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Kember and Hayes #3
A Perfect Time to Murder
WW2 is raging in the skies over England. But for Kember and Hayes there is murder underground.
January 1941. The Luftwaffe continues its assault on Britain from the sky, but ATA pilot Lizzie Hayes is grounded after a crash. Itching to be of use, she hears that DI Kember is investigating the death of a coal miner in Kent and sees her chance to help. They discover the miner died from carbon monoxide poisoning but Kember instinctively suspects foul play. Was it an accident, or murder?
Armed with her forensic psychology skills, Lizzie helps Kember interview the other miners, and it soon becomes apparent that nearly everyone had a motive for murder. Despite heavy snowfall threatening to cut off the mine, Kember and Hayes are certain the best clues will be found in the depths of the pit itself, and demand that the men—all suspects—lower them into the dark tunnels…
When the power goes out and they find themselves trapped, they must confront not only their blossoming feelings for each other but also the prospect that they may never see daylight again. And, even if they do, will they be any closer to finding the killer?
January 1941. The Luftwaffe continues its assault on Britain from the sky, but ATA pilot Lizzie Hayes is grounded after a crash. Itching to be of use, she hears that DI Kember is investigating the death of a coal miner in Kent and sees her chance to help. They discover the miner died from carbon monoxide poisoning but Kember instinctively suspects foul play. Was it an accident, or murder?
Armed with her forensic psychology skills, Lizzie helps Kember interview the other miners, and it soon becomes apparent that nearly everyone had a motive for murder. Despite heavy snowfall threatening to cut off the mine, Kember and Hayes are certain the best clues will be found in the depths of the pit itself, and demand that the men—all suspects—lower them into the dark tunnels…
When the power goes out and they find themselves trapped, they must confront not only their blossoming feelings for each other but also the prospect that they may never see daylight again. And, even if they do, will they be any closer to finding the killer?
365 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2023
67 people are currently reading
2193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 3, 2023
I'm a bit conflicted about this one.
I found the story fascinating at the beginning - a female protagonist with OCD who uses her talents as a criminal psychologist, world war 2 setting in the mines of Kent, the women's air transport auxiliary based on historical fact - these were all very much down my lane.
Unfortunately, despite the multiple exciting moments of arson and murder the story dragged and felt repetitive. I confess I skimmed through much of the last quarter. The problem may have been that they were snowed in in a mine in the dark and everything looked and sounded the same after a while...
I found the story fascinating at the beginning - a female protagonist with OCD who uses her talents as a criminal psychologist, world war 2 setting in the mines of Kent, the women's air transport auxiliary based on historical fact - these were all very much down my lane.
Unfortunately, despite the multiple exciting moments of arson and murder the story dragged and felt repetitive. I confess I skimmed through much of the last quarter. The problem may have been that they were snowed in in a mine in the dark and everything looked and sounded the same after a while...
March 11, 2023
The story:
It is January 1941, and war is raging in Europe and beyond. But when colliery worker Christopher Morris dies of an apparent heart attack in his sleep, it seems to be a simple case of natural causes. However, with local police dissatisfied with both the medical verdict and the seemingly evasive response from the man’s boss and colleagues at a Kent colliery, DI Jonathan Kember is drafted in to investigate.
When Officer Lizzie Hayes, Air Transport Auxiliary at RAF Scotney, is grounded from flying following an accident, she once again joins Kember to bring her psychology training to bear on the investigation.
The pair immediately begin to ruffle feathers at Bekesbourne Colliery, and they seem to be getting closer to uncovering what has really happened. The answers seem to lie below ground, in the depths of the coal mine. But could Morris’ death really have been murder, and if so, will Kember and Hayes be able to uncover the killer and escape with their own lives?
My thoughts:
“A Perfect Time to Murder” is the third book in the Kember & Hayes Mystery series by NR Daws, and the first I’ve read. Set during World War II, DI Kember of Kent County Constabulary (formerly Scotland Yard) has made something of a name for himself solving some tricky cases in the previous books.
Officer Lizzie Hayes and the women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary conduct vital war work delivering aircraft around the country. But with bad weather causing Lizzie to crash land, she is grounded while an investigation into her competence is conducted. Interestingly, Lizzie has psychology training, making her the perfect partner to assist DI Kember investigate what appears to be some sort of cover-up at a Kent coal mine. But are the boss and colleagues of the dead man covering up negligence or murder?
I really enjoyed the pairing of Kember and Hayes, and Lizzie in particular was a very likeable and interesting character, fighting for her place in a man’s world, first at RAF Scotney and then in the male-dominated world of mining. Her psychological skills are the perfect match for Kember’s investigative ones. It’s also clear from early in the book that the pair harbour more than professional feelings for each other!
There are a number of potential suspects in the case, with the dead man being fairly universally disliked. Colliery owner Clifford Burnley is particular unpleasant, and seems set to be as unhelpful as possible. And the other miners working with the victim are no better, and Kember and Hayes uncover plenty of motives for wanting the Morris dead, from adultery to cheating at cards, which leaves the reader guessing until the end about what’s really happened.
Overall this is a thoroughly enjoyable historical murder mystery, perfect for fans of Foyle’s War. Although the third in the series, I was easily able to pick up and enjoy it, and felt like I quickly got to know the great team of Kember and Hayes (and I’ll definitely now be going back to books 1 and 2!). Highly recommended, and hopefully there’s more to come from this great series soon!
It is January 1941, and war is raging in Europe and beyond. But when colliery worker Christopher Morris dies of an apparent heart attack in his sleep, it seems to be a simple case of natural causes. However, with local police dissatisfied with both the medical verdict and the seemingly evasive response from the man’s boss and colleagues at a Kent colliery, DI Jonathan Kember is drafted in to investigate.
When Officer Lizzie Hayes, Air Transport Auxiliary at RAF Scotney, is grounded from flying following an accident, she once again joins Kember to bring her psychology training to bear on the investigation.
The pair immediately begin to ruffle feathers at Bekesbourne Colliery, and they seem to be getting closer to uncovering what has really happened. The answers seem to lie below ground, in the depths of the coal mine. But could Morris’ death really have been murder, and if so, will Kember and Hayes be able to uncover the killer and escape with their own lives?
My thoughts:
“A Perfect Time to Murder” is the third book in the Kember & Hayes Mystery series by NR Daws, and the first I’ve read. Set during World War II, DI Kember of Kent County Constabulary (formerly Scotland Yard) has made something of a name for himself solving some tricky cases in the previous books.
Officer Lizzie Hayes and the women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary conduct vital war work delivering aircraft around the country. But with bad weather causing Lizzie to crash land, she is grounded while an investigation into her competence is conducted. Interestingly, Lizzie has psychology training, making her the perfect partner to assist DI Kember investigate what appears to be some sort of cover-up at a Kent coal mine. But are the boss and colleagues of the dead man covering up negligence or murder?
I really enjoyed the pairing of Kember and Hayes, and Lizzie in particular was a very likeable and interesting character, fighting for her place in a man’s world, first at RAF Scotney and then in the male-dominated world of mining. Her psychological skills are the perfect match for Kember’s investigative ones. It’s also clear from early in the book that the pair harbour more than professional feelings for each other!
There are a number of potential suspects in the case, with the dead man being fairly universally disliked. Colliery owner Clifford Burnley is particular unpleasant, and seems set to be as unhelpful as possible. And the other miners working with the victim are no better, and Kember and Hayes uncover plenty of motives for wanting the Morris dead, from adultery to cheating at cards, which leaves the reader guessing until the end about what’s really happened.
Overall this is a thoroughly enjoyable historical murder mystery, perfect for fans of Foyle’s War. Although the third in the series, I was easily able to pick up and enjoy it, and felt like I quickly got to know the great team of Kember and Hayes (and I’ll definitely now be going back to books 1 and 2!). Highly recommended, and hopefully there’s more to come from this great series soon!
March 13, 2023
I have a little confession to make- yes yet another one. Although I have the first two books in the Kember and Hayes series on my ever increasing ‘to be read’ pile, I haven’t read one…….until now that is. The series takes place during the Second World War. When I was invited to take part in the blog tour for ‘A Perfect Time To Murder’, which is the third book in the series, I thought that I wouldn’t get a better opportunity to discover N. R. Daws’s work. Having enjoyed reading ‘A Perfect Time To Murder’ as much as I did, I am now rather cross at leaving it this long to discover how flipping fantastic the Kember and Hayes series really is. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Perfect Time To Murder’ but more about that in a bit.
