Hogarth and his DS, Palmer.
I’m still a little discombobulated by where/when each series fits in with the others, and the time/place of each individual book within each series. I would have preferred for the stories to be arranged in chronological order in one series, rather than split between currently three.
But, whichever series I’m in, the characters are compelling, the writing is brisk and clean, the plots dark and gritty, and Hogarth someone I’m getting progressively fonder of the more I read. I think I’ll take each series one at a time and read all the books in that series and then move on to the next. However you read them, the books are fun reads.
May 30, 2025
Down on Southend beach a body is sitting under the pier, propped up by one of the supporting pillars. Gareth Manning. A washed up drunken actor acting in a low budget film being made by a young man with little experience of making films, even budget ones, and Gareth was his main star as he had once acted in a soap series. Briefly.
Joe Hogarth and Sue Palmer from Southend police are called out to the scene, and the first thing they noticed, apart from the dead man, was the trail of leg and ankle marks leading up to where he was propped up. Hogarth has to tell the director, the young Davy Lucking that he couldn't carry on filming and he would need to question all of them, there was in fact a very small number of people appearing in and making this film. The older woman standing with them is Davy's agent Marion Dearly and she doesn't want the shoot being held up as she says they have deadlines to meet. Like getting a new leading man, who she finds with surprising ease, another backer for the film and handily having an out of work acting nephew.
The plot thickens and so does the number of people who may have murdered Gareth Manning. There were a few red herrings along the way but it was quite a good story and although I got about nearly 2/3rds of the ending right, I didn't quite have the right killer!!!
Joe Hogarth and Sue Palmer from Southend police are called out to the scene, and the first thing they noticed, apart from the dead man, was the trail of leg and ankle marks leading up to where he was propped up. Hogarth has to tell the director, the young Davy Lucking that he couldn't carry on filming and he would need to question all of them, there was in fact a very small number of people appearing in and making this film. The older woman standing with them is Davy's agent Marion Dearly and she doesn't want the shoot being held up as she says they have deadlines to meet. Like getting a new leading man, who she finds with surprising ease, another backer for the film and handily having an out of work acting nephew.
The plot thickens and so does the number of people who may have murdered Gareth Manning. There were a few red herrings along the way but it was quite a good story and although I got about nearly 2/3rds of the ending right, I didn't quite have the right killer!!!
June 19, 2020
Gripping
I have read several of Solomon Carter's books and enjoyed every one. This did not disappoint. He writes so vividly that it's almost like watching it on screen.Based in Southend , England, his characters are believable and not over the top. Although this is a murder mystery, it is written without the blood and gore of some books. I find this refreshing. It captures your attention from start to finish. The DI Hogarth books and those of the PI's are excellent reads from start to finish. I'm surprised that they haven't been made into a TV series. I look forward to reading the next Solomon Carter book.
I have read several of Solomon Carter's books and enjoyed every one. This did not disappoint. He writes so vividly that it's almost like watching it on screen.Based in Southend , England, his characters are believable and not over the top. Although this is a murder mystery, it is written without the blood and gore of some books. I find this refreshing. It captures your attention from start to finish. The DI Hogarth books and those of the PI's are excellent reads from start to finish. I'm surprised that they haven't been made into a TV series. I look forward to reading the next Solomon Carter book.
September 24, 2020
Good and intriguing plot
A plot which kept me guessing right to the end. Realistic characters and a realistic view of the tedium of much police work. Good to read a murder mystery which isn’t all gore and serial killers but which is nuanced and well thought out. Detective Hogarth and his team (warts and all) had to work with very few clues to help them. The only things I thought were a bit cliched were the attitude of the hierarchy and the press, but despite that a very enjoyable book.
A plot which kept me guessing right to the end. Realistic characters and a realistic view of the tedium of much police work. Good to read a murder mystery which isn’t all gore and serial killers but which is nuanced and well thought out. Detective Hogarth and his team (warts and all) had to work with very few clues to help them. The only things I thought were a bit cliched were the attitude of the hierarchy and the press, but despite that a very enjoyable book.
May 30, 2022
I am enjoying these Hogarth detective stories, this time, concerning a dead body found on Southend beach.
