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Inspector Knowles Mystery #1
The Goat Parva Murders
Just a typical Tuesday night in the English country hamlet of Goat Parva. The stalkers in the rhododendrons are busy watching the exhibitionists in the windows. Nothing unusual. Until that is when Bingo the retriever returns with a pair of shoes that were last seen adorning the feet of well known voyeur Clem Shapiro. Steadily the secret lives, peccadilloes and illicit affairs of the inhabitants of this one time idyll of English Country Life all begin to unravel under the dogged investigations of Detective Inspector Colin Knowles. What seemed like a fairly simple case is rapidly deteriorating under a growing mountain of suspects, witnesses and bodies. Scratch the surface of this sleepy hamlet and it seems everybody has a motive to want somebody else dead. And D.I Knowles has only just begun to scratch. The Goat Parva Murders is the first in the Inspector Knowles Mysteries and introduces the reader to a cast of eccentric characters that could have escaped right off the pages of a Tom Sharpe novel in search of mayhem, mischief and murder.
- GenresMystery
175 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2014
75 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Julian Worker
44 books455 followersI was born in Leicester and support the Tigers and the relegated Foxes. I attended school in Yorkshire and university in Liverpool.
I have visited 96 countries and territories. My most recent trips in 2023 were to Islay, Jura, Madeira, Porto Santo, mainland Portugal, North-Eastern Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, and The Peloponnese.
In 2024, I went to The Algarve, rode on The Great Little Trains of Wales, sailed between the Saronic Gulf islands of Greece as well as visiting Thessaloniki, The Pembrokeshire Coast, and the Ionian island of Kythira.
I love photography and writing.
My second newest book is called Dragon Lawyer : Scales of Justice and is about a young dragon called Wendy who becomes a lawyer in a parallel universe. She helps fairy tale characters obtain legal redress for the injustices they've suffered in previous stories.
My newest book is called Tree-Hugging Cats, the third book in the series about Gemma and Freddie, two cats who save a local tree from felling as well breaking up a people-smuggling ring at Europoort.
I have visited 96 countries and territories. My most recent trips in 2023 were to Islay, Jura, Madeira, Porto Santo, mainland Portugal, North-Eastern Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, and The Peloponnese.
In 2024, I went to The Algarve, rode on The Great Little Trains of Wales, sailed between the Saronic Gulf islands of Greece as well as visiting Thessaloniki, The Pembrokeshire Coast, and the Ionian island of Kythira.
I love photography and writing.
My second newest book is called Dragon Lawyer : Scales of Justice and is about a young dragon called Wendy who becomes a lawyer in a parallel universe. She helps fairy tale characters obtain legal redress for the injustices they've suffered in previous stories.
My newest book is called Tree-Hugging Cats, the third book in the series about Gemma and Freddie, two cats who save a local tree from felling as well breaking up a people-smuggling ring at Europoort.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 24, 2020
I really thought this might be a good mystery, but I could barely finish it. The main detective, Knowles, kept talking about his diet, calling his sergeant 'Barnesy', and made it obvious that both of them would have welcomed a night or two with one of the early suspcts--once the case was over of course.
There were limp attempts at humor, and ridiculous plotting. In, short, this was a waste of time.
There were limp attempts at humor, and ridiculous plotting. In, short, this was a waste of time.
March 3, 2018
This is a comic, crazy dash around the woods and fields surrounding a small village called Goat Parva.
We have a witty set of detectives who really are not the kind that inspire confidence. We have an indomitable lady who sets off every morning with her trusty labrador for a walk in the woods. Only problem is that Bingo is very good at retrieving and he finds things he brings back to his owner who then follows him to find a dead body - and then the next morning in another wood, another dead body - and so on. There are plenty of people who want plenty of other people dead. There are stalkers and walkers, and walkers stalking the stalkers, and police officers watching the stalkers who are watching the walkers. Then there are the perverts with their long-distance camera lenses who photograph all these walkers and stalkers. Pay attention because it gets convoluted like a tangled ball of wool.
Great fun, no gore or bad language - three cheers for Bingo!
This was a free copy sent by netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
We have a witty set of detectives who really are not the kind that inspire confidence. We have an indomitable lady who sets off every morning with her trusty labrador for a walk in the woods. Only problem is that Bingo is very good at retrieving and he finds things he brings back to his owner who then follows him to find a dead body - and then the next morning in another wood, another dead body - and so on. There are plenty of people who want plenty of other people dead. There are stalkers and walkers, and walkers stalking the stalkers, and police officers watching the stalkers who are watching the walkers. Then there are the perverts with their long-distance camera lenses who photograph all these walkers and stalkers. Pay attention because it gets convoluted like a tangled ball of wool.