As soon as I started reading, I realised two things – one being the fact that I knew I was going to become addicted to the story and the second being the fact that I would find it nigh on impossibly to put the book down. I was spot on on both counts. I started reading and basically forgot to stop. I had initially only intended to read a chapter or two but I became so wrapped up in the story, in the Second World War and in the lives of the different characters that I was still sat there reading several chapters and an hour or two later. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I loved the detective partnership of Kember and Hayes and I had to keep reading to see if they managed to solve the crime or not. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘A Perfect Time To Murder’ and I had to say goodbye to Kember and Hayes. I found ‘A Perfect Time To Murder’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘A Perfect Time To Murder’ is extremely well written and then some. The author certainly has the knack of grabbing the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. N. R. Daws clearly cares about his characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which he describes them. He makes his characters seem just as real as you and I. By the time I got part way through the book I felt that I had made two friends in Kember and Hayes. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a steady pace throughout. This might sound a bit odd to some people but I actually loved the fact that coal mining formed part of the story as I am from a long line of miners. I loved the description of the role of the winding engineman as that is the exact role that my grandpa and my great grandpa had. I loved the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Perfect Time To Murder’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of N. R. Daws’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
As soon as I started reading, I realised two things – one being the fact that I knew I was going to become addicted to the story and the second being the fact that I would find it nigh on impossibly to put the book down. I was spot on on both counts. I started reading and basically forgot to stop. I had initially only intended to read a chapter or two but I became so wrapped up in the story, in the Second World War and in the lives of the different characters that I was still sat there reading several chapters and an hour or two later. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I loved the detective partnership of Kember and Hayes and I had to keep reading to see if they managed to solve the crime or not. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘A Perfect Time To Murder’ and I had to say goodbye to Kember and Hayes. I found ‘A Perfect Time To Murder’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘A Perfect Time To Murder’ is extremely well written and then some. The author certainly has the knack of grabbing the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. N. R. Daws clearly cares about his characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which he describes them. He makes his characters seem just as real as you and I. By the time I got part way through the book I felt that I had made two friends in Kember and Hayes. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a steady pace throughout. This might sound a bit odd to some people but I actually loved the fact that coal mining formed part of the story as I am from a long line of miners. I loved the description of the role of the winding engineman as that is the exact role that my grandpa and my great grandpa had. I loved the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Perfect Time To Murder’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of N. R. Daws’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
March 20, 2023
This is a great series for those who enjoy crime fiction and history. After completing book three I felt the need to for a review.
These books are set in England during the second world war and here we meet detective inspector Jonathan Kember and Lizzie Hayes an air auxiliary transport pilot who also has a degree in psychology and and criminology. This give us a recognised professional and an intelligent amateur and, it is interesting to see psychology finding its' way into crime fighting. Kember works through scepticism to respect as he finds Lizzie's knowledge and skills complement his own.
The central story shows what good people can do when pushed and the double standards that even to this day women have to adhere to. N.R. Daws set a tense and claustrophobic scene with most of the action happening above and below the grounds of a coalmine where trapped in a blanket of snow one has to stay alert as to who may not have your best intentions at heart.
In these stories you get a good crime story but also a real feel for living during the war particularily from those who stayed behind, such as those unable to go to war even if they wished to as their roles were deemed essential e.g. farmers and miners. Including, women taking on roles previously held by men and society's reaction to this but also women's changing ideas of themselves. As well as the food rationing, the fear of spies and living in the shadow of bombs.
Sarah Zimmerman is the perfect narrator for this series. Sometimes I struggle with female narrators as I find their pitch quiet uncomfortable but sarah slipped easily between the male and female roles.
These books are set in England during the second world war and here we meet detective inspector Jonathan Kember and Lizzie Hayes an air auxiliary transport pilot who also has a degree in psychology and and criminology. This give us a recognised professional and an intelligent amateur and, it is interesting to see psychology finding its' way into crime fighting. Kember works through scepticism to respect as he finds Lizzie's knowledge and skills complement his own.
The central story shows what good people can do when pushed and the double standards that even to this day women have to adhere to. N.R. Daws set a tense and claustrophobic scene with most of the action happening above and below the grounds of a coalmine where trapped in a blanket of snow one has to stay alert as to who may not have your best intentions at heart.
In these stories you get a good crime story but also a real feel for living during the war particularily from those who stayed behind, such as those unable to go to war even if they wished to as their roles were deemed essential e.g. farmers and miners. Including, women taking on roles previously held by men and society's reaction to this but also women's changing ideas of themselves. As well as the food rationing, the fear of spies and living in the shadow of bombs.
Sarah Zimmerman is the perfect narrator for this series. Sometimes I struggle with female narrators as I find their pitch quiet uncomfortable but sarah slipped easily between the male and female roles.
January 19, 2023
A Perfect Time to Murder by N.R. Daws
It is January 1941 and Det Inspector Kember has been called to investigate a suspicious death at a coal mine in Kent. Air Force pilot, Lizzie Hayes is grounded and follows Kember to help. Kember applies his logical detective training while Hayes applies her forensic psychology training. (The psychology is highly dubious, but it makes for a good story, so we’ll forgive it.)
Almost all the staff at the mine has cause to kill the victim. Navigating a coal mine/colliery in the snow, during a war with blackouts and surrounded by possible killers puts Kember and Hays at risk and they make several narrow escapes before help arrives.
As a whodunit, A Perfect Time to Murder rather fails because it breaks some of the rules. The reader isn’t given all the clues and without them, there was no way to work out who the killer was before the grand reveal at the end of the book. Agatha Christie would not approve! But as a light piece of historical fiction, set in a quaint setting and time, it works fine. The characters are interesting and agreeable and the plot ticks along at an easy pace. The writing is accurate and so the entire book is a comfortable winter read.
It is January 1941 and Det Inspector Kember has been called to investigate a suspicious death at a coal mine in Kent. Air Force pilot, Lizzie Hayes is grounded and follows Kember to help. Kember applies his logical detective training while Hayes applies her forensic psychology training. (The psychology is highly dubious, but it makes for a good story, so we’ll forgive it.)
Almost all the staff at the mine has cause to kill the victim. Navigating a coal mine/colliery in the snow, during a war with blackouts and surrounded by possible killers puts Kember and Hays at risk and they make several narrow escapes before help arrives.
As a whodunit, A Perfect Time to Murder rather fails because it breaks some of the rules. The reader isn’t given all the clues and without them, there was no way to work out who the killer was before the grand reveal at the end of the book. Agatha Christie would not approve! But as a light piece of historical fiction, set in a quaint setting and time, it works fine. The characters are interesting and agreeable and the plot ticks along at an easy pace. The writing is accurate and so the entire book is a comfortable winter read.
December 25, 2022
A Perfect Time to Murder by N. R. Daws.
3 A Kember and Hayes Mystery.
January 1941. The Luftwaffe continues its assault on Britain from the sky, but ATA pilot Lizzie Hayes is grounded after a crash. Itching to be of use, she hears that DI Kember is investigating the death of a coal miner in Kent and sees her chance to help. They discover the miner died from carbon monoxide poisoning but Kember instinctively suspects foul play. Was it an accident, or murder?Armed with her forensic psychology skills, Lizzie helps Kember interview the other miners, and it soon becomes apparent that nearly everyone had a motive for murder. Despite heavy snowfall threatening to cut off the mine, Kember and Hayes are certain the best clues will be found in the depths of the pit itself, and demand that the men—all suspects—lower them into the dark tunnels…When the power goes out and they find themselves trapped, they must confront not only their blossoming feelings for each other but also the prospect that they may never see daylight again. And, even if they do, will they be any closer to finding the killer?
Really good read. A great series. 4*.
3 A Kember and Hayes Mystery.
January 1941. The Luftwaffe continues its assault on Britain from the sky, but ATA pilot Lizzie Hayes is grounded after a crash. Itching to be of use, she hears that DI Kember is investigating the death of a coal miner in Kent and sees her chance to help. They discover the miner died from carbon monoxide poisoning but Kember instinctively suspects foul play. Was it an accident, or murder?Armed with her forensic psychology skills, Lizzie helps Kember interview the other miners, and it soon becomes apparent that nearly everyone had a motive for murder. Despite heavy snowfall threatening to cut off the mine, Kember and Hayes are certain the best clues will be found in the depths of the pit itself, and demand that the men—all suspects—lower them into the dark tunnels…When the power goes out and they find themselves trapped, they must confront not only their blossoming feelings for each other but also the prospect that they may never see daylight again. And, even if they do, will they be any closer to finding the killer?
Really good read. A great series. 4*.
March 11, 2023
I was expecting to go into this and for it to be a bit heavy, due to the War background. This couldn't have been any further from the truth. In fact I would argue this is written at the more cozy end of the spectrum.
As soon as I began I was hooked. It follows the story of the strange death of a miner, from his point of view to begin with and then as Kemper goes to investigate. Lizzie Hayes goes to join him she's grounded following a flying incident.
