This was my first time reading a book by this author. The story is a puzzle in the style of Agatha Christie and the author references Christie a number of times. The five W’s will be evident to most mystery fans but the ‘how’ is the real brain teaser. I think very few readers will figure out how the main murder was committed. Even though the author drops a number of clues to give you an inkling of how it was done, he also does a nice job of misdirection making it unlikely that you’ll completely work it out.

The main character, DCI Oldroyd, is a kind, sympathetic character to follow and stands in stark contrast to the victim in the story, Penrose, who was a person that everyone loved to hate. The story has a number of interesting characters and there is suspense, some tension, some romance and a nod to the “Me Too” movement. Overall it is an intriguing read, though long-winded.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This book by J.R. Ellis does not fall into the well written police procedurals. I was able to identify a number of issues with the actual crime that were not feasible, particularly the breathing system used by the murderer. It would be impossible to feed the tube as described by the author. However I give him top marks for his imagination.
The story develops in a steady pace leaving me waiting for the next turn in the story. In short I enjoyed this book and hope that I am able to read the next in the series.

What a delightful series! J.R. Ellis must be writing it just for me... After a book about magicians, this murder mystery is set in a crime festival and an author is the victim. His death could have been written in one of his own novels and it happened in the Royal Baths. There is no way anyone could have done it, but Oldroy has experience solving impossible murders. The cast of suspects is a doozy, and I never guessed whodunit. Obviously, every person who picks up this novel is going to be invested, as we are all fans of the genre. The setting and situation is catnip to the readers. Oldroy and his team are as relatable as always, and this time Steph has something to prove. The resolution of this particular subplot was the weaker link in my opinion, I hate to say it but you can tell that the author is a man. Despite this, the novel is as enjoyable as the rest of the series.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Amazon Publishing UK!

4 stars

Damian Penrose, famous author and a man who loved to be hated. He was very self centered and self-important.

While attending a crime writers convention in Harrogate, he rubs with some old enemies and ruffles some feathers during and after a presentation. The next morning he goes off to the Victorian Baths, a favorite place of his to go when in Harrogate. He has the place to himself except for three employees. When one of the employees finds him dead in the baths, it sets off DCI Jim Oldroyd's latest investigation, along with his sidekick DS Andy Carter and the rest of his team.

There is a plethora of suspects, including another writer who had her story ideas stolen by Penrose, a very angry ex-wife, a wronged business partner and writers he had borderlined libeled, among others.

Meanwhile one of Oldroyd's DS's has been pinched by the thoroughly unlikable Fenton to “assist” him on a case. It is the investigation of wrongdoing on the local council. But, of course, Fenton has other things on his dirty little mind. Steph comes up with a brilliant plan to trap him and expose his behavior.

Oldroyd's investigation is confounding and very difficult to solve. How could the murderer have gotten out of the baths without being noticed by the staff?

This is a very well written and plotted story. I really like Oldroyd and his team. He is kind and very patient. He is a great teacher to his subordinates and loves to spout inconsequential facts that just seem to spring out of nowhere. And he has a new relationship! The identity of the murderer surprised me. I hadn't even given them any thought. It was a nice surprise. More please, Mr. Ellis

I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review.