The Reluctant Detective Wants a Break
(2024)(The fifth book in the Martin Hayden Mystery series)
A novel by Adrian Spalding
Private detecting can, even if you don’t have any clients, be exhausting. Consequently, Martin thought it was high time for a relaxing break.
Having spent holidays in Italy with its delicious food, amazing scenery and selection of wines, he wanted to return.
He arranges a three-week luxury vacation. It was going to be an opportunity to recharge batteries and get some well-deserved relaxation.
Susan was surprised he had booked a holiday without telling her. She also had a surprise for him: a new case. Not just any case. A big insurance company had asked for their help.
Imagine that, Hayden Investigations being commissioned to solve a case. Susan was full of it, stating that their reputation was going global. He thought she was exaggerating just a tad yet did nothing to curb her enthusiasm.
After all she assured him that it was a very easy simple case. One which would take just a couple of days to sort out; in plenty of time for a holiday to begin.
All they had to do was track down a man. And if that wasn’t simple enough, the man was dead. He couldn’t exactly run off, could he?
The Reluctant Detective Wants a Break is the fifth 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
Having spent holidays in Italy with its delicious food, amazing scenery and selection of wines, he wanted to return.
He arranges a three-week luxury vacation. It was going to be an opportunity to recharge batteries and get some well-deserved relaxation.
Susan was surprised he had booked a holiday without telling her. She also had a surprise for him: a new case. Not just any case. A big insurance company had asked for their help.
Imagine that, Hayden Investigations being commissioned to solve a case. Susan was full of it, stating that their reputation was going global. He thought she was exaggerating just a tad yet did nothing to curb her enthusiasm.
After all she assured him that it was a very easy simple case. One which would take just a couple of days to sort out; in plenty of time for a holiday to begin.
All they had to do was track down a man. And if that wasn’t simple enough, the man was dead. He couldn’t exactly run off, could he?
The Reluctant Detective Wants a Break is the fifth 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
Used availability for Adrian Spalding's The Reluctant Detective Wants a Break