Death of a Hollow Man (Inspector Barnaby Mysteries Book 2)

I first became aware of this author through the British television series, Midsomer Murders, which I loved. Her detective novels were the basis for the series. In fact, this book was the genesis for one of the episode in the series. So, I looked forward to reading it.This book is actually the second book in a number of murder mysteries featuring Detective Chief Investigator Tom Barnaby, one very intelligent detective with an astute understanding of human nature, and a wickedly dry sense of humor. He investigates murder cases in a cluster of small English villages in his jurisdiction, accompanied by his sidekick, Sergeant Troy.Here, he investigates the murder of the leading man of an amateur theatre group, murdered in plain view during a performance before a live audience, one which just happened to include Detective Chief Investigator Barnaby! Now, who would think of doing something so audacious?It should be noted that about the first half of the book centers around this amateur theatre company and all it players. This is probably due to the author’s own theatre background, as she clearly revels in it and writes with authority on the subject matter. Theatre devotees will probably really enjoy this first half of the book, while others may find it somewhat tedious.Those more interested in the whodunnit aspects of the book will enjoy the second half more. That is when Detective Chief Investigator Barnaby figures more prominently and puts together all the pieces, bringing it to a satisfying denouement.

Lots of characters with secrets and plenty of twists and turns make this a delightful mystery. The story is told from multiple points if view which really delves into the motivations of the characters far more than they would ever reveal in a simple interview.

I was curious as to how the book would compare to the TV series. I was quite pleased. I enjoyed the book very much. I love playing detective and thought I had this one all figured out . I was wrong. In the TV series, it's always the least expected and was the same in the book. Armed with that knowledge I was sure I could figure it out. I couldn't. I would recommend this to anyone that likes a good mystery, enjoys reading the clues, thinks they can figure it out, yet can't

I like my mysteries to start with a bang (the death) and usually get a little weary of spending a hundred or more pages of background and backdrop, but Caroline Graham is an exception. She manages to draw you into what would be the backstory of the usual mystery. This one takes place in a local theatre company that takes itself far too seriously. there is enough drama here between the characters to fuel five mysteries, and they are all carefully drawn and composed, full-blown and engaging, whether you hate them or like them. The murder itself is great, a huge bang for your buck, and there really is very little clue to who could have done it - everyone has a motive. But, of course, Barnaby and Troy are the center of the story as Barnaby slowly unravels the half-dozen side mysteries of the characters. Barnaby is far more caustic than his television incarnation and Troy is farm more sarcastic and nasty, but that helps to spate the books from the TV series nicely (both of which I love) especially since I didn't start reading the mysteries until after I had seen all 19 seasons of the Brit-drama. A great read, I highly recommend.

This is the second in the Inspector Barnaby series of murder mysteries by Caroline Graham. I really enjoyed this book as well as the first book, "The Killings at Badger's Drift". I am a fan of "Midsomer Murders" and started reading the books because of the series. I am currently on the third, "Death in Disguise", and so far, the plot lines and characters mirror pretty faithfully the first few episodes in the series. These are "cozy" reads; they won't challenge you intellectually. I read enough other "challenging" books (sometimes they make my head hurt LOL) that it is nice to have something fun to pick up to read, just for the enjoyment, and relax. Too bad, I think there are only 7 books total! I won't go into the story itself (you can read the synopsis and I don't want to throw out any spoilers) but I will say that there are some twists to the plot and the characters are diverse and fun. Especially the recurring characters; you will begin to think of them as friends. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a cozy mystery or is a fan of "Midsomer Murders."

This was the first of Caroline Graham's Inspector Barnaby series I ever read. Then I couldn't get enough of them. The book is a nice, cozy, English... and predictable murder mystery. I loved all the characters which, often as not, steal the show. Good, believable characters... and good plotting. Also the dialog is crisp and funny, though at times, unintentionally so: "If anything, the great wash of iridescent stars looked even more distant, the milky radiance of the moon more inhumanly bright. On one of Deidre's lenses a rivulet spread sideways..... She stepped out of her shelter into the torrential rain and shook her fist at the heavens."My goodness! I've always heard the weather was unusual there, but the British get to have a raging storm and a clear sky at the same time!Nevertheless, the whole thing works.note: I quickly read the rest of the Barnaby books. All of them were fun but from a technical standpoint, Graham is an awful writer. In her later books she sometimes uses nearly identical situations.... and sometimes lifts whole paragraphs...from her earlier works. But who cares? She does it with such charm!!

Great story. A recommendation for those who enjoy the television show. Only issue was when I opened it the cover had been bent but this could have been a result of shipping, not the seller.

Too theatrical, and wordy.Peculiar usage of paragraphs and parentheses. Did not enjoy. A far cry from the television series.