jjares reviewed on 9/22/2024 + 3414 more book reviews

One bonus in this book is a glossary (of British terms used in his books). Unfortunately, it is at the end of the book, and I didn't know it was there until I finished the novel.

The first book in this series was a bit unrealistic, but the characters were engaging, and the plot was gritty. I found that the author is a working policeman who happens to write fiction. I decided to go to the next book in this series of four. It is now eighteen months after Barnes' suspension. He continued his testing for higher rank during his time off, and (oddly enough) he's been promoted.

The first case he's given is one no one wants: a fireman hit another man (with severe provocation). The police interfere and take the struck man to the hospital. While laughing, the struck man suddenly dies. The fireman is accused of manslaughter, and no one wants to touch the case. The community thinks the fireman did the town a favor by accidentally killing the drunk who was repeatedly threatening his ex-wife. Strangely, while at court, James escapes. This is strange because he has no priors, and most people think he will not be convicted. So, why did he run?

Detective Rutherford Barnes Mystery
1. Devil's Chimney (2022)
** 2. Beachy Head (2022)
3. Burnt Out Secrets (2023)
4. The Chalk Man (2024)

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