The Reluctant Detective Goes North
(2023)(The fourth book in the Martin Hayden Mystery series)
A novel by Adrian Spalding
The plan was for a pleasant weekend away. Martin attending the wedding of a friend. A few drinks, stimulating conversation, good food, plus two nights in a four-star country hotel. The slight problem was Martin needed to take a female guest. Susan seemed the obvious candidate, why not?
To be fair it wasn’t her fault, she told Martin, it was the lost dog, which she made it her mission to reunite with its owner. The trouble was in doing so they discovered a burnt-out house; the conflagration allegedly having been started by a church. Martin, who never had much interest in matters spiritual, intended to continue with his relaxing weekend. That changed when Susan decided there had been a blatant injustice that needed to be rectified.
As for the friend’s wedding that Martin hoped would be some sort of refuge from Susan’s crusade, it was nothing of the sort. An unexpected hotel guest only added to Martin’s woes.
The Reluctant Detective Goes North is the fourth Martin Hayden Mystery.
The Martin Hayden Mysteries can be read as stand-alone novels but might be enjoyed more in order.
What readers have said about previous Martin Hayden Mysteries.
‘Love the characters and plot twist I didn't see coming, and again laced with humour.’
‘Just sat here reading the last 50 pages, slightly guilty on a Sunday afternoon whilst the husband is painting the walls behind me... read this, I urge you! So clever and the characters are ones I hope to read much more of’
‘This a quirky detective story in the old tradition of crime fiction. It involves a young man who starts out with the Detective Agency as a cover for not doing much at all. He gradually pulls other individuals into his endeavours. I loved it. No violence, no guns, just pure detective reasoning.’
‘Totally different type of detective story being mostly implausible but nonetheless a fun read, hopefully there’s more in the offing’
‘My 1st and not going to be my last of the Martin Hayden mysteries. Loved the humour and managed to follow the plot which I normally find difficult. This attests to Adrian 's skill as a writer in this genre which is not my usual style. Thanks for an enjoyable read.’
‘I would definitely not be reluctant to read further stories in this series. Keeps you interested all the time, keep Colin going.’
‘A truly engaging and humourous read with a subtle underlying social commentary that doesn't spill over from the story at all - that is left to your own conscience....’
‘I enjoyed this very much. Lighthearted and fun yet believable characters and a well written plot. It’s funny, a love story and a solid bit of detecting. Definitely want more from this up and coming writer.’
Genre: Cozy Mystery
To be fair it wasn’t her fault, she told Martin, it was the lost dog, which she made it her mission to reunite with its owner. The trouble was in doing so they discovered a burnt-out house; the conflagration allegedly having been started by a church. Martin, who never had much interest in matters spiritual, intended to continue with his relaxing weekend. That changed when Susan decided there had been a blatant injustice that needed to be rectified.
As for the friend’s wedding that Martin hoped would be some sort of refuge from Susan’s crusade, it was nothing of the sort. An unexpected hotel guest only added to Martin’s woes.
The Reluctant Detective Goes North is the fourth Martin Hayden Mystery.
The Martin Hayden Mysteries can be read as stand-alone novels but might be enjoyed more in order.
What readers have said about previous Martin Hayden Mysteries.
‘Love the characters and plot twist I didn't see coming, and again laced with humour.’
‘Just sat here reading the last 50 pages, slightly guilty on a Sunday afternoon whilst the husband is painting the walls behind me... read this, I urge you! So clever and the characters are ones I hope to read much more of’
‘This a quirky detective story in the old tradition of crime fiction. It involves a young man who starts out with the Detective Agency as a cover for not doing much at all. He gradually pulls other individuals into his endeavours. I loved it. No violence, no guns, just pure detective reasoning.’
‘Totally different type of detective story being mostly implausible but nonetheless a fun read, hopefully there’s more in the offing’
‘My 1st and not going to be my last of the Martin Hayden mysteries. Loved the humour and managed to follow the plot which I normally find difficult. This attests to Adrian 's skill as a writer in this genre which is not my usual style. Thanks for an enjoyable read.’
‘I would definitely not be reluctant to read further stories in this series. Keeps you interested all the time, keep Colin going.’
‘A truly engaging and humourous read with a subtle underlying social commentary that doesn't spill over from the story at all - that is left to your own conscience....’
‘I enjoyed this very much. Lighthearted and fun yet believable characters and a well written plot. It’s funny, a love story and a solid bit of detecting. Definitely want more from this up and coming writer.’
Genre: Cozy Mystery
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Used availability for Adrian Spalding's The Reluctant Detective Goes North