Great fun, no gore or bad language - three cheers for Bingo!
This was a free copy sent by netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
May 15, 2018
Julian Worker created an amazingly dysfunctional – verging on needing to be walled off from the rest of the world – English village where everyone appears to be deeply engrossed in criminal and sexually deviant behavior. Don’t get excited, it isn’t descriptive of the sexual deviancy, it doesn’t even provide interest in that area. The detectives are plodding, avoiding moments of brilliance expertly. The victims garner no sympathy. The townspeople who do NOT die are nothing to write home about. There really is nothing to compel the reader in the story.
I cannot recommend the book and would never elect to read another of his in this genre.
I cannot recommend the book and would never elect to read another of his in this genre.
August 23, 2014
I won a copy on Goodreads Firstreads.
In the small English village of Goat Parva, someone seems to be stalking stalkers. The woods that border Goat Parva (and several other villages) seems the place to go when you want to do something in secret (or spy on those doing something in secret). Now those who like to spy on others are turning up dead and its the job for the police to figure out why and who did it. Of course, their job won't be easy as everyone seems to have a secret that they don't want to reveal.
I enjoyed this mystery, even though, I seemed to stay a step behind the police at every point. This was a very convoluted mystery that required, at times, some extraordinary timing to work out. I am not sure I followed the reasoning of the police 100% of the time since they sometimes seemed to jump to another track at a moments notice. Of course, they were usually correct but I just didn't always know how they got there.
The story is filled with quirky characters that are easy to like. There is a subtle humor throughout the story that makes it a fast and fun read.
My biggest complaint is the cover of the book (and yes I know the old saying). The badly computer generated feet and white outline just looks amateurish. I am not saying that the cover would have kept me from reading the book, but it would have made me have doubts about it at least.
There are two main lessons that I have learned from mysteries. The first is that you should be thankful that you don't know or are related to Jessica Fletcher(Murder, She Wrote). If you did, you would either be killed or accused of murder(of course, if she is your friend, she will prove your innocence). The second is that there is no place more deadly, or filled with secrets, than a quaint little English village.
Overall, this is a nice introduction to a new mystery series. I would rate it 3.5 stars.
In the small English village of Goat Parva, someone seems to be stalking stalkers. The woods that border Goat Parva (and several other villages) seems the place to go when you want to do something in secret (or spy on those doing something in secret). Now those who like to spy on others are turning up dead and its the job for the police to figure out why and who did it. Of course, their job won't be easy as everyone seems to have a secret that they don't want to reveal.
I enjoyed this mystery, even though, I seemed to stay a step behind the police at every point. This was a very convoluted mystery that required, at times, some extraordinary timing to work out. I am not sure I followed the reasoning of the police 100% of the time since they sometimes seemed to jump to another track at a moments notice. Of course, they were usually correct but I just didn't always know how they got there.
The story is filled with quirky characters that are easy to like. There is a subtle humor throughout the story that makes it a fast and fun read.
My biggest complaint is the cover of the book (and yes I know the old saying). The badly computer generated feet and white outline just looks amateurish. I am not saying that the cover would have kept me from reading the book, but it would have made me have doubts about it at least.
There are two main lessons that I have learned from mysteries. The first is that you should be thankful that you don't know or are related to Jessica Fletcher(Murder, She Wrote). If you did, you would either be killed or accused of murder(of course, if she is your friend, she will prove your innocence). The second is that there is no place more deadly, or filled with secrets, than a quaint little English village.
Overall, this is a nice introduction to a new mystery series. I would rate it 3.5 stars.
February 6, 2018
Well darn it this book is like a maze when you think you found the exit it’s another dead end no pun intended, it’s filled with a lot of twists some perverted others just whacked. Detective Knowles and Barnes had a time of it but their studiousness and unwavering investigating skills paid off. Bingo had the nose for finding things especially bodies, and it was his brilliant retriever’s nose that helps solve the murders, what a dog. A most intriguing sometimes frustrating but always engaging book, the storyline is an excellent one and the characters are great from deranging to psychotic even too loving, it was hilarious at some points. I would definitely say this has been a captivating and intriguing story that was very entertaining and enjoyable.
March 8, 2018
Detectives Knowles and Barnes feature in this quirky story which is very much a tongue in cheek murder mystery. This is really quite refreshing.
The sleepy village of Goat Parva has its secrets but they don't seem to be very well kept. The character of Adelaide with her interfering god, Bingo, is such an eccentric person, you cannot but help laugh.
