Title:	Money, Mishaps and Murder
	Author:	David Beard
	Published:	2015, Matador
	No. of Pages:	198
	Cover Price:	$4.99, Kindle

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Money, Mishaps and Murder is David Beard’s second novel in what will most likely be a popular series, with the main character, seasoned Detective Chief Inspector Dexter Smalacombe. His partner, a young, new, inexperienced sergeant, Emily Corndon, is considered very smart, but Smalacombe is concerned that she may hinder, rather than help in his investigation of two bodies that have just turned up; they both have been violently murdered, and in their small town, this is not an everyday occurrence. How is it that the murder of a wealthy businessman and a teacher could be connected?

Even though this novel is quite short, it has all of the elements of a good thriller, and both Smalacombe and Cordon find themselves in danger as they uncover clues to find the murderer. Even though the bodies were found miles apart, it seems that the murders may be connected, and both detectives work tirelessly to find the link. There are twists and turns throughout the novel, a fair amount of suspense, and a quite unexpected ending.

The writing in this novel is excellent, and the fact that the author is English is apparent in his use of grammar (English grammar is quite different from American grammar). There are also dozens of words that are used differently, i.e., the “boot” instead of the trunk, the “bonnet” instead of the hood, etc. Both of these elements give the book a bit of unanticipated charm in addition to the suspense and mystery. The story flows well, and the main characters are quite likeable.

For readers who enjoy the charm of England, like a well-written story, and don’t need graphic sex, violence, and language, this book is a good choice. Most readers will want to pick up subsequent novels in the series as soon as they are released, and will also want to read the first, anticipate the next book in the series.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book

This book may be purchased at Amazon:
Money, Mishaps and Murder, Kindle