Murder in Montego Bay is a police procedural crime novel set in Jamaica, featuring an unlikely partnership and a fight to solve the case despite funding issues and inside involvement. When the son of a prominent entrepreneur family is found killed, Detective Preddy wants to solve the case and prove he’s better than the failures that haunt his past. To do so, however, the Jamaican detective will have to work with Glaswegian Harris, seconded into their force and sticking out like a sore, ginger thumb. The pair, plus female colleagues Spence and Rabino, must hunt through lies and cover-up to find out what was really going on with the family and whether local criminal types were involved.

Lennon’s novel is a solid crime story focused on the police difficulties and the quirks of solving a murder in Jamaica. The story is mostly told from Preddy’s point of view, showing his personal struggles at work and at home, but cuts to other characters to give key scenes and information to the reader. The dialogue is stellar, with Jamaican patois and moments of Glaswegian dialect to show characters’ similarities, differences, and ability to fit into different situations, and giving the novel a realistic feel by showing the varying voices of characters.

This is an enjoyable read, perfect for crime fiction fans and people who like the use of dialect and regional language to create realistic characters. The issues of police funding, racial differences and tension in Montego Bay, and police reputation and brutality form the backdrop to the novel alongside the sunny location. It is a police crime novel with social issues and a message that even the rich won’t stop wanting more.

Well written book. I enjoyed the and characters. A new to me author and I enjoyed the writing style

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher. Great another new series of police procedural books but this time set in Jamaica. Absolutely loved it

Don't go into Death in Montego Bay expecting Death in Paradise.  Yes there is a Glasgow detective seconded to the Jamaican force, working with Preddy’s group - but he isn't the lead and this isn't a light mystery/fish out of water scenario.  The Jamaica portrayed by Lennon is varied and realistic.  The extremes of wealth and poverty are very clear.  What also becomes quickly apparent is how little the wealthy think of those “below” them.  If there is one take home message it is that wealth makes people think they are better than everyone else and that there is never enough money to satisfy the rich.

Carter and Lester Chin-Ellis are brothers that have everything.  The family business, Chinchillerz, has placed the Chin-Ellis's amongst the Jamaica aristocracy of wealth.  When Carter is murdered in front of the family home, Preddy and his team are given the case.  The extreme wealth of the family allows them to put pressure on the detectives while impeding their investigation.  Carter’s brother, Lester, is particularly belligerent.  At the same time, police officials do not want Preddy to embarrass or inconvenience the family.  

4 / 5

I received a copy of Murder in Montego Bay from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

I would like to thank Netgalley and Jacaranda Books for an advance copy of Murder in Montego Bay, a police procedural featuring Detective Raythan Preddy set in Jamaica.

The novel opens with a man being shot in front of his house. The man is Carter Chin Ellis and his death means pressure for Preddy as Carter comes from one of the richest families on the island. Add in the fact that he was recently arrested and his brother, Lester, was assaulted while in custody and it has the makings of not just pressure but a PR disaster for the Jamaican police. Preddy doesn't initially get far in either his investigation or his navigation of police politics but it all slowly comes together.

I enjoyed Murder in Montego Bay which is a pleasant read with an engaging protagonist. I did find the Jamaican patois difficult to follow at times and while the blurb says it is there I didn't expect it to be quite as difficult to understand.

The novel has a fairly complicated plot with several viable suspects but no apparent motive. I must admit to guessing some of it in advance as I have seen the plot device before but can't remember where. With few forensic clues the investigation relies on interviews and shoe leather to make any breakthrough. It's a refreshing and slightly old fashioned approach in these modern days.

Raythan Preddy is a likeable protagonist. He is a smart and dedicated investigator with a good team and a "normal" life, his only vice being ganja tea. He is, however, no pushover and sparks soon fly between him and Sean Harris, the Glaswegian detective on secondment to his unit as he isn't quite sure what Harris is up to. The rest of the team, Spence and Rabino, are not as well developed but I would certainly like to see more of these feisty ladies.

I enjoyed the warmth of the novel, not just in the teamwork, but in the setting. Ms Lennon does a good job of evoking the sunshine, heat and atmosphere of Montego Bay. Its exuberance is in stark contrast to the constraints of modern policing which seem shabby and drab with underfunding, dilapidated buildings and poorly functioning, if any, equipment among the problems.

Murder in Montego Bay is a good debut effort and I would like to read more about Detective Preddy and his team. As a result I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.