The surrounding woods (and indeed bushes) hold many surprises and secrets. These become apparent as the story unfolds. I wasn't finding it easy to follow what the police were thinking and doing, but I did enjoy this book. It was a refreshing change.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
The sleepy village of Goat Parva has its secrets but they don't seem to be very well kept. The character of Adelaide with her interfering god, Bingo, is such an eccentric person, you cannot but help laugh.
The surrounding woods (and indeed bushes) hold many surprises and secrets. These become apparent as the story unfolds. I wasn't finding it easy to follow what the police were thinking and doing, but I did enjoy this book. It was a refreshing change.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
March 14, 2018
The Goat Parva Murders is a very entertaining and quirky cozy mystery. It’s populated with many very colourful characters who are a delight, even if some of them are a touch creepy. Our investigative heroes are Inspector Knowles and his sidekick Barnes. They have their hands full trying to make sense of things in Goat Parva, that’s for sure.
Julian Worker is a wonderful writer. There’s sharp observation of detail, loads of tongue-in-cheek humour, and an ingenious and imaginative plot. The story bounds along and drags you with it, with lots of action and excitement.
This is a super piece of writing, one of those indie gems that make you so grateful for the ebook revolution.
Julian Worker is a wonderful writer. There’s sharp observation of detail, loads of tongue-in-cheek humour, and an ingenious and imaginative plot. The story bounds along and drags you with it, with lots of action and excitement.
This is a super piece of writing, one of those indie gems that make you so grateful for the ebook revolution.
July 11, 2014
A fun and witty romp through the English countryside with an eclectic mix of sometimes seemingly eccentric characters. Although the nocturnal activities of some of the characters may not be to everyone's tastes, they definitely do lead to some interesting (and sometimes deadly) interactions. Looking forward to see what Inspector Knowles gets up to next.
February 25, 2018
A variety of unique and quirky characters make for entertaining reading. Like watching an episode of "Midsomer Murders" one of our favorite television series.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
March 30, 2018
A wonderful mystery that will have you giggling at times. I'm definitely buying this for my mom and for my grandma! Great for mystery lovers.
January 26, 2018
This British based cozy mystery is a romp. The characters in Goat Parva are anything but ordinary -being involved in bed hopping, stalking, strident animal liberation. The characters and their activities are depicted with a tongue-in-cheek touch of humour which is very enjoyable and well written.
Several members of a group of voyeurs are murdered, but how, if at all, is that connected to the animal shelter and its workers? It is up to Inspector Knowles and his off-sider Sergeant Barnes to discover what is going on amid the many comings and goings in and out of the woods. They’re a very active lot at Goat Parva – retriever Bingo and his owner Adelaide Hills not the least.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
Several members of a group of voyeurs are murdered, but how, if at all, is that connected to the animal shelter and its workers? It is up to Inspector Knowles and his off-sider Sergeant Barnes to discover what is going on amid the many comings and goings in and out of the woods. They’re a very active lot at Goat Parva – retriever Bingo and his owner Adelaide Hills not the least.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
July 5, 2020
I couldn’t finish reading this. It reads as if it were written by a small group of adolescent boys who are sure they’re the funniest people in the world, and who spend their weekends preserving their work for posterity. It’s creative and sometimes humorous, but it’s just too much.
August 20, 2018
A nice enjoyable read, nothing deep, but certainly entertaining with a twist of humour. I certainly read more
April 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this mystery. It's well written, entertaining and fun to read. The characters were really likeable.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.
October 30, 2022
This is the first in a series of mysteries starring a small-town British inspector and his sidekick. I guess it's a cozy; it felt to me like a sort of lighthearted police procedural. The story involved a series of murders in the tiny town of Goat Parva; there's one plot thread involving a group of people peeping at and/or photographing other people and a second thread involving animal rights. Inspector Knowles is trying to deal with being overweight while he solves the crime.
Pros: the tone is generally congenial and light, often humorous. Knowles and Barnes (the sergeant) are decent characters, though so far not as well-developed as they need to be.
Cons: the writing is occasionally confusing, especially long stretches of unattributed dialogue that often had me flipping back pages to figure out who was saying what. The story was vaguely discomfiting and none of the Goat Parva characters came off particularly sympathetic.
No immediate plans to read the next one in the series.
Pros: the tone is generally congenial and light, often humorous. Knowles and Barnes (the sergeant) are decent characters, though so far not as well-developed as they need to be.
Cons: the writing is occasionally confusing, especially long stretches of unattributed dialogue that often had me flipping back pages to figure out who was saying what. The story was vaguely discomfiting and none of the Goat Parva characters came off particularly sympathetic.
