Death by Carpet cover art

Death by Carpet

Slater and Norman Mysteries, Book 1

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Death by Carpet

By: P.F. Ford
Narrated by: Andy Cresswell
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About this listen

Two detectives made into scapegoats for other people’s failings get one last chance in a small Hampshire town. But no matter how tough things get, they never lose their sense of humour . . .

Disgraced Detective Dave Slater is stuck on gardening leave, down in the quiet Hampshire town of Tinton, with just one last chance to redeem himself.

He must search for mousy young journalist Ruth Thornhill. Months ago, she vanished from her home, her London job, her life. But the Met don’t want to know.

Now Slater's boss slips him the file, asking him to investigate discreetly, with the help of an unlikely new assistant. Bedraggled fifty-something Detective Norman Norman.

Norman may not be the fittest or the strongest. And, lord knows, he's not the youngest. But he knows how to use his head and follow his instincts. And he might just be the ally that Slater needs.

The deeper Slater digs into the missing woman's many secrets, the more he realizes, someone out there doesn't want her found.

And they'll stop at nothing to keep Slater from the truth.

The answers they want might just be all wrapped up in an old roll of carpet . . .

This absolutely gripping detective mystery full of twists and turns is perfect for fans of Rachel McLean, J.D. Kirk, Pauline Rowson, Elly Griffiths, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.

©2024 P. F. Ford (P)2025 W. F. Howes Ltd.
Crime Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Police Procedurals Traditional Detectives Exciting Detective
All stars
Most relevant
Never a dull moment. A story line with lots of twists and likeable main characters. I shall be listening to more from this author.

A Very Interesting Story.

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Really enjoyed this. I read the previous "Norman" series, so took a chance on this one. Good story, and well narrated. Will purchase the next one

Great start to a series.

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Hope the rest of the series is as good as this.excellent storyline, with many twists and great repartee between the characters in the book

Loved it

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The story was OK but all the female characters were 2D and fancied Slater. In the last hour or so, we finally encounter a female police officer who is summed up by the words "she had a pretty face". In the last chapter one of the women, who has a high-powered professional job, gets let into Slater's house and immediately goes upstairs and strips off to get into his bed, based on no preliminaries whatsoever. I would have returned the title but I bought it in a 2 for 1 sale, so I wouldn't have got my credit back.
I am mystified by all the good reviews.

Where are the real women?

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I managed to get to the end of this book because the underlying plot and story was reasonably good but it was a struggle. The writing is poor and the portrayal of women as nothing more than men’s playthings is unbelievable in this day and age. Whilst the narrator didn’t have a lot to work with, he didn’t do anything to rescue this book; I listened to it on 1.1 speed. I’m at a complete loss as to why listeners have given such positive reviews. I won’t be listening to any more from this author or narrator.

Unbelievably sexist.

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