There are various stories going on here, the misogyny of the male military towards the female pilots, the arrogance, or fear of the mine owner, the tipple effect of the death of Amy Johnson, which I thought was a really nice touch.
I loved the relationship between Kemper and Lizzie, something I assume has been developing over books one and two, but I've come straight in at book 3.
The tension really ramps up, and with a background of heavy snow and a blackout, it creates quite the atmosphere.
I loved this so much I can't wait to go and start the books from beginning and have found another new must read author and I will be recommending these far and wide.
As soon as I began I was hooked. It follows the story of the strange death of a miner, from his point of view to begin with and then as Kemper goes to investigate. Lizzie Hayes goes to join him she's grounded following a flying incident.
There are various stories going on here, the misogyny of the male military towards the female pilots, the arrogance, or fear of the mine owner, the tipple effect of the death of Amy Johnson, which I thought was a really nice touch.
I loved the relationship between Kemper and Lizzie, something I assume has been developing over books one and two, but I've come straight in at book 3.
The tension really ramps up, and with a background of heavy snow and a blackout, it creates quite the atmosphere.
I loved this so much I can't wait to go and start the books from beginning and have found another new must read author and I will be recommending these far and wide.
February 26, 2023
Thank you to a Goodreads giveaway and the author for my kindle read of this title.
A very enjoyable historical mystery, set in England in WWII, featuring a Scotland Yard inspector (Kember) and a female pilot in the Air Transport Auxiliary (Hayes).
Pluses: There were a lot of twists and turns in the action and the suspect list. There was a lot of interesting information about the coal mining industry, and the setting and procedures were described well. The suspense was heightened by much of the action happening during a severe snowstorm, which influenced the characters' behavior and altered the available clues. Lizzie's knowledge of forensic psychology definitely added to the storyline, though I did wonder if it was somewhat anachronistic - I am not sure that the field was developed to that extent at the time.
Minus: Lizzie's anxiety was referenced so often that it got a little tiresome.
This is the third in a series, but I did not have any problem reading and enjoying it as a standalone. Definitely would now like to go back and read the first two, though.
A very enjoyable historical mystery, set in England in WWII, featuring a Scotland Yard inspector (Kember) and a female pilot in the Air Transport Auxiliary (Hayes).
Pluses: There were a lot of twists and turns in the action and the suspect list. There was a lot of interesting information about the coal mining industry, and the setting and procedures were described well. The suspense was heightened by much of the action happening during a severe snowstorm, which influenced the characters' behavior and altered the available clues. Lizzie's knowledge of forensic psychology definitely added to the storyline, though I did wonder if it was somewhat anachronistic - I am not sure that the field was developed to that extent at the time.
Minus: Lizzie's anxiety was referenced so often that it got a little tiresome.
This is the third in a series, but I did not have any problem reading and enjoying it as a standalone. Definitely would now like to go back and read the first two, though.
March 1, 2023
An exciting, gripping and thrilling story that had lots of physical and psychological twists and turns. Set in World War Two, in the city of Coventry, which was heavily bombed during the war, the main characters investigate a suspected murder. The investigation leads to the detective, Kember, and his girlfriend and colleague, Lizzie, being the hunted as they fight for survival, while trying to unmask a killer.
The plot reveals lots of information about the inner workings of a mine and the miners who work below ground, whilst covering the issues of injustice, unfairness and inequality. The treatment received by Lizzie also highlighted how bad discrimination against women was during the war years as men resented women in the work place!
The conclusion provided a double, unexpected twist in the plot. However, as Kember and Lizzie part, the reader is left in limbo, but also, perhaps, keen to find out what happened next!
I have enjoyed reading and reviewing this crime fiction novel for NetGalley.
The plot reveals lots of information about the inner workings of a mine and the miners who work below ground, whilst covering the issues of injustice, unfairness and inequality. The treatment received by Lizzie also highlighted how bad discrimination against women was during the war years as men resented women in the work place!
The conclusion provided a double, unexpected twist in the plot. However, as Kember and Lizzie part, the reader is left in limbo, but also, perhaps, keen to find out what happened next!
I have enjoyed reading and reviewing this crime fiction novel for NetGalley.
March 9, 2023
The third book in the Kember and Hayes Mystery series. I had the pleasure to read the previous books so was quite looking forward to catching up with Kember and Hayes.
Set during World War 2, in Coventry we see them investigating a murder case. Lizzie Hayes, an ATA pilot has been grounded and decides to join Kember on his hunt for a killer. She has psychology skills that help to determine who is lying during interviews. But as the story unfolds, its a race against time to attempt to catch a killer before they kill again.
An entertaining read that has characters I could get invested in easily. Everyone was described to a point of making them realistic. This level of quality runs throughout the series. Along with a plot that's full of twists and turns. This book is a good addition to the series.
It's a fast paced story that once it grips you doesn't let go easily. I can attest to that as I had to tear myself away from it to feed the family. I definitely enjoyed my time with Kember and Hayes!
Thanks to DLM Book Tours , the author and ng.
Set during World War 2, in Coventry we see them investigating a murder case. Lizzie Hayes, an ATA pilot has been grounded and decides to join Kember on his hunt for a killer. She has psychology skills that help to determine who is lying during interviews. But as the story unfolds, its a race against time to attempt to catch a killer before they kill again.
An entertaining read that has characters I could get invested in easily. Everyone was described to a point of making them realistic. This level of quality runs throughout the series. Along with a plot that's full of twists and turns. This book is a good addition to the series.
It's a fast paced story that once it grips you doesn't let go easily. I can attest to that as I had to tear myself away from it to feed the family. I definitely enjoyed my time with Kember and Hayes!
Thanks to DLM Book Tours , the author and ng.
March 12, 2023
In brief, Hayes is sent to a coal mine to investigate a suspicious death while Lizzie, currently grounded decides to join him. But with many suspects and relentless snowfall their only recourse is to godown the mine in the hope of finding clues to discover the truth. But someone is determined to stop that happening.
I found this book to be a fascinating read set against the backdrop of the Second World War and with the descriptions of how mines operate I was brought fully into the story. Both Kember and Lizzie are great characters, especially Lizzie as she fights a constant battle against men’s prejudices against women. I could also relate in a way to how she forces herself to overcome her own anxieties.
A Perfect Time for Murder is a fast paced book and although it’s the third in the series, it didn’t detract from the story and I found myself quickly feeling as if known Kember and Lizzie for a long time. I really don’t know how I missed this series, but I do know I’ll be getting the first and second books to find out how it all started for DI Kember and pilot Lizzie Hayes.
I found this book to be a fascinating read set against the backdrop of the Second World War and with the descriptions of how mines operate I was brought fully into the story. Both Kember and Lizzie are great characters, especially Lizzie as she fights a constant battle against men’s prejudices against women. I could also relate in a way to how she forces herself to overcome her own anxieties.
A Perfect Time for Murder is a fast paced book and although it’s the third in the series, it didn’t detract from the story and I found myself quickly feeling as if known Kember and Lizzie for a long time. I really don’t know how I missed this series, but I do know I’ll be getting the first and second books to find out how it all started for DI Kember and pilot Lizzie Hayes.
June 21, 2025
Whilst this wasn't a bad book, it wasn't that brilliant either. I felt that it went on far too long, with most of the extraneous bits being taken up with the investigative duo constantly changing their minds on who the killer was. First if was one person, then it was someone else, then everyone in a particular group was involved, then none of them were, then it was the first person again, then... well you get the picture. And why is it in many books the woman only have to give a stony stare to a man for him to give in and let her do what she wants. Huh! If only.
I also find that the feminism issue is becoming annoying. As someone born in the 50s I do know what it was like for women to be belittled by men, but I absolutely do not need it pushed down my throat on every page!
I also find that the feminism issue is becoming annoying. As someone born in the 50s I do know what it was like for women to be belittled by men, but I absolutely do not need it pushed down my throat on every page!
March 4, 2023
Having enjoyed the first two books in this series I am afraid that I was disappointed by this one. Although the description of a heavy snowstorm was very atmospheric the fact that most of the action took place in one setting became a bit depressing at times. Plus it was easy to see how the protagonists would put themselves in danger with the inevitable outcome. The slowly developing relationship between Lizzie and Member has moved on slightly but there again I wonder why it is so drawn out during a time of war when both are effectively single. I'm sorry that this is a slightly negative review as I do admire the author's style but just hope the next book is a bit more exciting.
July 21, 2023
This is my first book in the series. I am definitely going back for more. It did take me a little time to get hooked; it seemed a little slow in the beginning. But I loved the setting and behind-the-scenes descriptions of the perils of investigating a murder during a war. Guarding against bombs from the Nazis put the duo in jeopardy during their harrowing journey. Snowstorms, bad roads, and more threw challenge after challenge at the pair and they managed to work together to conquer each one and make it through their list of suspects. They were wrong multiple times, which is refreshing. I admire Lizzie’s independence. I like to think I would aspire to her level of intelligence and perseverance if I had lived then. Her anxiety just adds to her charm. I can’t wait for the next book.
April 28, 2024
A Really Gripping Mystery. This was the third that I've read by this exciting new author. The first was outstanding, the second good but wasn't outstanding but this third one was a real return to form and I just couldn't fault it. The story includes events that occur underground in a Kentish coal mine and I found that truly exciting as in my youth I had done some potholing and I was reminded of it by these events with the author explaining his research at the end notes. Strongly recommended!
February 27, 2023
Third book/excellent series
I read this using both the Kindle and audible. Enjoyed both. His characters struggle with life events like all of us while still solving the mystery. Looking forward to book four.
I read this using both the Kindle and audible. Enjoyed both. His characters struggle with life events like all of us while still solving the mystery. Looking forward to book four.
March 2, 2023
I read it on my friend's recommendation and loved it! Without a doubt, this book has become one of my favourites. I'm going to read the author's other books. highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley for oppurtunity!
December 30, 2022
An interesting historical detective story with compelling characters and a fast-paced plot.
Would recommend
Thank you to N. R. Daws, NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the arc of this book.
Would recommend
Thank you to N. R. Daws, NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the arc of this book.
January 29, 2023
January 1941. ATA Pilot Lizzie Hayes has been temporarily grounded due to a crash landing. With time on her hands and discovering that DI Jonathan Kember has been sent to Canterbury and the Bekesbourne Colliery due to the suspicious death of Christopher Morris, she decides to join him. With her psychology skills she is able to help Kember determine who is lying in their interviews. Can they catch the killer before they kill again.
An entertaining and well-written wartime mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining and well-written wartime mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2023
Great story and setting
April 10, 2023
Wow!
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and watching their working and personal relationship blossom warmed my heart
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and watching their working and personal relationship blossom warmed my heart
April 21, 2023
Who killed Mr. Morris and how and why??? Rape??? I enjoyed this journey and recommended the book.
August 24, 2023
Kember & Hayes 3, Perfect time to murder
Another good mystery in the series, I hope there are more to come. We need to know what happens to our heroes!!
Another good mystery in the series, I hope there are more to come. We need to know what happens to our heroes!!
January 16, 2024
Even tho I spotted most of the perps long before the end it didnt spoil it at all as the writer keeps you connecetd throughout. I do like these easy to read tales from a time gone by sadly!
March 15, 2025
Crossing my fingers there's more to come
February 14, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book from Amazon Publishing UK through Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
This book is part of a series, but I had no problems following the story reading this book out of context, which I always enjoy, and beginning the novel it made me want to go back and read the other books in the series. I did not like that the main character is a modern feminist dropped into the 40's as if she is somehow just more in touch than everyone in the time period. While I enjoy strong female leads in books I do not enjoy judging a previous time period by the standards of today. There was some exciting action, and the story moved along at a good pace.
**Some spoilers**
The book was well written, and definitely drew you into the story not wanting to put it down, but then at the end after finding all the clues and all the motives, suddenly not a bit of it matters and the wrap up is based on a motive and event that was never brought up and never discovered, but somehow the modern feminist detective/pilot is also psychic and knew it when no one else did. If that was going to be the wrap up, there should have been clues throughout the story.
**review will be added to "reading lately" post on booklistqueen.com
This book is part of a series, but I had no problems following the story reading this book out of context, which I always enjoy, and beginning the novel it made me want to go back and read the other books in the series. I did not like that the main character is a modern feminist dropped into the 40's as if she is somehow just more in touch than everyone in the time period. While I enjoy strong female leads in books I do not enjoy judging a previous time period by the standards of today. There was some exciting action, and the story moved along at a good pace.
**Some spoilers**
The book was well written, and definitely drew you into the story not wanting to put it down, but then at the end after finding all the clues and all the motives, suddenly not a bit of it matters and the wrap up is based on a motive and event that was never brought up and never discovered, but somehow the modern feminist detective/pilot is also psychic and knew it when no one else did. If that was going to be the wrap up, there should have been clues throughout the story.
**review will be added to "reading lately" post on booklistqueen.com
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