No immediate plans to read the next one in the series.
May 25, 2023
#1 in the Detective Inspector Colin Knowles mystery series set in the small English country village of Goat Parva. This is a very quirky story which is as much a tongue in cheek murder mystery.
It begins with a local lady who walks her dog each morning in the near by woods when dog discovers a body opening the door for Knowles and his partner to investigate. On successive morning walks, the dog discovers more bodies. The woods that border Goat Parva seems the place to go when you want to do something in secret (or spy on those doing something in secret). Now those who like to spy on others are turning up dead and its the job for the police to figure out why and who did it and have to unravel who is spying on who along with intertwined personal relationships of the people there.
Enjoyed this as it was light and comical with a good mystery.
It begins with a local lady who walks her dog each morning in the near by woods when dog discovers a body opening the door for Knowles and his partner to investigate. On successive morning walks, the dog discovers more bodies. The woods that border Goat Parva seems the place to go when you want to do something in secret (or spy on those doing something in secret). Now those who like to spy on others are turning up dead and its the job for the police to figure out why and who did it and have to unravel who is spying on who along with intertwined personal relationships of the people there.
Enjoyed this as it was light and comical with a good mystery.
June 14, 2024
I think this is trying to be "Midsomer Murders". But, for me, it just misses. Yes, there are quirky characters (possibly sinister) and an oddly named village and, somehow, everyone is connected and possibly has motive. But it feels a bit silly.
Essentially it's 'police procedural' with a 'cozy village' vibe. But the humor feels forced. The detectives banter with each other (and the suspects, in fact, which just feels wrong) and it's like nobody is taking it seriously that people are being killed.
Anyway, I finished it, mostly because I'd actually paid for it vs borrowing. It cost me 99 cents and it was just about worth that. I don't expect to continue the series however.
Essentially it's 'police procedural' with a 'cozy village' vibe. But the humor feels forced. The detectives banter with each other (and the suspects, in fact, which just feels wrong) and it's like nobody is taking it seriously that people are being killed.
Anyway, I finished it, mostly because I'd actually paid for it vs borrowing. It cost me 99 cents and it was just about worth that. I don't expect to continue the series however.
January 7, 2021
Good story, but too many characters.
This book was interesting because a dog was one of the main characters!! He was the one who found the bodies and articles of clothing. Aside from him (the dog), I just couldn't get into any of the other people. Inspector Knowles was OK as was Barnes.I think I would like to read another one of these mysteries to see if it makes the same impression.toY
This book was interesting because a dog was one of the main characters!! He was the one who found the bodies and articles of clothing. Aside from him (the dog), I just couldn't get into any of the other people. Inspector Knowles was OK as was Barnes.I think I would like to read another one of these mysteries to see if it makes the same impression.toY
August 23, 2023
Humorous short mystery
A cozy village mystery with a good dose of humor as police try to solve mayhem and murder. Inspector Knowles is an interesting police inspector who is much smarter than he looks and doggedly goes after clues to solve the murders as well as dealing with a few other village mysteries and secrets. Very enjoyable.
A cozy village mystery with a good dose of humor as police try to solve mayhem and murder. Inspector Knowles is an interesting police inspector who is much smarter than he looks and doggedly goes after clues to solve the murders as well as dealing with a few other village mysteries and secrets. Very enjoyable.
June 3, 2020
Good British Mystery
I love these stories, this one had a host of interesting characters set in a small English village, throw in murders, sex, intrigue and you've got an interesting afternoon's read.
I love these stories, this one had a host of interesting characters set in a small English village, throw in murders, sex, intrigue and you've got an interesting afternoon's read.
August 7, 2020
I love this book
The villagers, the police, and even the police are funny in such original ways.I enjoyed the PC who studied trees, the woman with uncertain parentage, and especially Bingo the dog. I look forward to reading more in the series.
The villagers, the police, and even the police are funny in such original ways.I enjoyed the PC who studied trees, the woman with uncertain parentage, and especially Bingo the dog. I look forward to reading more in the series.
February 18, 2026
Good book
This is a very interesting book. Knowles and Barnes are investigating the murders of three stalkers. Goat Parva is a small village where everyone has secrets and someone is around to witness what is going on.
This is a very interesting book. Knowles and Barnes are investigating the murders of three stalkers. Goat Parva is a small village where everyone has secrets and someone is around to witness what is going on.
July 21, 2025
Wonderful deadpan humor, and a fun read. Not a traditional mystery, but enjoyable read. Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews