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The Man with a Load of Mischief

A Richard Jury Novel, Book 1

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The Man with a Load of Mischief

By: Martha Grimes
Narrated by: Steve West
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At the Man with a Load of Mischief, they found the dead body stuck in a keg of beer. At the Jack and Hammer, another body was stuck out on the beam of the pub's sign, replacing the mechanical man who kept the time. Two pubs. Two murders. One Scotland Yard inspector called in to help.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Jury arrives in Long Piddleton and finds everyone in the postcard village looking outside of town for the killer - except for one Melrose Plant. A keen observer of human nature, he points Jury in the right direction: into the darkest parts of his neighbors' hearts.

©2013 Martha Grimes (P)2013 Simon & Schuster Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Fiction Detective Heartfelt Witty Scotland
Engaging Characters • Witty Dialogue • Clever Plot Twists • Classic Mystery Elements • Enjoyable Series Start
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As is my unfortunate habit, I read this book after becoming hooked on Grimes' Jury character and books. That was just as well, because this didn't have anywhere near the character depth and entertaining mannerisms that developed in future books, so I may not have gone further with the series had I read this first. I am glad to know the origins of the characters, and how the Jury-Plant friendship formed. But having the characters become so much more entertainingly eccentric in newer books was so much better. Plant is so much more than he showed in this book, as is Agatha. And Jury is too one-dimensional here--his subtle mannerisms have not appeared yet. The plot is kind of exaggerated, as would be good for a stage play, but is still Grimes, and Grimes is generally quite good. Glad to have this one under my belt to go on reading her more recent and more entertaining tales of Jury, Plant, et al.

Showed promise for the series to come

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The Man with a Load of Mischief is the book equivalent of comfort food for me. I have long loved the abridged version exquisitely performed by Tim Curry and now can add this version to my list of life's necessities.

So good!

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lots of details about colorful characters. enjoying the 80s era with no cell phones. drinking in the afternoon and fun chats all day long. And oh yes a clever mystery murder.

good fun

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I read all of these books as they came out. The first is the weakest but it really lays out the characters, situations and relationships. The reader is not great. Not bad enough to quit listening, but bad enough to make me cringe. Aunt Agatha is horrible!! It was great fun to remember! I’ll be listening to all the others!

First Richard Jury book

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I love Grimes mysteries. Like the narration although I do wish a little that there was a woman pairing in the narration as I find the voice for Agnes a little grating. Of course that is her character so I am sure I will get used to it as I work my way through the audible versions of the Jury mysteries. Definitely worth the listen.

Martha Grimes writes a great mystery

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i remember a long time ago that i wanted to read these books and i am glad that i can now listen to them. the narrator is excellent.

Very Entertaining

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My daughter and I are both listening to this series in order, though skipping ones that have poor reviews.
they're easy to follow, fairly entertaining, and ideal if you want to listen while doing something else - cooking, housework, some art, etc. And who can object to Steve West?

Easy Listening

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Listening to this first book again having read/ listened to all of this series multiple times.
Its wonderful, funny at times especially as the series goes on.
Please try if you’re on the fence. Narrator is fantastic!

Stands the test of time

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Enjoyed the wry "one liners" and the unusual characters! Found this to be an enjoyable listen. Martha Grimes is a new author for me and a break from the more suspenseful mysteries I generally prefer. Narrator is very very good.

Humorous and mysterious.

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Sense of humor, typical English villages atmosphere, interesting historical informations,shocking examples of human greed and stupidity these are the ingredients of the book. The narration fluctuates with the different characters which makes it alive and funny. however, don't expect a very thorough or original characters description, the book is too short for this.

typical english mystery book without forgetting the spiritual funny side.

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