Rules, Regs and Rotten Eggs (Harriet Martens Mysteries) - Hardcover

Keating, H. R. F.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312375336 ISBN 13: 9780312375331

Publisher: Minotaur Books, 2008

Synopsis

Detective Superintendent Harriet Martens resolves to resign after the new Assistant Chief Constable at the head of the CID makes her feel inferior in her job. However, her thoughts of resignation are abruptly interrupted when the pro-hunting politician Robert Roughouse suspiciously collapses during one of his vehement speeches at an antihunting demonstration. Sensing that someone has deliberately attempted to murder Roughouse, and seeing an opportunity to prove her worth to the ACC, Detective Martens determinately takes charge of the investigation.

 

Immersed in thoughts about what could possibly lie behind the attempt at assassination, Detective Martens decides to interview Roughouse in the hospital. However, rather than aiding in her enquiry, her visit serves only to confuse things further: Roughouse has been moved during the night to the privately owned Masterton Clinic, and is not accepting visitors. What could lie behind the strange series of events surrounding the Roughouse case? 

 

The talented H. R. F. Keating is at the top of his game in this latest stunning British police procedural.

About this title

About the Author

H. R. F. Keating was the reviewer for The London Times for fifteen years and served as chairman of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Society of Authors. He has been the longest-serving president of the Detection Club, next only to Agatha Christie. He twice won the CWA Gold Dagger, and in 1996 he was awarded the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger. In 2005, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Malice Domestic conference. He lives in London with his wife, the actress Sheila Mitchell, who regularly reads his titles as audiobooks.

Reviews

In British author Keating's underwhelming seventh Hard Detective mystery (after 2006's One Man and His Bomb), Birchester Det. Supt. Harriet Martens and her husband, John Piddock, witness a murder attempt in the course of an anti-hunting rally on Robert Roughouse, an ex-MP who vigorously defends the blood sport. As the only officer present, Martens secures the scene as best she can, and ends up heading the investigation. She soon finds evidence that the motive for the attack might be connected to Roughouse's role in his political party, the Innovation Party, and an old boys' network known as the Zealots. When he regains consciousness, Roughouse cryptically utters only the word loyal, but Martens makes little headway before a second, successful attempt is made on Roughouse's life. Keating's failure to make the stoic Martens an emotionally accessible character will be a drawback for many readers. (June)
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In this latest series entry, after 2006’s One Man and His Bomb, Detective Superintendent Harriet Martens is seriously contemplating resigning from the force. Between a new assistant chief constable, whom Harriet is sure thinks she belongs in Traffic, and her continuing grief for her lost son and colleague, Graham, Harriet is definitely down in the dumps. Caught in an antihunting rally that turns into the near murder of an ex-MP, Harriet becomes wrapped up in the investigation, challenging the ACC to let her keep the case after the near murder becomes the real thing. Harriet is less of the hard detective than she used to be, but she’s not ready to retire either, although the “assistance” of Detective Constable “Bolshy” Bill might push her over the edge. With crossword clues, a shady private clinic, and a secret public-school-alumni club, this is a top-notch English police-procedural mystery, and the exciting ending in downtown London will keep readers glued to their seats. A must-read for series fans, as well as an excellent choice for any procedural lover. --Jessica Moyer

Edition details

• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0312375336
• ISBN 13: 9780312375331
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272