The Hawkshead Hostage

Quite a bit of this book is told from Bonnie's POV which is a bit jarring, but certainly a way of getting to see the younger characters interact and what their feelings and attitudes are concerning Simmy. There was a bit of a discrepency relating to DI Nolan Moxon.... In a previous book, Simmy learns......more

Another in Ms Tope's alliteratively named mysteries set in the Lake District. Mildly diverting for a couple of pre bank holiday days, but even while I was reading it I was trying to come up with further alliterative titles. The Kendal Killing is fairly obvious, The Grasmere Ghouls and The Bassenthwa......more

The murder "magnet" that is Simmy Brown continues in what is probably a "guilty pleasure" genre like Murder in Paradise on the tellebox. However Persimmon takes a bit of a background role in this book with her "new" assistant Bonnie being developed as a character though bearing in mind time scales I......more

Quite enjoyable book in the series. More development of the characters and their relationships. Plot a little bit difficult to follow, and a bit unbelievable.......more

Another good story but it’s amazing how Simmy attracts trouble like a magnet attracts iron filings. Having said that the stories are well constructed and I’m enjoying them BUT I wish the author would stop making repeated references (in all the books) to the baby Simmy had lost before the series bega......more