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Donald & Gamble Mysteries #1
In Need of Closure
There’s an old saying that you should never look a gift horse in the mouth. But what if that gift horse is so unexpected it’s impossible to believe?
Newly released from prison, former chancer Flutter is returning to Waterbury, the town of his birth. Far from the temptations so readily available in London, he’s hoping to make a fresh start and perhaps even make amends for his wayward past.
Raised by an uncle, in the thirty years since his birth, Flutter has always believed his father died when he was a baby. But, on the day of his release, he learns his father has only recently died, and he’s inherited his house.
Unsettled by the discovery his father has been alive all this time, Flutter enlists the help of local journalist Katie Donald to help him learn about his family. They soon uncover some uncomfortable truths about his family, his father, and where his money came from. Then, when a London gangster suddenly comes calling, Flutter’s worst fears are confirmed.
A few days ago, everything was looking rosy. Romance was even a possibility, but now everything’s changed.
Then an unexpected opportunity offers a chance of redemption, but it means involving Katie, and failure is not an option.
It’s not much of a choice, but Flutter wanted a new start…
Newly released from prison, former chancer Flutter is returning to Waterbury, the town of his birth. Far from the temptations so readily available in London, he’s hoping to make a fresh start and perhaps even make amends for his wayward past.
Raised by an uncle, in the thirty years since his birth, Flutter has always believed his father died when he was a baby. But, on the day of his release, he learns his father has only recently died, and he’s inherited his house.
Unsettled by the discovery his father has been alive all this time, Flutter enlists the help of local journalist Katie Donald to help him learn about his family. They soon uncover some uncomfortable truths about his family, his father, and where his money came from. Then, when a London gangster suddenly comes calling, Flutter’s worst fears are confirmed.
A few days ago, everything was looking rosy. Romance was even a possibility, but now everything’s changed.
Then an unexpected opportunity offers a chance of redemption, but it means involving Katie, and failure is not an option.
It’s not much of a choice, but Flutter wanted a new start…
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2021
237 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
P.F. Ford
56 books244 followersHaving spent most of his life trying to be what everyone else wanted him to be, P.F. (Peter) Ford was a late starter when it came to writing. He had tried writing a novel many years ago (before the advent of self-publishing), only to be turned down by every publisher he approached. It was very much a case of being told by those around him, ‘now you know you can’t write, so get back to work!’
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 12, 2025
Almost a 4* Good fun despite the subject matter
I really enjoyed this and 'Flutter" is a beguiling character..The subject of The investigation is undeniably grim but before and after I got to that, I laughed quite a few times.
Unfortunately a couple of plot errors and factual ones, coupled with typos that may not be down to the author, detracted from the whole. Despite that and the way the case came to be given to Flutter, somewhat implausibly, I really did enjoy it and I'm going to read the next in series.
I sincerely recommend P F Ford's books.
I really enjoyed this and 'Flutter" is a beguiling character..The subject of The investigation is undeniably grim but before and after I got to that, I laughed quite a few times.
Unfortunately a couple of plot errors and factual ones, coupled with typos that may not be down to the author, detracted from the whole. Despite that and the way the case came to be given to Flutter, somewhat implausibly, I really did enjoy it and I'm going to read the next in series.
I sincerely recommend P F Ford's books.
March 26, 2022
Entertaining and Amusing
PF Ford's books are a lot of fun for the BritCrime reader who prefers interesting plots, great character interaction, and a bit of humor to gore or intense suspense. I wasn't sure what to expect from this series, having enjoyed the Slater and Norman books, then Norman on his own in The Rejoiners, and I found it a refreshing new take on the genre. An excellent opening to the series.
PF Ford's books are a lot of fun for the BritCrime reader who prefers interesting plots, great character interaction, and a bit of humor to gore or intense suspense. I wasn't sure what to expect from this series, having enjoyed the Slater and Norman books, then Norman on his own in The Rejoiners, and I found it a refreshing new take on the genre. An excellent opening to the series.
July 28, 2021
Enjoyable Book
You just have to smile reading about Flutter and his new life post prison. He is such a likable character. The author has a knack of writing books that keep you interested and wanting to read more about Flutter, his dog & his “new female partner”. I so look forward to reading the next book in this series!
You just have to smile reading about Flutter and his new life post prison. He is such a likable character. The author has a knack of writing books that keep you interested and wanting to read more about Flutter, his dog & his “new female partner”. I so look forward to reading the next book in this series!
August 22, 2021
Donald and Gamble
I enjoyed reading about Flutter the first time it was released and I thoroughly enjoyed this new version, Donald and Gamble. This book made me laugh out loud when reading about Winston’s antics and intrigued me with the twists and turns in the plot -even though I’d read it before! I look forward to more books featuring Flutter and Katie- Winston too!
I enjoyed reading about Flutter the first time it was released and I thoroughly enjoyed this new version, Donald and Gamble. This book made me laugh out loud when reading about Winston’s antics and intrigued me with the twists and turns in the plot -even though I’d read it before! I look forward to more books featuring Flutter and Katie- Winston too!
March 26, 2024
Wonderful book
This book was just an amazing read. Being an avid fan of the Slater and Norman series, I had high hopes starting this new series. I was not disappointed. The Donald & Gamble mysteries are off to a great start.
Thank you Mr. Ford for another fantastic story. Keep writing!
This book was just an amazing read. Being an avid fan of the Slater and Norman series, I had high hopes starting this new series. I was not disappointed. The Donald & Gamble mysteries are off to a great start.
Thank you Mr. Ford for another fantastic story. Keep writing!
July 29, 2021
Delightful beginning
In this pleasantly complicated story, Mr Ford has created a memorable pair of characters, an unusual situation, and an ingenious solution to an extremely cold case. Looking forward to further adventures!
In this pleasantly complicated story, Mr Ford has created a memorable pair of characters, an unusual situation, and an ingenious solution to an extremely cold case. Looking forward to further adventures!
August 5, 2021
P.F. Ford has done a brilliant rework of this storyline. I enjoyed the first version but always felt something was missing. Flutter is one interesting character. He's had a rough start with his life but it looks as if he has a bright future. We shall see, right?
August 9, 2021
Excellent New Series from Mr. Ford
A great new series and hopefully, Mr. Ford will continue its development. Kudos to the author. And the new series is very refreshing and laden with great characters.
A great new series and hopefully, Mr. Ford will continue its development. Kudos to the author. And the new series is very refreshing and laden with great characters.
September 30, 2021
Another good story!
Interesting story line and characters. Entertaining humor and dialogue while still being a mystery to solve. I've read all of P.F. Ford's books and find him to be an imaginative and creative author.
Interesting story line and characters. Entertaining humor and dialogue while still being a mystery to solve. I've read all of P.F. Ford's books and find him to be an imaginative and creative author.
February 10, 2022
Nice start
This is a nice start to a new series of books. It could so easily have been a Slater And Norman copycat, but the new characters, although needing time to develop, look like being very different and just as believ.
This is a nice start to a new series of books. It could so easily have been a Slater And Norman copycat, but the new characters, although needing time to develop, look like being very different and just as believ.
March 11, 2022
Another really good tale from PF Ford.
I really enjoyed this book. A different sort of storyline and with a pair of compelling main characters that solve a 35 year old mystery I shall look out for a sequel.
I really enjoyed this book. A different sort of storyline and with a pair of compelling main characters that solve a 35 year old mystery I shall look out for a sequel.
Read
December 21, 2024This rewrite of "Too Good to be True", is a fresh and compelling read which left me looking forward to the next in the series. It retained enough of the first version to be familiar and turbocharged the complexity, pace and story while also leaving a "feel good" vibe.
July 25, 2021
As good and interesting as always. Looking g forward to many more.
July 25, 2021
Gamble and Donald
Good story, very enjoyable and quirky. Flutter and Katie make a great detective couple. Looking forward to next in series.
Good story, very enjoyable and quirky. Flutter and Katie make a great detective couple. Looking forward to next in series.
September 3, 2021
Excellent
Another great series!!! PF Ford is one of my favorites. I read several of his story lines . all of them great..waiting for book two on this one . Kate Cook
Another great series!!! PF Ford is one of my favorites. I read several of his story lines . all of them great..waiting for book two on this one . Kate Cook
December 28, 2021
Fun fun fun
Wonderful fun story. Not what I expected as I have read other of his books. Funny characters that fit right in. An evening of enjoyable reading
enjoyable trading
Wonderful fun story. Not what I expected as I have read other of his books. Funny characters that fit right in. An evening of enjoyable reading
enjoyable trading
February 1, 2022
Great first installment in Donald & gamble Series. Looking forward to 2nd book!!
May 25, 2024
quirky but an interesting read
K wasn’t sure when i started reading it but soon was captured by the goings on and good hummer. Looking forward to the next book
K wasn’t sure when i started reading it but soon was captured by the goings on and good hummer. Looking forward to the next book
June 6, 2024
On Amazon.
October 6, 2021
Too Juvenile
Very disappointing book. I am a fan of this author and was looking forward to reading the book but the plot was non-existent and the characters childish. I found even the dialogue was annoying in its simplicity, there was a lot of gratuitous discussion that really was just 'waffle'. If this had been the first of PF Ford's books I had ever read, I would certainly not be bothered reading any more. I only hope he does not start a series based on this one.
Very disappointing book. I am a fan of this author and was looking forward to reading the book but the plot was non-existent and the characters childish. I found even the dialogue was annoying in its simplicity, there was a lot of gratuitous discussion that really was just 'waffle'. If this had been the first of PF Ford's books I had ever read, I would certainly not be bothered reading any more. I only hope he does not start a series based on this one.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews