From the Bookshelf of Reading the Detectives…

Smallbone Deceased (Inspector Hazlerigg #4)

Michael Gilbert,

Martin Edwards (Editor)

Start date: June 13, 2020

Finish date: July 11, 2020

Discussion: Buddy reads

Why we're reading this: After enjoying a previous book by Michael Gilbert, we decided to have a buddy read of this one, which is …more
[close] After enjoying a previous book by Michael Gilbert, we decided to have a buddy read of this one, which is often said to be his best.

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Buddy reads

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last updated Sep 15, 2025 07:11AM

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What Members Thought

Jan 22, 2020 Ruth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: golden-age-and-vintage

An excellent book which ticks all the boxes for a classic Golden Age Detective novel - even though strictly speaking it's a bit late being set in 1950. It would equally suit a reader who enjoys good characterization and the minutiae of everyday life in a solicitor's office with all the gossip and hierarchy, and also the reader who enjoys an intricate plot which needs to be followed closely to pick up all the clues, with the detective working methodically through the evidence to establish times a ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Jul 26, 2020 Michaela rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: british-library-crime-classics

Too many legal terms to well understand it. Women not well portraited and treated.

4 likes · Like · see review

Jun 16, 2020 Sandy rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery-detective-grp, mystery-classic, rread-2020

Four stars because this was such a pleasant surprise. I loved the dry humor, asides to the reader, the office snipping, an engaging lead character (not the detective!) and there was an interesting mystery.

1 like · Like · see review

May 22, 2020 Jill rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I did enjoy the humour in this book. The banter between the solicitors, and also the gossip from the secretaries was really funny and what felt like real comments which would be made today. The lack of sleep experienced by one of the main characters amazed me, but I don't think it is known as parasomnias, handy to have though as he got so much reading done.
The author gave some believable reasons why each of the suspects could have been the murderer, and just when it looked as it everything had b ...more

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