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Art Theft Mystery #1
Stealing the Spanish Princess
Eccentric Detective Richard Langley from the Art and Antiquities Unit is on the hunt for a stolen 16th-century masterpiece by the artist El Greco. The infamous thief stole the priceless painting from an apartment in Kensington, London, and—in the process—knifed a Russian woman to death.
By Richard’s side is Detective Chief Inspector Abdul Hazim from Scotland Yard’s Homicide Unit. Together, they pursue a trail that leads them from St. Petersburg to Madrid, facing off against two entities who want the painting as much as they do—the Russian mafia and a businesswoman in Madrid who has historical ties to the painter and the Spanish Princess.
But just as Richard and Abdul begin narrowing down culprits, an act of amateur heroism goes horribly wrong…and it’s up to them to rescue everyone involved.
Can detective and chief inspector alike uncover the true motive behind this illustrious theft and solve the case before another heinous act is committed?
By Richard’s side is Detective Chief Inspector Abdul Hazim from Scotland Yard’s Homicide Unit. Together, they pursue a trail that leads them from St. Petersburg to Madrid, facing off against two entities who want the painting as much as they do—the Russian mafia and a businesswoman in Madrid who has historical ties to the painter and the Spanish Princess.
But just as Richard and Abdul begin narrowing down culprits, an act of amateur heroism goes horribly wrong…and it’s up to them to rescue everyone involved.
Can detective and chief inspector alike uncover the true motive behind this illustrious theft and solve the case before another heinous act is committed?
- GenresMystery
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2022
12 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Bea Green
7 books3 followersI am the daughter of a British diplomat and a Spanish academic, spending my younger years growing up in Brazil and Mexico.
My mother is Spanish and I have close bonds with my Spanish family, who live in Madrid, Murcia, Cadiz and Andalucía. My Spanish grandfather owned an olive tree farm in Andalucía called Los Pinos and it was the inspiration for my book, La Finca.
I wrote La Finca when my mother began to get Alzheimer's. I felt my link with Spain was loosening, I had already lost my beloved Spanish grandmother, whom I was very close to, and I felt great sadness to see my mother fading away. Many of my Spanish memories are included in La Finca.
I also spent moments during my childhood visiting my other grandmother's house in Cornwall, called Trenouth. Those memories are tied in with the story. During World War 2, my father was evacuated out of London and sent to live in Cornwall. My grandmother, who was Irish/Indian, fell in love with the place.
There was a major shipwreck in Fox Cove two years before I was born (1969) and I was told as a child that the men from the shipwreck came to the house in the middle of the night. This incident I have woven into the story, but looking at the tragic incidence of people-smuggling, a modern-day reality.
The main theme for the book, however, is recovery from poor mental health, a topic that is important to me, which is why I also wrote surfing into the story. The inspiration was a news article about a Cornish lady who suffered from mental health issues and recovered by surfing in the sea. Nowadays, doctors in Cornwall can prescribe surfing lessons for mental health!
My book, Stealing the Spanish Princess, is the first in a series of art crime books. Art is a subject I studied throughout school and at St Andrew's University. I shared a love of art with my Spanish grandmother and we visited many galleries in Madrid together. Those memories, like so many others, are written into the book.
I like writing about fallible people, who are not perfect, so my imaginary police officers do ignore, bend or break the rules (usually with good intentions). It must be the Latin side of my character!
The Chagall Cello, the second in the series, is out now.
The readers who love my books are the ones that keep me writing because to be creative, and at the same time give pleasure to others in doing so, is the best thing in the world.
I live in Edinburgh, Scotland, with my husband and two daughters.
My mother is Spanish and I have close bonds with my Spanish family, who live in Madrid, Murcia, Cadiz and Andalucía. My Spanish grandfather owned an olive tree farm in Andalucía called Los Pinos and it was the inspiration for my book, La Finca.
I wrote La Finca when my mother began to get Alzheimer's. I felt my link with Spain was loosening, I had already lost my beloved Spanish grandmother, whom I was very close to, and I felt great sadness to see my mother fading away. Many of my Spanish memories are included in La Finca.
I also spent moments during my childhood visiting my other grandmother's house in Cornwall, called Trenouth. Those memories are tied in with the story. During World War 2, my father was evacuated out of London and sent to live in Cornwall. My grandmother, who was Irish/Indian, fell in love with the place.
