Death Before Breakfast: An Inspector Lawrence Mystery

by Gwyneth Bledsoe

Chief Inspector Jack Lawrence & Sergeant Wilson set out to solve a robber y and encounter the unexpected in the London suburb of NottingHill. Their quest takes them to York to an art lover's mansion and across the English Channel to Paris in search of clues to unravel their latest criminal conundrum involving stolen paintings, and anonymout letter and an unidentified body. This compelling story will captivate the reader until Inspector Lawrence reveals all at the final denouement.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

308 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2010

Reviews

[Nina Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this from Amazon at random, as I have an interest in crime detection fiction. I didn't know what to expect, other than it's enjoyed good sales.
I enjoyed it. Simply, the detective, Inspector Lawrence, is presented with two crimes – a murder and a theft. To solve one, he needs to solve the other. Only then do we discover whether there's a connection.
The story moves along quite snappily, with all leads followed and various suspects eliminated until the villain is unmasked. The police officers are well-meaning and gentlemanly, something I enjoyed.
Think Ngaio Marsh’s Inspector Alleyn for the modern age.
The book ends with the first chapter of this second Inspector Lawrence, but I can't see the book for sale yet, so I guess the rest is still being written.

[Jan C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great, but not bad. Lightly entertaining.

I'd read more from this author. Not sure there is any more yet. It promises a publication this year of "Death at the Races". But nothing shows up for that title yet.

[Allan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing style was pretty old fashioned compared to the story line. It was hard for me to finish. The author also got preachy near the end. That was a complete turn off for me.

[Priscilla Glasow · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tepid plot and one dimensional characters. Disappointing.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought from the writing style and turn of phrase that the book was written well in the past. The prose style does not match the gritty life and work day of a Scotland Yard detective. Towards the end some modern phraseology is used, but self-consciously. Had the book's time period been the Victorian era or a bit later, it would have been much more acceptable. Ever read the old original Nancy Drew books.....

[Aaron Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another new author and a really enjoyable read.

[Kathie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mildly interesting British crime mystery with a far-fetched conclusion. The writing is ponderous.