Killing Time in Cambridge

by Philip Cumberland

This is Philip's first novel and introduces us to Detective Chief inspector Cyril Lane, known to everyone as Arnold.
Like most policemen, Arnold has had experiences he would rather not have had, seen things he wished he hadn't seen and encountered things he cannot explain.
But Arnold's experiences in Killing Time in Cambridge are truly unlike any other.
Among these are time travel and the arrival of an exceptional assistant.
The story is set in the historic city of Cambridge and in the surrounding Fens.

432 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2020

About the author

Now retired I have been living and working in the Cambridgeshire Fens for most of my life. Blacksmithing and wrought ironwork started as a hobby and became my profession, I have been involved in engineering in various forms all my working life.

Making things for the garden was not only an outlet for my artistic creativity but it also helped garden designers and gardeners realise theirs. I am conscious that what I created, although satisfying to me, in itself, will only be complete as an object when it is in place, within its’ final setting.

Since retiring I have joined my local University of the Third Age branch (U3A). One of the groups I belong to is Whittlesey Wordsmiths, a creative writing group. Together as a group, we have published five anthologies of our work, Where the Wild Winds Blow, A Following Wind, Three Sheets to the Wind together with two Christmas collections, Jingle Bells and Tinsel Tales and Windy Christmas (That'll be the Sprouts).
Other members have been encouraged to publish their own books to see what is available from them click here: Whittlesey Wordsmiths Books

You may notice A book title on the page Killing Time in Cambridge, with the help and encouragement of the group I have completed this, my first novel.

Reviews

[Cathy Cade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of a Cambridge detective with an unusual sidekick , written by an author who knows his territory. Affection for Cambridge and its surroundings shines through and its gentle humour ensures these murders won't keep you awake at night. A Good holiday read.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong debut novel by Phillip Cumberland, keeps you invested throughout and an enjoyable read; especially if you know the Cambridge area. The ending may have a felt a little rushed, but I look forward to seeing what Cumberland does next.

[Jeff Moreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, good plot, characters and ideas.

[karen mcfarling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about the story to begin with i thought a bit far fetched but later in the book it made sense hopefully there will be a follow on the way it finishes leaves it open

[Rachael Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do enjoy being surprised by a novel, and this one did just that!

A wonderful whodunit combined with... time travel! Genius! DCI Lane, AKA Arnold, has the unenviable job of making sense of a series of crimes committed by villains who seem to be from the past. To unravel the mystery he has to consult a range of experts to piece together exactly what is going on... but there are shadowy forces moving against him. He's aided by a potential love interest and the wonderful Marvin - I won't say anymore, but I love this character.

I don't know Cambridge at all, but Philip Cumberland brings it alive in the pages of this book.

I'd very much like to see another outing for Arnold and co.