'The Coldest Winter' by James Morley

Published by Benham Sea Mysteries,
September 2015.  
ISBN 0-9548880-X

It is a good title since a bitterly cold winter has a part to play in the story.  However we start in a hot  sunny New Zealand at a wedding.  This occasion gives us an introduction to the various characters around which the story is crafted.  Though the majority of the action is in the UK, a further visit to New Zealand provides more startling activities.

The interception of a prison van and the deaths of some on board starts an investigation.  Dave Manning, a sports journalist, is one of those attempting to find out the reasons behind these actions.   More serious crimes follow and he becomes frightened for the wellbeing of his pregnant wife.  The outlines of a monstrous conspiracy begin to appear.  The solutions to the various happenings are found but not until a climactic scene.

The dramatis personae of this book have appeared in previous books by James Morley and they provide expert information, clever interpretations and the background of a happy well linked set of friends.   I would recommend the reading of the earlier books which feature these characters. Indeed to read the previous 4 adventures in order would seem to be an enjoyable process.

------

Reviewer: Jennifer S. Palmer

James Morley has written other stories about the characters in this book but he has also written several stand alones.

James Morley sis a local author, writing books under the name Benham's Sea Mysteries. Retired from an agricultural background Jim has been writing books since 2005. He is well known in the local area for his novels, short stories and publicity writing. He is chairman of Petersfield Writers’ Circle and an active members of his local book club. Jim lives in Liss in Hampshire, a widower, in an untidy house filled with books and computers. Jim is a members of the UK Society of Authors.

http://www.jimmorleybooks.com/
http://jimmorleybooks.blogspot.com

Jennifer Palmer Throughout my reading life crime fiction has been a constant interest; I really enjoyed my 15 years as an expatriate in the Far East, the Netherlands & the USA but occasionally the solace of closing my door to the outside world and sitting reading was highly therapeutic. I now lecture to adults on historical topics including Famous Historical Mysteries.