The Reluctant Detective Under Pressure
(2022)(The third book in the Martin Hayden Mystery series)
A novel by Adrian Spalding
It all began when Martin agreed to do a simple favour to help Ernie's brother. Things started to go wrong when it transpired Ernie's brother was allegedly a part-time industrial spy who was preparing for an alien invasion. Martin thought it all unbelievable and totally ridiculous, while Susan had the simpler mindset of: ‘don't knock it, until you try it’.
Pressure mounted on Martin when Colin, who is always happy to help with any investigation, found himself arrested for obtaining confidential information from the National Police Computer.
There was no let-up for Martin who then needed to take responsibility for the family's financial affairs after his mother was taken ill.
To relieve some of the pressure, Martin sat down with a glass of red wine and reluctantly wrote a to-do list, something he never dreamed he would ever need. This list included: locating Ernie's brother, tracking down an industrial spy, saving Colin from a prison sentence and finding a replacement family accountant. Oh, not forgetting helping Susan to save the earth from invading aliens.
The Reluctant Detective Under Pressure is the third Martin Hayden Mystery.
The Martin Hayden Mysteries can be read as stand-alone novels but might be enjoyed more in order as part of the series.
What readers have said about previous Martin Hayden Mysteries.
‘Having read and enjoyed the first book, this second adventure didn't disappoint. 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....’
‘Really enjoyed this second in the series. Lots of laughs and great to see the developing relationships and the back stories of others coming through.’
REVIEWS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES:
‘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.’
‘As in the first book, I liked the settings and especially the characters. Plot was interesting. This second book further develops the characters and adds new ones to the party. I'll read more in the series when they come out.’
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pressure mounted on Martin when Colin, who is always happy to help with any investigation, found himself arrested for obtaining confidential information from the National Police Computer.
There was no let-up for Martin who then needed to take responsibility for the family's financial affairs after his mother was taken ill.
To relieve some of the pressure, Martin sat down with a glass of red wine and reluctantly wrote a to-do list, something he never dreamed he would ever need. This list included: locating Ernie's brother, tracking down an industrial spy, saving Colin from a prison sentence and finding a replacement family accountant. Oh, not forgetting helping Susan to save the earth from invading aliens.
The Reluctant Detective Under Pressure is the third Martin Hayden Mystery.
The Martin Hayden Mysteries can be read as stand-alone novels but might be enjoyed more in order as part of the series.
What readers have said about previous Martin Hayden Mysteries.
‘Having read and enjoyed the first book, this second adventure didn't disappoint. 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....’
‘Really enjoyed this second in the series. Lots of laughs and great to see the developing relationships and the back stories of others coming through.’
REVIEWS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES:
‘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.’
‘As in the first book, I liked the settings and especially the characters. Plot was interesting. This second book further develops the characters and adds new ones to the party. I'll read more in the series when they come out.’
Genre: Cozy Mystery
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