There was a major shipwreck in Fox Cove two years before I was born (1969) and I was told as a child that the men from the shipwreck came to the house in the middle of the night. This incident I have woven into the story, but looking at the tragic incidence of people-smuggling, a modern-day reality.
The main theme for the book, however, is recovery from poor mental health, a topic that is important to me, which is why I also wrote surfing into the story. The inspiration was a news article about a Cornish lady who suffered from mental health issues and recovered by surfing in the sea. Nowadays, doctors in Cornwall can prescribe surfing lessons for mental health!
My book, Stealing the Spanish Princess, is the first in a series of art crime books. Art is a subject I studied throughout school and at St Andrew's University. I shared a love of art with my Spanish grandmother and we visited many galleries in Madrid together. Those memories, like so many others, are written into the book.
I like writing about fallible people, who are not perfect, so my imaginary police officers do ignore, bend or break the rules (usually with good intentions). It must be the Latin side of my character!
The Chagall Cello, the second in the series, is out now.
The readers who love my books are the ones that keep me writing because to be creative, and at the same time give pleasure to others in doing so, is the best thing in the world.
I live in Edinburgh, Scotland, with my husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 14, 2021
A painting so beautiful that it is unknown, hidden away by its owner, is stolen. A young woman is killed at the same time. An art expert from the Art and Antiquities Unit at Scotland Yard is called in, but with an unknown masterpiece that he must verify his life soon becomes complicated. This tense thriller takes its inspiration from the potential existence of a painting by El Greco, but then goes on to cover so much more, offering a real insight into the world of art conservation and verification, and the international importance of a few experts who can give definitive answers. As it features a Russian oligarch, Igor Babikov, the novel also supplies a glimpse into the world of the super rich, as well as the impact of a visit to St Petersburg among other exotic destinations.
Richard Langley is the art expert whose quiet world of art recovery is rocked when he is called into help with a brutal murder, and the help of Detective Inspector Eilidh Simmons is going to be essential as they both strive to discover a painting which was never though to exist because of a body which definitely does. This is a well-paced crime thriller which deals brilliantly with the difficulties of discovering a painting which may provide the motive for murder. As Richard’s knowledge of and love for art is central to the novel the reader learns so much about the world of art and fraud, while Eilidh realizes the problems of keeping her own life separate from the fast-moving demands of her job. This is an intense crime thriller with a real basis in a fascinating world, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review it.
As a first line goes, it is an unusual introduction to a crime novel: “Chief Inspector Richard Langley was inspecting a mummified foot in his basement office at New Scotland Yard when the phone call from the Superintendent came.” Richard is immersed in a world of objects which came into the building from airports among other places where dubious pieces turn up. It is a surprising call as the Superintendent is in charge of Homicide and Serious Crime Command, which rarely overlaps with the world of art, fine or otherwise. Richard soon discovers that in the world of Serious Crime, the human element is far more unpredictable than carefully gained knowledge of potential art fraud. Happily, he has a vital link to an investigator who has more robust abilities, Mike Telford, who has methods that are effective, even if not always fully in line with the law.
This is a book which I found hard to put down once I started; though not that knowledgeable about art, I soon understood that the existence of a near mythical painting provides the basis for an impressive novel of red herrings, exotic travel and much more. Richard is an unusual lead character in a novel which delves into some pretty murky places in the hunt for the truth, so it was easy to follow his point of view as he deals with the half-truths and red herrings of a complex case. The character of Eilidh proves another high point in a book which neatly covers the worlds of crime and art. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime novels which go beyond the usual format.
Richard Langley is the art expert whose quiet world of art recovery is rocked when he is called into help with a brutal murder, and the help of Detective Inspector Eilidh Simmons is going to be essential as they both strive to discover a painting which was never though to exist because of a body which definitely does. This is a well-paced crime thriller which deals brilliantly with the difficulties of discovering a painting which may provide the motive for murder. As Richard’s knowledge of and love for art is central to the novel the reader learns so much about the world of art and fraud, while Eilidh realizes the problems of keeping her own life separate from the fast-moving demands of her job. This is an intense crime thriller with a real basis in a fascinating world, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review it.
As a first line goes, it is an unusual introduction to a crime novel: “Chief Inspector Richard Langley was inspecting a mummified foot in his basement office at New Scotland Yard when the phone call from the Superintendent came.” Richard is immersed in a world of objects which came into the building from airports among other places where dubious pieces turn up. It is a surprising call as the Superintendent is in charge of Homicide and Serious Crime Command, which rarely overlaps with the world of art, fine or otherwise. Richard soon discovers that in the world of Serious Crime, the human element is far more unpredictable than carefully gained knowledge of potential art fraud. Happily, he has a vital link to an investigator who has more robust abilities, Mike Telford, who has methods that are effective, even if not always fully in line with the law.
This is a book which I found hard to put down once I started; though not that knowledgeable about art, I soon understood that the existence of a near mythical painting provides the basis for an impressive novel of red herrings, exotic travel and much more. Richard is an unusual lead character in a novel which delves into some pretty murky places in the hunt for the truth, so it was easy to follow his point of view as he deals with the half-truths and red herrings of a complex case. The character of Eilidh proves another high point in a book which neatly covers the worlds of crime and art. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime novels which go beyond the usual format.
July 11, 2021
Stealing the Spanish Princess starts on an interesting note, describing Richard Langley observing a mummified foot. Swiftly, it moves to introduce the characters who will play an investigative role in the events that unfold.
In this erudite and engaging work, author Bea Green sets the premise of a ravishing thriller. From nuances of Scotland Yard, to carefully etched personalities of each character and elaborate descriptions of places, we are treated to fantastic perspective in the backdrop of a crime.
Richard, a man with an intellectual bent, works as a detective in the art and antiquities crime unit of Scotland Yard. Dedicated to "...restoring cultural treasures to their grateful owners..." he is invited to a meeting in the homicide unit. He is shocked to see the photo of a murdered body in the case dossier that he casually opens.
The mystery that Richard and a team of experts are looking into has multi-national, multi-cultural dimensions. Adrenaline flows as this unlikely team tries to solve the murder mystery through preferences and perspectives. Oft, the writer brings out workplace frustrations and differences - of an art and history enthusiast teamed with "line of duty" professionals - to solve a high-profile case.
The writing is meticulous; the author has spent ample time on scenes and people. It is not a rushed work yet fast-paced. In times like ours, when people prefer the visual extravaganza of web series, Bea makes efforts to sketch imagery with words. One of my favorites is when Richard looks longingly at the thoroughfare scenes on the Thames from a glass window because his own office is tucked away in the basement.
While the genre is different, the delving into art stories reminded me of another beautiful book that I had thoroughly enjoyed - Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. Bea's writings, of course, hold closer semblance to the work of the celebrated Agatha Christie.
A weekend read, in one of my favorite genres - crime thriller and history - I am glad for picking up this book. Splattered with generous information on art and history, this is a delightful book. I look forward to reading more by the author and gladly give 5-stars to this promising work.
In this erudite and engaging work, author Bea Green sets the premise of a ravishing thriller. From nuances of Scotland Yard, to carefully etched personalities of each character and elaborate descriptions of places, we are treated to fantastic perspective in the backdrop of a crime.
Richard, a man with an intellectual bent, works as a detective in the art and antiquities crime unit of Scotland Yard. Dedicated to "...restoring cultural treasures to their grateful owners..." he is invited to a meeting in the homicide unit. He is shocked to see the photo of a murdered body in the case dossier that he casually opens.
The mystery that Richard and a team of experts are looking into has multi-national, multi-cultural dimensions. Adrenaline flows as this unlikely team tries to solve the murder mystery through preferences and perspectives. Oft, the writer brings out workplace frustrations and differences - of an art and history enthusiast teamed with "line of duty" professionals - to solve a high-profile case.
The writing is meticulous; the author has spent ample time on scenes and people. It is not a rushed work yet fast-paced. In times like ours, when people prefer the visual extravaganza of web series, Bea makes efforts to sketch imagery with words. One of my favorites is when Richard looks longingly at the thoroughfare scenes on the Thames from a glass window because his own office is tucked away in the basement.
While the genre is different, the delving into art stories reminded me of another beautiful book that I had thoroughly enjoyed - Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. Bea's writings, of course, hold closer semblance to the work of the celebrated Agatha Christie.
A weekend read, in one of my favorite genres - crime thriller and history - I am glad for picking up this book. Splattered with generous information on art and history, this is a delightful book. I look forward to reading more by the author and gladly give 5-stars to this promising work.
May 11, 2021
From the very first page I was hooked into the intriguing world of Art crime.
The main character, DCI Richard Langley works in the Art & Antiquities Unit at New Scotland Yard. He’s not your typical DCI, an introvert and gently spoken, preferring to spend time working in his windowless office surrounded by shelves of unresolved art theft cases. He’s clearly an expert in his field, with a vast knowledge of art history and priceless artefacts.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed a journey into the world of Art & Antiquities. The author demonstrates considerable knowledge in her writing of the numerous artists, famous paintings and museums that were included in her crime story. Throughout the book I couldn’t resist dipping into Google Images to look at the paintings and museums the author was describing so beautifully.
Stealing The Spanish Princess as a detective crime novel has plenty of twists and clever plot changes. It wasn’t predictable and it kept me guessing till quite near the end.
The main character, DCI Richard Langley works in the Art & Antiquities Unit at New Scotland Yard. He’s not your typical DCI, an introvert and gently spoken, preferring to spend time working in his windowless office surrounded by shelves of unresolved art theft cases. He’s clearly an expert in his field, with a vast knowledge of art history and priceless artefacts.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed a journey into the world of Art & Antiquities. The author demonstrates considerable knowledge in her writing of the numerous artists, famous paintings and museums that were included in her crime story. Throughout the book I couldn’t resist dipping into Google Images to look at the paintings and museums the author was describing so beautifully.
Stealing The Spanish Princess as a detective crime novel has plenty of twists and clever plot changes. It wasn’t predictable and it kept me guessing till quite near the end.
May 3, 2021
In this very entertaining novel, the eponymous Spanish Princess is a
painting by the famous artist El Greco (1541-1614), an artist who in many
ways was several hundred years ahead of his time. The painting is stolen
from the London apartment of a charismatic Russian oligarch and the story
follows the attempts of Inspector Richard Langley of Scotland yard's Art and
Antiquities Unit to recover the stolen masterpiece. There are some
associated murders along the way too.
The chief protagonist's love of art is very apparent throughout and the
writing is engaging but chilled. The story reminded me a little of Dan Brown's
The Da Vince Code. Instead of symbologist Robert Langdon we have art expert
Richard Langley and both books involve genealogical considerations as well
as historical speculation.
A very enjoyable read. If there are more Inspector Langley mysteries to come
I can imagine a splendid television series following his adventures.
painting by the famous artist El Greco (1541-1614), an artist who in many
ways was several hundred years ahead of his time. The painting is stolen
from the London apartment of a charismatic Russian oligarch and the story
follows the attempts of Inspector Richard Langley of Scotland yard's Art and
Antiquities Unit to recover the stolen masterpiece. There are some
associated murders along the way too.
The chief protagonist's love of art is very apparent throughout and the
writing is engaging but chilled. The story reminded me a little of Dan Brown's
The Da Vince Code. Instead of symbologist Robert Langdon we have art expert
Richard Langley and both books involve genealogical considerations as well
as historical speculation.
A very enjoyable read. If there are more Inspector Langley mysteries to come
I can imagine a splendid television series following his adventures.
May 17, 2021
Chief Inspector Richard Langley of the arts and antiquities unit of new Scotland yard is tasked with finding a priceless stolen El Greco painting. He is also investigating the murder of the owner’s Russian girlfriend at the scene of the theft in Stealing the Spanish Princess.
“Art crime was now estimated to be the third highest grossing criminal enterprise behind drugs and arms dealing, and recent figure suggested that thefts of art and antiquities in the UK alone totalled more than 300 million pounds. It was currency to fund arms, drugs and terrorism but unfortunately the general public didn’t seem to recognize this.“
Stealing the Spanish Princess is a British police procedural. But it also has many unexpected twists and turns. In addition, it teaches a bit about art. If you like police procedurals and/or see yourself as an armchair detective, you will enjoy this challenging mystery. 4 stars!
Thanks to Random Things Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
“Art crime was now estimated to be the third highest grossing criminal enterprise behind drugs and arms dealing, and recent figure suggested that thefts of art and antiquities in the UK alone totalled more than 300 million pounds. It was currency to fund arms, drugs and terrorism but unfortunately the general public didn’t seem to recognize this.“
Stealing the Spanish Princess is a British police procedural. But it also has many unexpected twists and turns. In addition, it teaches a bit about art. If you like police procedurals and/or see yourself as an armchair detective, you will enjoy this challenging mystery. 4 stars!
Thanks to Random Things Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2021
A painting recently identified as a "lost masterpiece" by El Greco is stolen from the London flat of its Russian billionaire owner and his girlfriend left murdered. Art theft specialist DCI Richard Langley’s investigation takes him to St Petersburg and Madrid and uncovers two more killings and a trail of ruthless international art thieves.
I’m used to reading US crime fiction, which tends to be gory and garish. Stealing the Spanish Princess is in the more workaday tradition of British television police procedurals like Morse or Foyle’s War. Bea Green writes in an unaffected style that has echoes of Agatha Christie, the "grandmother" of British crime authors. The pace is good and the art history well researched.
I’m used to reading US crime fiction, which tends to be gory and garish. Stealing the Spanish Princess is in the more workaday tradition of British television police procedurals like Morse or Foyle’s War. Bea Green writes in an unaffected style that has echoes of Agatha Christie, the "grandmother" of British crime authors. The pace is good and the art history well researched.
August 21, 2021
Stealing the Spanish Princess is a great novel written by Bea Green. I really enjoyed how the author portrayed every single detail in this plot. Her narrative, the dialogues and descriptions are very good. I felt trapped in this investigation. I can only say that at times I felt a bit at a loss, so it is advisable to read this novel with all out attention so as not to miss a thing.
I really liked that there are many places involved in the story; so I felt like travelling from one country to another. In my opinion, this is one of the strong points in the novel. Another good thing is that although I tried to guess what was going to happen in the end, I couldn’t. Which means that it is not a story that will disappoint the reader with obvious things. I recommend it.
I really liked that there are many places involved in the story; so I felt like travelling from one country to another. In my opinion, this is one of the strong points in the novel. Another good thing is that although I tried to guess what was going to happen in the end, I couldn’t. Which means that it is not a story that will disappoint the reader with obvious things. I recommend it.
August 22, 2021
I’ve chosen to read this book because the cover, together with the description, caught my attention. This is a perfect crime mystery to read during a weekend because it is not very long.
I always enjoy novels of good investigations and this is a great example of it; the investigation conducted by detective Richard Langley was really interesting. I read at the edge of my sofa almost from beginning to end. What I also liked is that the story is not predictable.
Characters are very well constructed, especially the main ones. Moreover, their dialogues look quite real, so it was like listening to them speaking. I enjoyed this read a lot!
I always enjoy novels of good investigations and this is a great example of it; the investigation conducted by detective Richard Langley was really interesting. I read at the edge of my sofa almost from beginning to end. What I also liked is that the story is not predictable.
Characters are very well constructed, especially the main ones. Moreover, their dialogues look quite real, so it was like listening to them speaking. I enjoyed this read a lot!
August 20, 2021
An intriguing and surprising novel
Bea Green is the writer of “Stealing the Spanish Princess”. This is a mystery novel that kept me intrigued at all times. The book combines art, money, mystery and motivation, which makes a book ideal for adults.
The novel trapped me and surprised me. While reading, I came up with varied endings. I unsuccessfully solved the mystery in my mind plenty of times, but new clues that I discovered while reading left me puzzled and took me to the starting point time and time again.
I felt motivated while reading this novel and this is why I recommend it.
Bea Green is the writer of “Stealing the Spanish Princess”. This is a mystery novel that kept me intrigued at all times. The book combines art, money, mystery and motivation, which makes a book ideal for adults.
The novel trapped me and surprised me. While reading, I came up with varied endings. I unsuccessfully solved the mystery in my mind plenty of times, but new clues that I discovered while reading left me puzzled and took me to the starting point time and time again.
I felt motivated while reading this novel and this is why I recommend it.
August 20, 2021
“Stealing the Spanish Princess” is a book written by author Bea Green. This fascinating story narrates the events that occur around the robbery of a valuable piece of art. These events trigger a crime and from that, different places and people are connected and intertwined in surprising ways.
When I started reading, I didn’t expect to find such a well written story which combines drama and mystery with detective work.
I was hooked by the book from the very beginning to the point I wasn’t aware I spent several hours in a row reading. I highly recommend it to drama and mystery lovers.
When I started reading, I didn’t expect to find such a well written story which combines drama and mystery with detective work.
I was hooked by the book from the very beginning to the point I wasn’t aware I spent several hours in a row reading. I highly recommend it to drama and mystery lovers.
June 30, 2021
A Snack in Terms of the World of Art and Old Masters
Enjoyable reading, light. The stories of art theft and preservation were interesting. Interesting characters,
developed with care. Take what is substantive and slide on the rest
Enjoyable reading, light. The stories of art theft and preservation were interesting. Interesting characters,
developed with care. Take what is substantive and slide on the rest
January 16, 2023
An enjoyable crime book, the first of a series that features the eccentric Richard Langley who heads up Scotland Yard’s Art crime section.
The book combines the traditional murder mystery against the background of Art theft - and much fun can be had in looking up the many paintings that are referenced as the story progresses.
Although I have not read the following novels (I will) you can sense that the author is pulling together her cast of characters and their relationships so that you can follow them in later books. These types of novels are good source material for TV series and you can almost see that the author setting out her stall in anticipation.
Great holiday read.
The book combines the traditional murder mystery against the background of Art theft - and much fun can be had in looking up the many paintings that are referenced as the story progresses.
Although I have not read the following novels (I will) you can sense that the author is pulling together her cast of characters and their relationships so that you can follow them in later books. These types of novels are good source material for TV series and you can almost see that the author setting out her stall in anticipation.
Great holiday read.
August 17, 2025
I love novels where, as well as enjoying a good old murder mystery, you get learn all sorts of detail about some subject. Stealing the Spanish Princess takes you into the world of art theft. The titbits of art history and critique pique the interest and stimulate further research. Throw in some Russian mafia, a secret love child and the beautiful architecture of London, Madrid and St Petersburg—what’s not to like?
DCI Richard Langley from Scotland Yard’s Art and Antiquities Unit and his colleagues from Homicide investigate a murder and art theft. The artwork in question is a fictional work by El Greco, hitherto unknown to anyone but its private owner. If no one knew of its existence, who could have stolen it? Positing a fictional artwork is a clever device.
The scenes are well described. One gets an immediate sense of the protagonist’s character, and secondary and minor characters are interesting. The pace is good, and there’s enough action to keep the story moving.
Some details bear more attention to verisimilitude—flowers have been banned from UK hospitals since 2003—would the intermediary with the criminals really be a priest?—police don’t read people Miranda rights when they’re just being questioned, only when they are under arrest--and the most intriguing clue for some reason is not followed up until the final chapters—but it’s a great story.
It’s billed as ‘a Richard Langley mystery’, but we don’t need to have read others in the series. I look forward to the next one.
DCI Richard Langley from Scotland Yard’s Art and Antiquities Unit and his colleagues from Homicide investigate a murder and art theft. The artwork in question is a fictional work by El Greco, hitherto unknown to anyone but its private owner. If no one knew of its existence, who could have stolen it? Positing a fictional artwork is a clever device.
The scenes are well described. One gets an immediate sense of the protagonist’s character, and secondary and minor characters are interesting. The pace is good, and there’s enough action to keep the story moving.
Some details bear more attention to verisimilitude—flowers have been banned from UK hospitals since 2003—would the intermediary with the criminals really be a priest?—police don’t read people Miranda rights when they’re just being questioned, only when they are under arrest--and the most intriguing clue for some reason is not followed up until the final chapters—but it’s a great story.
It’s billed as ‘a Richard Langley mystery’, but we don’t need to have read others in the series. I look forward to the next one.
May 18, 2021
This was recommended somewhere, and I found it on Kobo Plus. I had high hopes for it, but almost immediately lost confidence. Even in the first sentence the rank surely should be DCI, and Abdul must also be a DCI. Then there was the fact that the case was to be handled by twos DCIs and a DI, with a sergeant being used to guard the murder scene. Everything I know about police procedure I have learnt from fiction like this, but this one grated on me in many places. Towards the end the DI behaved in ways I think she should have been demoted and then sacked for.
At one point the narrator used the adjective 'humongous' (US spelling) and then used 'ambiguous' where I am pretty sure the author meant 'ambivalent'. I skimmed it to the end, but this wasn't for me.
At one point the narrator used the adjective 'humongous' (US spelling) and then used 'ambiguous' where I am pretty sure the author meant 'ambivalent'. I skimmed it to the end, but this wasn't for me.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews