Spence and the Holiday Murders [Paperback]

Michael Derek Allen (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Dell Pub Co (January 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440183642
• ISBN-13: 978-0440183648
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,096,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Allen was first paid for writing a newspaper article back in 1955. His first novel was published in 1963. Since then he has published numerous other novels (under various names), short stories, and non-fiction books; he has also had work produced on the stage, television and radio. In 1990 he was awarded the Bouchercon Prize for a stage play based on crime.

Many of Michael's earlier books are now out of print, but he is gradually reprinting them in digital form via Amazon/Kindle. Also coming soon: some dazzling new stories.

Michael Allen is particularly well known these days as the author of a number of books designed to provide help and advice for writers. These include:

The Truth about Writing
On the Survival of Rats in the Slush Pile
How to Write a Short Story that Works

From 2004-07, Michael wrote a daily blog, the Grumpy Old Bookman. This is still available online: it contains over one million words of essays, book reviews, and useful information for writers.

Here are some critical judgements on Michael's work from critics worldwide:

'Absolutely first class' The Bookseller
'The best police procedure novel I have read in years' The Spectator
'A true blue murder master' Time
'Solidly constructed' New York Times Book Review
'A pleasing narrative style' Daily Mail
'Beguiling entertainment' Kirkus Reviews
'Don't miss it' The Observer
'Difficult to put down' Kirkus Reviews

Take a look at Michael's output and see what appeals to you.

Print this

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars First of the Spence novels is disposable and brief, November 24, 2004

By 

Peter LaPrade (worcester ma) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spence and the holiday murders (Hardcover)

Michael Derek Allen's first Spence novel "Spence and the Holiday Murders" aka "Spence and the murders in Petal Park" is about 180 pages long, and is a forgetable mystery. Spence is an inspector assigned to solve the blugoning murder of a jerk named Roger. This Roger was not so jolly, as he ripped off people with mortage schemes, slept around and disposed of women like tissues, and other naughty behavior. Who the killer is is not a big suprise, and you feel some sympathy as to their motive.