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robinwalter's review against another edition
The author's style did not appeal, especially the lingering objectification of the protagonist's colleague
noveldeelights's review
3.0
Sydney Collins’ body is found in the middle of a field, the apparent victim of a brutal attack by tractor. But Sydney had no business being in that field and certainly not early in the morning, wearing a tie.
Enter Kent Fisher, an environmental health officer who needs to determine how this accident happened and who’s responsible. Kent was introduced to Columbo at the age of 16 and ever since, he’s always wanted to solve a murder. Could this be his opportunity? Or is he seeing things that aren’t there? Could Sydney’s death really just be an unfortunate accident?
Kent finds resistance from various corners during his investigation. There’s his boss, who does everything by the book. There’s the local celebrity and playboy millionaire, Miles Birchill, who clearly has something to hide. And then there’s Kent’s father, a government minister, who would really prefer it if Kent dropped his investigation. But why? Three words : can of worms.
It’s hard not to like Kent. He’s tenacious, determined and not afraid to break the rules. He also has a delightful sense of gallows humour and a lovely level of sarcasm that I always appreciate. He’s conscious of the environment, determined to protect it, fight the powers that be to do the same and his daytime job pays the bills for his animal sanctuary in an area of the South Downs he absolutely adores.
This is quite a complicated plot and it involves a lot of players. It’s up to Kent and his colleague Gemma to unravel the various threads of secrets, lies and deceit. Some of which will affect Kent in ways he couldn’t possibly have imagined. With a few twists and turns, this was an entertaining and enjoyable mystery and I can honestly say I’ve never before read a story where the investigator is an environmental health officer. So if you’re looking for something akin to a police procedural but with a bit of a difference, this could be right up your alley!
Enter Kent Fisher, an environmental health officer who needs to determine how this accident happened and who’s responsible. Kent was introduced to Columbo at the age of 16 and ever since, he’s always wanted to solve a murder. Could this be his opportunity? Or is he seeing things that aren’t there? Could Sydney’s death really just be an unfortunate accident?
Kent finds resistance from various corners during his investigation. There’s his boss, who does everything by the book. There’s the local celebrity and playboy millionaire, Miles Birchill, who clearly has something to hide. And then there’s Kent’s father, a government minister, who would really prefer it if Kent dropped his investigation. But why? Three words : can of worms.
It’s hard not to like Kent. He’s tenacious, determined and not afraid to break the rules. He also has a delightful sense of gallows humour and a lovely level of sarcasm that I always appreciate. He’s conscious of the environment, determined to protect it, fight the powers that be to do the same and his daytime job pays the bills for his animal sanctuary in an area of the South Downs he absolutely adores.
This is quite a complicated plot and it involves a lot of players. It’s up to Kent and his colleague Gemma to unravel the various threads of secrets, lies and deceit. Some of which will affect Kent in ways he couldn’t possibly have imagined. With a few twists and turns, this was an entertaining and enjoyable mystery and I can honestly say I’ve never before read a story where the investigator is an environmental health officer. So if you’re looking for something akin to a police procedural but with a bit of a difference, this could be right up your alley!
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