No Birds Singing [Hardcover]

Vivien Armstrong (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2003

Description When Tansy Robotham called in to see hairdresser Sandy Prentice that autumn afternoon, the last thing she expected to find was her friend's long-dead body lying in the middle of the conservatory. Shocked and terrified by the evidence of decay, and by the horrific way Sandy had been killed, Tansy ran from the house screaming for help. So, for the recently transferred DCI Roger Hayes, this is the beginning of a lengthy investigation - not quite the welcome he had expected from the quiet little village of Newton Greys, but the perfect opportunity to prove himself. First though, he must discover the real story behind Sandy's busy working and social lives, and finding her diary seems like just the breakthrough he needs. Soon DCI Hayes realizes that all is not quite as it seems in the peaceful Oxfordshire village, and finding the murderer is far from easy.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Chief Inspector Roger Hayes marches to a different drummer. A former classical pianist, he is a renegade cop whose unorthodox style has resulted in banishment to a small village constabulary near Oxford. His first big case on his new patch is the very public murder of hairdresser Sandy Prentice, whose bloodied body is found a week after she has been stabbed to death. Slogging detective work along with Roger's well-honed intuition soon point to young Maurice Chambers as the prime suspect. Recently released from prison for killing a child in a drunk-driving accident, Maurice is the spoiled son of a wealthy local businessman. But despite damning (albeit circumstantial) evidence against Maurice, Roger is not convinced he is the killer. Roger is an ingratiating hero--a maverick in the Inspector Morse mold, equally cerebral but much less irascible. The inventive plot and the unexpected solution combine with Roger's appeal to produce a lively and enjoyable mystery. Emily Melton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Vivien Armstrong trained as a journalist, working on a national British newspaper before becoming a crime novelist. She also contributes horticultural and gardening articles to magazines as well as co-authoring a floral art book with a leading designer. She lives in Norfolk, England.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Severn House Publishers; First Edition edition (August 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0727859846
• ISBN-13: 978-0727859846
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,509,055 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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