Dead Ringer [Hardcover]

Judith Cook (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2003

The first in a brand-new series featuring an ex-cop turned environmental crusader. Retired policeman John Latymer is happily settled with his new wife Tess, and occupies himself with a part time job as a tour guide leading groups around England. When he witnesses a violent brawl in a small Cornish harbour-town, and when a body is discovered off the coast nearby, he cannot help but become embroiled in the ensuing investigations - much to the annoyance of his wife. Exposing the dark side of the fishing industry and the underworld of drugs, as well as tackling sensitive environmental issues, Dead Ringer will keep the reader glued to the pages through the various twists and turns of this exciting novel.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Former investigative journalist Cook explores the drug problem in Britain, the plight of the commercial fisherman, and the environmental impact of depleted uranium shells while also offering up a cleverly plotted mystery. John Latymer has retired from the police force and settled down to enjoy life. Unfortunately, he's soon bored to tears with his new-found leisure time. When the opportunity arises to lead visiting Americans on literary tours of the U.K., he jumps at the chance. On one of his tours, he witnesses a fight between two sailors outside a pub. A short time later, a dead body is washed ashore nearby. Latymer is drawn into the investigation almost (but not quite) against his will and soon finds a connection between the fighting sailors and the dead man. Cook writes knowledgeably about drugs, the fishing industry, and the environment, but her plot creaks a bit under all the thematic weight. Still, this is an edifying and mildly entertaining mystery. Emily Melton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Judith Cook is a crime writer and investigative journalist.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Severn House Publishers (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0727859552
• ISBN-13: 978-0727859556
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,531,669 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Competent, but not very inspired, July 22, 2009

By 

Srdjan Pesic (Minneapolis, Mn United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dead Ringer (Hardcover)

I mostly read British mysteries. They are stronger on character developement than their American counterparts. And, the most important, most British writers don't feel the need to oversimplify and wrap up everything neatly. Late Judith Cook has a distinct flair for story, which probably stems from her days as a journalist.The novel is relatively short, but the plot lines are overly complicated for its lenght. This is a competent, professional book, but unfortunately not very inspired.
Three and a half stars.