Body Line (Bill Slider Mysteries, 13)

First Sentence: "You look terrible," Slider said as Atherton slid into the car.Inspector Bill Slider and his team are investigating the murder of David Rogers, shot in his home at point blank range by someone with a silencer. Everything about him indicates he has considerable money, except his bank statement. Yet, the crime doesn't appear to be one of passion or of robbery. With very little evidence, few clues, and no obvious motive, the police are having a difficult time finding the killer. Does the answer lie with one of the many women in Roger's life, with his past or with his shadowy job? The deeper they go into the investigation, the bigger and more complex the case becomesReading Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is pure joy. Her love of language is evident on every page as exemplified by her dialogue, wry humor and evocative descriptions..."a well-dressed elderly couple, so tiny and immaculate they could have earned spare cash standing around on wedding cakes." There are hunger-inspiring descriptions of food, from the grab-and-go to a particularly delicious dinner.Each of the characters is fully-fleshed out and the relationships realistic. It is so refreshing that the protagonists have normal, stable lives and aren't angst-driven or alcoholic, yet there is nothing cloying about the way in which they are presented.American readers may not be familiar with some of the terms or expressions, yet these are British police who use British vernacular. The meaning of those expressions that may not be known to the American audience can easily be gleaned for their context and add to the veracity of the story.The plot is developed bit-by-bit from a single murder to something unexpected. This is a serious crime which becomes more serious as the story progresses. At the same time, it is presented in the manner of a traditional mystery in that overt violence is left off-stage. The case is investigated by a team using procedure and following the clues; no tricks but a few very effective red herrings, no sudden revelations. At the same time, it was interesting to learn that, in Britain, one can rent a gun from a dealer for a day. It's that information and attention to detail which greatly enhance the story.Most of all, I come back to the use of language. There are subtle puns, visual similes and metaphors, and the most wonderful malaprops which are attributable to one of the characters. The cleverest part is that the other characters are so accustomed to them, they are commented on only once and you feel that is more for the sake of the reader."Body Line" is an excellent, traditional police procedural with wonderful characters and a very well-constructed plot that is pure pleasure to read.BODY LINE (Pol Proc-Insp. Bill Slider-England-Cont) - ExHarrod-Eagles, Cynthia - 13th in seriesSevern House, ©2010, US Hardcover - ISBN: 9780727869579

I like most of Harrod-Eagles's books in this series! Well defined characters, humor, good plotting and page-turning fun with the main characters. Highly recommend!I feel I may have missed the first in this series and am not sure what it was. Can someone let me know the title. I've been reading Harrod-Eagles Slider books for years and years and cannot recall the first or even the second title. The ones where he meets Joanna. I think I've likely read them all and hate not having a new one to read. I thoroughly agree with Jerry Bell's review. I'm near to finishing the one I'm reading now and want another right away!

I knew from the first time he was mentioned who the bad guy was. Took Slider and company a great deal longer to figure it out. As per usual, though, the author didn't give full disclosure till the last few pages. That's okay. It was a good story and carried one along. I'm so glad I found Harrod-Eagles. None of my favorite authors have a book coming out any time soon, so I would have been desperate for something good to read. Slider definitely fills the bill!

These are good mysteries. The characters are interest and well drawn. The boss and his malapropisms are entertaining. Some of the British slang might bypass americans.

Addictive series. But every one in this series (16) could stand up separately. Fortunately there are 16 in the series. I only have a few more to read!

I am fairly new to this author but love her and have every one I could find. I am Australian - she is English. We speak the same language and I appreciate her English humour and view of the world. Makes me homesick.

I loved this book, it was suspenseful and I was sad when it ended.

I found one of the Bill Slider mysteries at the library - I enjoyed it so much that I ordered the first three Bill Slider omnibuses and read the first books in the series in order - found the subsequent ones in the library until this latest book - I guess with budget cuts, the local libraries cut back on book ordering so I got tired of waiting and finally ordered Body Line - I was so happy when the book arrived and raced through the it - Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is a phenomenal writer and I'm glad she takes the time with each book - so will just wait patiently until the next Bill Slider mystery is ready

Good story

Very enjoyable read .Already anticipating her next publication.

A crime series which is different to most in a good way. It is outstanding.

received with thanks

Amother good bill slider from cynthia harrod eagles. Gripping and un-putdownable as always. Can't wait for the next instalment in the series.