Roberta Writes – Book review: Seeking Truth at Ardwick House: Inspector Button Investigates (Quarry Bank Tales) by G.J. Griffith #readingcommunity #bookreview #historicalmurdermystery

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What Amazon says

Detective Inspector Walter Button is called upon to investigate a violent burglary that takes place at the stately mansion called Ardwick House, in the centre of Manchester. Button’s Victorian police team have become known for investigating ‘flash houses’ and their associated killings and violence. These public houses, amongst other establishments, are implicated in a crime wave of fencing stolen goods – a big problem for many big towns and cities throughout England.

The ongoing investigation of the Ardwick House burglary takes its toll on Button and Kathleen, his wife. His step-son Josh is the young copper on patrol in Ardwick Green and the first to be alerted by broken glass at the rear of the mansion. As events proceed, a number of other knotty problems and plots come to the surface; not discounting two dead bodies, a secret business plan and pressure from the inspector’s superiors. How does all of this involve the adult sons of the original partners and iron foundry owners, David Fraser and Mitch McCallum? Can Button disentangle it all to the satisfaction of his senior officers and before he loses his wife forever?

My review

Seeking Truth at Ardwick House is the 5th book in the Quarry Bank Tales series, all of which I have read and enjoyed in order.

Inspector Button is back with a complex murder and burglary at Ardwick House, home to wealthy industrialist, David Fraser. The butler is found dead on the floor, his head bashed in, and surrounded by pieces of Lord Fraser’s prized art collection from the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome. Unfortunately, Inspector Button’s young stepson, a recent addition to the Ardwick Green, Manchester police force, is seriously injured during the incident. When Button’s wife, Kathleen, learns of the injury to her beloved son, she blames her husband and moves out of their home.

Poor Inspector Button, he also adores his stepson, and must investigate the murder/robbery while worrying about Josh’s recovery and his wife’s rejection of him. Button is such a wholesome and good person that I felt really sorry for him in this difficult situation. Nevertheless, he continues with his investigation and a second body is discovered, hidden in the stables at Ardwick Green.

As the mystery unfolds, the complicated relationships between David Frazer, who is planning to retire, his two sons, his investment partner, Mitch McCallum and his two sons, is unveiled. There is a lot going on in both the House of Frazer and the House of McCallum. There is also bad blood going back years and years. In addition, there are disgruntled and dissatisfied employees in David Frazer’s household.

This is an intriguing plot albeit complicated, with lots of twists and turns. You cannot cruise through this story, but need to read with attention to keep up with the plethora of characters and all the intricacies of their lives and involvements in the storyline. I really enjoy a good brain cell work out and I always get it with this author’s historical novels. I like the way characters from the previous novels are woven into the storyline. If you haven’t read the other books, you’ll miss this and it won’t matter, but if you have read the earlier novels, it is a really nice touch.

Congratulations to the author on another well researched and engaging book.

Purchase Seeking Truth at Ardwick House from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Seeking-Truth-Ardwick-House-Investigates-ebook/dp/B0CNCPWMH2

And Amazon UK here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seeking-Truth-Ardwick-House-Investigates/dp/B0CP4P94HP

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Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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47 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – Book review: Seeking Truth at Ardwick House: Inspector Button Investigates (Quarry Bank Tales) by G.J. Griffith #readingcommunity #bookreview #historicalmurdermystery”

      1. I will take that as a compliment, Robbie. 🙂
        And it definitely sounds like a book I would enjoy. I love the challenge of a good read that provides a mental workout!

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  13. reading this, I thought what a splendid TV series this would make, possibly on Netflix but more likely on the BBC where ‘Vera’, ‘Father Brown’ and ‘A Midsommer Murder’ appear; I will look for the first in the series and see if it enfolds me —

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  14. Sounds like an interesting murder mystery series.

    I cut my teeth on reading this type of thing.

    I also like a grittier gumshoe type of murder mystery. But this review leaves me wanting to have a look. Seeing how I like to begin at the beginning, I’ll be starting with book one.

    I do like hystorical writing so that will interest me as well.

    Thanks or a nice review.

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  19. This series sounds very intriguing, Robbie. I am really starting to enjoy historical mysteries, so will check this series out. Wonderful review.

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