There is a film to be made, maybe it will hit the big-time because things have changed in the industry?
The mix of characters made this an interesting read, as well as the familiar police crew that investigate. There are also past rivalries to consider.
This is a well-written tale of murder yet so much more. Although it needs some editing, the story is fast-paced with a few twists and turns.
I liked it and would recommend it.
There is a film to be made, maybe it will hit the big-time because things have changed in the industry?
The mix of characters made this an interesting read, as well as the familiar police crew that investigate. There are also past rivalries to consider.
This is a well-written tale of murder yet so much more. Although it needs some editing, the story is fast-paced with a few twists and turns.
I liked it and would recommend it.
July 30, 2020
Easy read but predictable and worked out who and why killed a dunk actor, found on Southend beach and made to look like suicide, a film being made to hope for streaming service, the actors all a bit one dimensional and awful to boot. Hogarth is a drunk and obsessed with Hartigan a bit boring. To be honest should not drive to work with massive hangover. Comes across as a slob. Sue Palmer is my favourite Police Officer. The only sensible one.
June 16, 2021
Mystery listening 🔰
Due to eye issues and damage Alexa reads to me.
Another will written romantic thriller mystery by Solomon Carter in the DI Hogarth Series book one. The characters are 👌 likeable as they race about solving a murder. The story line is set in a small coastal town in Britain where a murder as DI Hogarth thinking everyone but the killer is guilty I would recommend this series and author to 👍readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 📚 2021🏰
Due to eye issues and damage Alexa reads to me.
Another will written romantic thriller mystery by Solomon Carter in the DI Hogarth Series book one. The characters are 👌 likeable as they race about solving a murder. The story line is set in a small coastal town in Britain where a murder as DI Hogarth thinking everyone but the killer is guilty I would recommend this series and author to 👍readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 📚 2021🏰
August 26, 2020
I have read a few of Solomon Carters books. I like the style of his story telling and the way he keeps the reader hooked on the plot, making it hard to put the book down. The poison Path didn't disappoint me. Hogarth shows some of his vulnerabilities beneath the hard exterior he shows to the world, and Palmer is Maturing as a good sidekick. Looking forward to reading the next instalment.
October 26, 2020
There was one character in this book that I cared to read about - the female DS. The other police officers should consider a different profession! Dislikeable in attitude and professionalism and with no traits that you expect in police detective stories. Aside from that the story was like walking through treacle. I had hoped to have found a new author but sadly not
January 18, 2021
I hadnt heard of this author before trying out this book, and I see he has been quite a prolific writer with several books in this series, I liked it, it is a good start to the series and introduces the reader to DI Hogarth and his team in this Essex murder story featuring the death of an actor. A somewhat different scenario to many detective fiction books but godo and fast paced
February 15, 2021
Am enjoyable book though I felt it was a bit slow at times. The story line was good and kept my interest throughout, with the final out come including a bit of a twist. I found some of the chapters far too long but that is only my opinion. I will read more by this author and would recommend this book too.
January 21, 2022
Forensic science does not come through so DI Hogarth and DS Palmer a left to solve the crime using good old fashioned techniques of deduction and finding the inconsistencies, and then making use of some pressure through some continual question asking to drive the mistake.
Another great read and thoroughly enjoyable.
Another great read and thoroughly enjoyable.
May 30, 2020
Hogarth at it again.
Well this didn't disappoint! Couldn't put this down. I'm about to get the next in the series. The story was told well and kept moving along at a breakneck speed. I was unable to work out the final outcome until the next to last chapter.
Well this didn't disappoint! Couldn't put this down. I'm about to get the next in the series. The story was told well and kept moving along at a breakneck speed. I was unable to work out the final outcome until the next to last chapter.
June 6, 2020
On Southend Beach one morning a body is discovered. A man, an actor, Garath Manning, who was starring in a very low budget film. Was it an accident, suicide or murder. DI Hogarth and his team investigate.
An interesting and enjoyable crime story
An interesting and enjoyable crime story
June 8, 2020
Page turner .well written.
Well written compelling story. Draws reader in and difficult to put down once started.
Not quite sure if the way crime was solved in the end was quite believable but nonetheless a good read.
Well written compelling story. Draws reader in and difficult to put down once started.
Not quite sure if the way crime was solved in the end was quite believable but nonetheless a good read.
July 9, 2020
A good read
I liked the style of writing, it made me feel that I was involved in the case. The plot was riveting and full of red herrings that kept me glued to the mystery of who the culprit was. The characters were skilfully crafted and interacted beautifully.
I liked the style of writing, it made me feel that I was involved in the case. The plot was riveting and full of red herrings that kept me glued to the mystery of who the culprit was. The characters were skilfully crafted and interacted beautifully.
July 16, 2020
If you've read Mr. Carter's other books, you'll know what to expect.
If you haven't, well, whilst each group of books could be read independently, I would suggest heading to where it so began, with Eva and Dan, simply because that's where it all began, and well worth the read.
If you haven't, well, whilst each group of books could be read independently, I would suggest heading to where it so began, with Eva and Dan, simply because that's where it all began, and well worth the read.
August 23, 2020
Entertaining but definitely needs a better proof reader and more editing - example: big difference between you’re and your - getting it wrong is unacceptable; leaving words out and repeating others in a sentence is a no-no.
October 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book once I got to know the characters, the author kept the villain in the shadows for quite a long period of time. I recommend this book and the author to everyone and look forward to the next book I will read from him.
October 27, 2020
Another belter
I am now getting to the point with these novels that I have an idea who the main villain is in each book, sometimes, I am correct, and then the twist comes along just to keep you hooked.
I am now getting to the point with these novels that I have an idea who the main villain is in each book, sometimes, I am correct, and then the twist comes along just to keep you hooked.
November 1, 2020
Good read
Enjoyed this book and it was free which was a bonus. The story line was a bit different but I got the right villain quite quickly but not their side kick. I've enjoyed all of Solomon Carter's books so far.
Enjoyed this book and it was free which was a bonus. The story line was a bit different but I got the right villain quite quickly but not their side kick. I've enjoyed all of Solomon Carter's books so far.
December 1, 2020
Captivating and thrilling
This book is as brilliant as the other books always keeping you wanting more and more. There is always a twist on the outcome of who has committed the crimes which is what I like keeping you guessing.
This book is as brilliant as the other books always keeping you wanting more and more. There is always a twist on the outcome of who has committed the crimes which is what I like keeping you guessing.
April 12, 2021
Good quick read
Interesting storyline that moves along at a brisk pace and keeps you wanting to know where the next clue will lead detective Hogarth. Well written plot to suit fans of crime fiction.
Interesting storyline that moves along at a brisk pace and keeps you wanting to know where the next clue will lead detective Hogarth. Well written plot to suit fans of crime fiction.
April 12, 2021
I did enjoy this book and it kept me hooked til the end. I did find the characters 'narrowing their eyes' a great deal but maybe that's just me being ultra fussy. A good read if you like detective novels and especially interesting if you know Southend on Sea and surrounding area well.
June 2, 2021
Worst book I have ever read
This story line from the outcome is boring I have not read a book where I have fallen asleep so many times to wake up and the kindle in on the floor. I got to page 244 and it was just still boring and monotonous crap story line.
This story line from the outcome is boring I have not read a book where I have fallen asleep so many times to wake up and the kindle in on the floor. I got to page 244 and it was just still boring and monotonous crap story line.
May 22, 2022
Easy reading
Not many twists!.
Easy reading.
Good book just to sit and pick up as and when.
Have a 3 star has used to not knowing who submit till the end.
Guessed it about halfway through
Not many twists!.
Easy reading.
Good book just to sit and pick up as and when.
Have a 3 star has used to not knowing who submit till the end.
Guessed it about halfway through
June 6, 2020
Good read. Couldn’t wait to finish it.
June 9, 2020
Another great book to kick start a set of 3 from Solomon Carter, he gets better every time.
I am an ardent follower of Solomon and I would wholeheartedly recommend his writing to you.
I am an ardent follower of Solomon and I would wholeheartedly recommend his writing to you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews