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A Mystery for D.I. Costello #1
Game, Set and Murder: A Mystery For Di Costello
It’s the first day of the tennis tournament at Wimbledon. And a dead body is lying on court nineteen. Newly-promoted detective inspector Angela Costello recognizes the dead man as the Croatian champion-turned-coach, Petar Belic. Double grand-slam winner, Petar was one of the best-known and best loved players of the modern era. Petar had a complicated life: an ex-wife who wanted him back; a girlfriend who didn’t want to let him go; a business partner with secrets. Then there was leading Brit Stewart Bickerstaff, not universally popular with his fellow players, whom Petar had been coaching. Little by little DI Costello, despite awkward and prickly colleagues, discerns a trail through the mass of information. Unfortunately she has no way of proving her suspicions. But a prime suspect has overlooked a vital detail …
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2013
20 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 23, 2025
I listened to it and the writing and narration was great. I liked the pace and the main character, cool setting. But the unchecked misogyny sprinkled all over the place made me triple check if the author is not a man writing under a pseudonym. It was unnecessary and weird that the main character wasn’t questioning it and even contributing to it. It seems that not to be called slurs you have to be Christian, pregnant or a stately mom. Men ofc don’t have to hold to a standard like this here, when they’re immature they’re just cute or annoying and will grow out of it not wh*res and gold diggers. I think even my 99 year old great grandma has less of a outdated sense of placing what a woman should be in society.
April 6, 2018
Petar Belic, a beloved retired tennis championship, is found dead at Wimbledon arena just as the annual tournament is starting. This gives newly promoted D.I. Angela Costello the chance to revel in the tennis atmosphere while she investigates just what happened to Belic. For a universally admired man, he seems to have a number of people who might want to kill him. Angela feels under pressure with this high-profile case, but uses her people skills and imagination to solve this series starter.
August 21, 2024
Asså jag förstår inte tennis när jag kollar på de och ännu mindre när nån annan förklarar en match.
En känd tenis spelare hittas död på en av Wimbledons tenisbanor. Nu är det dags för den nya inspektören att hitta mördaren.
Stuart(de hittar aldrig några motiv men han får ut sig att de är han som är mördaren).
En känd tenis spelare hittas död på en av Wimbledons tenisbanor. Nu är det dags för den nya inspektören att hitta mördaren.
Stuart(de hittar aldrig några motiv men han får ut sig att de är han som är mördaren).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2022
Just OK. I hoped until the last that the author would surprise me with who the killer was, but alas. It was the obvious choice. 😔
October 17, 2024
It was hard to keep up with all of the characters and who is who. It dragged on at times.
July 4, 2019
Wimbledon meets murder mystery? I think yes.
The Story.
Wimbledon was the scene of Petar Belic’s greatest accomplishments as a tennis player. Few would have guessed that it would also be the scene of his death - but it is there that he is found sprawled out on Court 19, murdered.
Newly promoted detective inspector Angela Costello has always been a huge fan of tennis and of Belic particularly. When she is given Belic’s murder as her first case as a D.I., she is thrilled – and nervous. She’s always been a junior officer in her cases, doing the leg work and drudging paperwork. But now she’s the one calling the shots! Can she handle the pressures of such a publicized case?
To all outer appearances, Petar Belic didn’t really have any enemies. Sure, he left his wife and kids a few years back, but the two of them have maintained a friendship. His new girlfriend is infatuated with him, his business partner is profiting because of him, and his star pupil is passing all expectations on the court. Could the murderer have been one of this close-knit group? And is this the only murder that will wind up in the case?
Discussion.
Anyone who reads my reviews will know that I love mysteries. What is less commonly known is that I’m a huge tennis fan – and something of a player. So, when a book combines tennis with a mystery, odds are that I’m going to enjoy it.
Which I did. It’s hard to believe that this is Elizabeth Flynn’s first novel – she did a great job with pacing and with spreading clues out over the suspects. The characters are good – not quite as deep as they could have been, but still believable and multi-dimensional. Angela, especially is well-crafted as she struggles to balance out her excitement (first case as Detective Inspector - yay!) and her lack of certainty (first case as Detective Inspector – good grief!). She does well and, by paying attention to those who might be considered “beneath” her, she scores.
As the story headed towards the ending, I had a pet theory which, of course wasn’t right – I thought the clues were getting a little too obvious and tried to fishtail around. But let’s just say that when Angela stood before her suspect and accused him/her/it, I was surprised.
I loved all of the little tennis morsels – the recapping of matches, discussions of court strategies, and mentions of famous players. I just wish there had been more! I really cracked up when Angela quoted John McEnroe in response to Wimbledon’s director. :)
Conclusion. A fun read for tennis and / or mystery fans.
The Story.
Wimbledon was the scene of Petar Belic’s greatest accomplishments as a tennis player. Few would have guessed that it would also be the scene of his death - but it is there that he is found sprawled out on Court 19, murdered.
Newly promoted detective inspector Angela Costello has always been a huge fan of tennis and of Belic particularly. When she is given Belic’s murder as her first case as a D.I., she is thrilled – and nervous. She’s always been a junior officer in her cases, doing the leg work and drudging paperwork. But now she’s the one calling the shots! Can she handle the pressures of such a publicized case?
To all outer appearances, Petar Belic didn’t really have any enemies. Sure, he left his wife and kids a few years back, but the two of them have maintained a friendship. His new girlfriend is infatuated with him, his business partner is profiting because of him, and his star pupil is passing all expectations on the court. Could the murderer have been one of this close-knit group? And is this the only murder that will wind up in the case?
Discussion.
Anyone who reads my reviews will know that I love mysteries. What is less commonly known is that I’m a huge tennis fan – and something of a player. So, when a book combines tennis with a mystery, odds are that I’m going to enjoy it.
Which I did. It’s hard to believe that this is Elizabeth Flynn’s first novel – she did a great job with pacing and with spreading clues out over the suspects. The characters are good – not quite as deep as they could have been, but still believable and multi-dimensional. Angela, especially is well-crafted as she struggles to balance out her excitement (first case as Detective Inspector - yay!) and her lack of certainty (first case as Detective Inspector – good grief!). She does well and, by paying attention to those who might be considered “beneath” her, she scores.
As the story headed towards the ending, I had a pet theory which, of course wasn’t right – I thought the clues were getting a little too obvious and tried to fishtail around. But let’s just say that when Angela stood before her suspect and accused him/her/it, I was surprised.
I loved all of the little tennis morsels – the recapping of matches, discussions of court strategies, and mentions of famous players. I just wish there had been more! I really cracked up when Angela quoted John McEnroe in response to Wimbledon’s director. :)
Conclusion. A fun read for tennis and / or mystery fans.
July 11, 2021
This is a very finally crafted and carefully plotted crime novel, in which the reader is taken step by step through the investigation process. Layer after layer of evidence is carefully sifted through as the Police team work their way through to the truth.
The mystery element – just who killed Petar Belic, and why? - is the main driver for the story, but it's given extra depth by the strong character development. That's on all levels - even the minor characters come across as authentic individuals - but it's especially seen in the main character, D.I. Angela Costello. One of the things that helps in this is that D.I. Costello is a person with a home life. We see glimpses of this, at some points it links into the main plot, but it also serves to show her as a realistic person with an existence outside of the story!
The location is well chosen, both for dramatic impact and for colourful background – Wimbledon, the championships – crowds, stars, excitement. The story is very effectively woven round the normal events of the tennis tournament, and adds a further level of authenticity – especially for any tennis fans! And you can add to all this a smooth and well-paced flow of words which keeps the reader well involved throughout.
If I were to begin picking nits, I'd could raise some questions marks over minor details of Police procedure. But to be fair, none of these have any bearing on the plot itself, which was watertight throughout, and didn't spoil my enjoyment of a well written book. I certainly hope to read more by this author.
July 2021 - just re-read this (new edition, different publisher), and found it as good or better than on the first reading! An iconic setting, well developed characters and a fine cast of potential murderers lay the groundwork for a solid police procedural, where steady investigative work is helped along by flashes of insight, leading to a very satisfying conclusion. Maybe the atmosphere was enhanced by the fact that I was reading it during Wimbledon week (and am writing this review with the sound of the men's singles final in the background)! But it would still be a good read at any time of the year.
The mystery element – just who killed Petar Belic, and why? - is the main driver for the story, but it's given extra depth by the strong character development. That's on all levels - even the minor characters come across as authentic individuals - but it's especially seen in the main character, D.I. Angela Costello. One of the things that helps in this is that D.I. Costello is a person with a home life. We see glimpses of this, at some points it links into the main plot, but it also serves to show her as a realistic person with an existence outside of the story!
The location is well chosen, both for dramatic impact and for colourful background – Wimbledon, the championships – crowds, stars, excitement. The story is very effectively woven round the normal events of the tennis tournament, and adds a further level of authenticity – especially for any tennis fans! And you can add to all this a smooth and well-paced flow of words which keeps the reader well involved throughout.
If I were to begin picking nits, I'd could raise some questions marks over minor details of Police procedure. But to be fair, none of these have any bearing on the plot itself, which was watertight throughout, and didn't spoil my enjoyment of a well written book. I certainly hope to read more by this author.
July 2021 - just re-read this (new edition, different publisher), and found it as good or better than on the first reading! An iconic setting, well developed characters and a fine cast of potential murderers lay the groundwork for a solid police procedural, where steady investigative work is helped along by flashes of insight, leading to a very satisfying conclusion. Maybe the atmosphere was enhanced by the fact that I was reading it during Wimbledon week (and am writing this review with the sound of the men's singles final in the background)! But it would still be a good read at any time of the year.
August 25, 2016
Hmm.... A pretty well written murder mystery, though for those of us brought up on the TV-detective in the UK, it felt (just a little) like the novel of an episode of something-or-other. May be the author's own creative background, but much of the story was told in dialogue and discussion rather than author-observation; it could have been a script. This is by way of my own observation of course - it's not a 'criticism' per se, it works very well.
Good length for the story, nicely written characters, by and large, with plausible relationships. The who, how and why mostly hidden subtly in the text, and a nice little 'bit you could not have known' thrown in, very much in the Agatha Christie tradition. Also in that tradition, some side-angle morality/religious preachy-stuff about forgiveness.
4-stars from me, because I enjoyed. Have to say though, that I too am a tennis fan, and was thus expecting the detail to be fastidiously correct - but far too many silly errors for my liking. Final set at Wimbledon going to a tie-breaker - since when? A set won "6-nil" - since when? I also found it unconvincing that the British hope had a well-established fan base and media image and yet was trying to 'get into the top 100'.
Good length for the story, nicely written characters, by and large, with plausible relationships. The who, how and why mostly hidden subtly in the text, and a nice little 'bit you could not have known' thrown in, very much in the Agatha Christie tradition. Also in that tradition, some side-angle morality/religious preachy-stuff about forgiveness.
4-stars from me, because I enjoyed. Have to say though, that I too am a tennis fan, and was thus expecting the detail to be fastidiously correct - but far too many silly errors for my liking. Final set at Wimbledon going to a tie-breaker - since when? A set won "6-nil" - since when? I also found it unconvincing that the British hope had a well-established fan base and media image and yet was trying to 'get into the top 100'.
February 8, 2014
I really enjoyed this English suspense. Mainly due to the main character, Angela Costello, newly promoted Detective Inspector.
The mystery is finely done, but I liked the character development and the hiccups along the investigation. There are truculent coworkers, snotty suspects, false leads. It's more along the lines of how I think an investigation would work.
Angela handles it pretty well. She has a great sense of humor and a good head on her shoulders.
She's married to a pretty nifty guy who helps guide her without being bossy.
I sort of had the whodunit figured out, but only sort of. And I really enjoyed the story along the way.
I really hope there will be more from this author and this series. I look forward to watching Angela shine again.
The mystery is finely done, but I liked the character development and the hiccups along the investigation. There are truculent coworkers, snotty suspects, false leads. It's more along the lines of how I think an investigation would work.
Angela handles it pretty well. She has a great sense of humor and a good head on her shoulders.
She's married to a pretty nifty guy who helps guide her without being bossy.
I sort of had the whodunit figured out, but only sort of. And I really enjoyed the story along the way.
I really hope there will be more from this author and this series. I look forward to watching Angela shine again.
December 5, 2017
Certainly not the worst book I’ve ever read but not great either. I guessed the murderer about two thirds the way through and forced myself to finish. The dialog and characters are cliched and therefore there was no real tension, or real feeling at all or that matter (funny bits were lame, romantic bits were corny, scary bits were so not scary, etc). Like reading a lame midday movie.
November 23, 2023
I had already read #3, and liked it, so here goes with #1. DI Angela Costello is a likeable character. She's recently been promoted and so is a little nervous. It's interesting to see how she grows into being "the guv" and dealing with some difficult people, even having to discipline her two DSs. She wins them over in the end, good to see.
On the other hand, she needs to work on her interview technique. Completing the interviewee's sentences, and inserting her own opinions instead of asking open questions, are complete no-nos. DCI Stanworth seems a decent boss, but maybe he needs to get out of the office and work with Angela from time to time. Or even just pass on my tips, that would do it. Angela shows her inexperience when she fails to pick up on the obvious clue that the victim was seen "staggering", although he hadn't had much to drink.
Even despite the seemingly irrelevant tennis interviews and background, the story retained my interest, and I wanted to keep reading. She sometimes picks up useful information with her friendly, informal interview style. Like Poirot, she sometimes takes time out just to sit quietly and think, reviewing evidence, and seeking the elusive clue.
There's a surprising twist at the end, although twigging the actual killer is not beyond the whodunnit fan.
This series qualifies as light reading, and I'm enjoying it. I've already got #2 in my hot little hand so look out for that review soon.
Rating 4.1.
On the other hand, she needs to work on her interview technique. Completing the interviewee's sentences, and inserting her own opinions instead of asking open questions, are complete no-nos. DCI Stanworth seems a decent boss, but maybe he needs to get out of the office and work with Angela from time to time. Or even just pass on my tips, that would do it. Angela shows her inexperience when she fails to pick up on the obvious clue that the victim was seen "staggering", although he hadn't had much to drink.
Even despite the seemingly irrelevant tennis interviews and background, the story retained my interest, and I wanted to keep reading. She sometimes picks up useful information with her friendly, informal interview style. Like Poirot, she sometimes takes time out just to sit quietly and think, reviewing evidence, and seeking the elusive clue.
There's a surprising twist at the end, although twigging the actual killer is not beyond the whodunnit fan.
This series qualifies as light reading, and I'm enjoying it. I've already got #2 in my hot little hand so look out for that review soon.
Rating 4.1.
June 6, 2023
Game, Set And Murder by Elizabeth Flynn: Decent murder mystery reminiscent of an Agatha Christie who- dunnit.. I like that this is Detective Inspector Angela Costello's first case where she is in charge. She is smart and to the point. She works her way swiftly through interviews of the possible suspects. I thought the setting- the body was found on a Wimbledon court and much of the book takes place on the grounds of the tennis club, was unique and of interest. I have very recently finished Carrie Soto is Back which is also tennis centered, so I kind of like continuing with themed reading. I don't read a lot of murder mysteries, but this one is pleasant and at 270 pages, it is is quick reading. I found my way to Game, Set And Murder because I needed a book that fit A Very English Muuurder category for a reading challenge. Three stars for pleasant reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2024
Looking for a quiet Christie-escue and very cosy detective story with more of interviews and footwork, and a lot less of the bloody descriptions of gruesome murders? This is the one.
Also a HUGE gold star for the fact that the lead detective is neither an addict of some sort, extremely sexist/racist/asshattey in any other way or even has a messed up family situation. LOVE that.
Towards the end of the book it almost got too cutesy for a while but… any book that keeps my mood and interest up even while describing tennis? That’s a keeper. Definitely looking forward to the next instalment - and rather hoping that Ethel and Gracie are in it…! :)
Also a HUGE gold star for the fact that the lead detective is neither an addict of some sort, extremely sexist/racist/asshattey in any other way or even has a messed up family situation. LOVE that.
Towards the end of the book it almost got too cutesy for a while but… any book that keeps my mood and interest up even while describing tennis? That’s a keeper. Definitely looking forward to the next instalment - and rather hoping that Ethel and Gracie are in it…! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
Game , Set, and Murder is the first in a truly British murder mystery series. Angela Costello, a new promoted Detective Inspector is at Wimbledon not as a fan but on a case. A fomer tennis championship turned coach in the Croatian team, Petar Belic, had been murdered. He has plenty of enemies and the suspects and clues were great to follow along side Angela and her team. It was a great mystery and enjoyed it.
August 3, 2023
I liked this one a lot. Well written whodunnit with excellent characters and a interesting setting. Elizabeth Flynn tells a great story. my only quibble is I worked out the culprit very early but otherwise thoroughly enjoy this book. Kim Hicks does an excellent job with the narration is easy to listen to and has a good range. I will definitely be listening to more of these.
June 20, 2024
I read this via my mum's recommendation, and she was right, it was good! It's such an easy read, and the character is easy to relate to, I'm a fan of tennis, and it was fun to see Wimbledon from a layman's perspective. I've got her next book on my "to read" list, ...and if the author writes more, I'm gonna read them.
June 4, 2021
I read this book a long time ago, and the only reason I remember it is because it's the worst book I've ever read. The premise of a murder at SW19 is ace, but Flynn's execution is more of a double fault..
June 13, 2024
I liked it, it’s more a cozy mystery rather than a murder mystery. At times it’s a tad boring and the plot is pretty predictable but i still enjoyed the different layers of evidence that are slowly peeled back.
July 9, 2019
BORING
The idea and the plot are good, but putting it written form, NOT.
Newly appointed DI leading high profile murder case like a primary school teacher.
The idea and the plot are good, but putting it written form, NOT.
Newly appointed DI leading high profile murder case like a primary school teacher.
June 17, 2020
An entertaining tennis mystery with a satisfying solution. The author makes the rookie mistake of not wanting to be too mean to characters she likes.
August 12, 2022
Different crime drama, very readable
August 27, 2022
Another fun read with combination of 2 things I enjoy - British mysteries and Wimbledon!
July 1, 2023
Lukijana Kim Hicks. Wimbledoniin ja tennismaailmaan sijoittuva kertomus. Paljon henkilöitä ja tarina etenee rauhalliseen tahtiin. En valitettavasti jaksanut tätä kokonaan kuunnella.
August 26, 2023
Not great literature, but for a tennis player, this was great reading. It takes place during Wimbledon. Loved the main character, her husband, the plot, etc.
July 13, 2024
Den var varken bra eller dålig. Kommer kanske fortsätta med serien senare.
August 28, 2024
En trevlig och mysig mordhistoria i klassisk Midsomer Murders-anda.
December 22, 2024
joaaa ging so
March 9, 2017
This is a classic British police procedural, and just what I was looking for!
December 3, 2013
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If you haven't noticed, I'm a massive tennis fan. 'Oh but it's so boring' I hear you cry...err no, you are wrong! And strangely enough this debut crime novel by Elizabeth Flynn evoked in me that same thrill and anxiousness I get when watching an epic tennis match which makes me able to say just that..you are wrong. :p
Game, Set and Murder, as you'd imagine starts with a murder. We are instantly thrust into the mystery surrounding the body of tennis coach Petar Belic found dead on court 19 on the very first day of The Wimbledon Championships. Our protagonist, Angela 'DI' Costello is an intelligent, caring Detective in charge of running her very first murder case.
Costello is also a big tennis fan, which gives her an extra advantage in that she already has knowledge of the players and close affiliates, and she's able to use the tennis-loving angle to get them all to open up and spill the locker-room gossip. However, she also has a hell of a lot to prove.
I absolutely loved this book. It's a quick, easy read that has all the elements of a good traditional 'cozy' Detective Story. Despite not reading much of the genre lately, I'm a big fan of Crime Fiction, especially the simple structure of a closed circle mystery.
Game, Set and Murder is a classic closed circle mystery in some ways, although the circle of suspects is perhaps a little larger than usual and instead of a rambling mansion, the location is of course the Wimbledon Tennis club. One murder, one location, a bunch of suspects and one piece of the puzzle fed to us at a time until the big reveal.
It wasn't the most exciting crime story I've read, but the pace was fast and the characters were interesting and suspicious in equal measure, making it an enjoyable read.
I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Costello and her husband, the Coroner. They were perfectly written, portraying a realistic, loving couple that gave the story a good grounding away from the investigation. And, being a tennis fan, I've been to Wimbledon numerous times and those details were pretty faultless.
Despite the fact that a murder had just taken place, this book made me want to head straight to Wimbledon. Elizabeth Flynn totally nailed the excitement and beauty of the place during those two weeks in midsummer, but I'm not sure if non-tennis fans would enjoy this as much. It'd still be enjoyable as a crime novel i'm sure, but perhaps not as captivating.
Disclosure: I received an advanced copy from the Publisher/Author in exchange for an HONEST review. Many Thanks!
Title: Game, Set and Murder
Author: Elizabeth Flynn
Details: Paperback, 272 pages
Publication Date: Published October 18th 2013 by Lion Fiction
My Rating: 4/5
If you liked this try: A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton
If you haven't noticed, I'm a massive tennis fan. 'Oh but it's so boring' I hear you cry...err no, you are wrong! And strangely enough this debut crime novel by Elizabeth Flynn evoked in me that same thrill and anxiousness I get when watching an epic tennis match which makes me able to say just that..you are wrong. :p
Game, Set and Murder, as you'd imagine starts with a murder. We are instantly thrust into the mystery surrounding the body of tennis coach Petar Belic found dead on court 19 on the very first day of The Wimbledon Championships. Our protagonist, Angela 'DI' Costello is an intelligent, caring Detective in charge of running her very first murder case.
Costello is also a big tennis fan, which gives her an extra advantage in that she already has knowledge of the players and close affiliates, and she's able to use the tennis-loving angle to get them all to open up and spill the locker-room gossip. However, she also has a hell of a lot to prove.
I absolutely loved this book. It's a quick, easy read that has all the elements of a good traditional 'cozy' Detective Story. Despite not reading much of the genre lately, I'm a big fan of Crime Fiction, especially the simple structure of a closed circle mystery.
Game, Set and Murder is a classic closed circle mystery in some ways, although the circle of suspects is perhaps a little larger than usual and instead of a rambling mansion, the location is of course the Wimbledon Tennis club. One murder, one location, a bunch of suspects and one piece of the puzzle fed to us at a time until the big reveal.
It wasn't the most exciting crime story I've read, but the pace was fast and the characters were interesting and suspicious in equal measure, making it an enjoyable read.
I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Costello and her husband, the Coroner. They were perfectly written, portraying a realistic, loving couple that gave the story a good grounding away from the investigation. And, being a tennis fan, I've been to Wimbledon numerous times and those details were pretty faultless.
Despite the fact that a murder had just taken place, this book made me want to head straight to Wimbledon. Elizabeth Flynn totally nailed the excitement and beauty of the place during those two weeks in midsummer, but I'm not sure if non-tennis fans would enjoy this as much. It'd still be enjoyable as a crime novel i'm sure, but perhaps not as captivating.
Disclosure: I received an advanced copy from the Publisher/Author in exchange for an HONEST review. Many Thanks!
Title: Game, Set and Murder
Author: Elizabeth Flynn
Details: Paperback, 272 pages
Publication Date: Published October 18th 2013 by Lion Fiction
My Rating: 4/5
If you liked this try: A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews