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Patrick Shea Mystery #1
Three's a Crowd
In Three's A Crowd, we are introduced to Detective Sergeant Patrick Shea, a rising young star at the Hampden Station Criminal Investigation Department, and someone whose career is being fast tracked by the Metropolitan Police in London. With his eye on an appointment to a Murder Investigation Team with New Scotland Yard, Shea is doing everything by the book. Unfortunately, Patrick's love life is a bit of a mess and gets messier when he learns that his former lover, Annie Jameson, has been assaulted on someone else's patch. Will his involvement in the under-the-radar investigation of the attack on his ex-girlfriend put his career in jeopardy and possibly her life as well? If you enjoy Law and Order UK, you will want to read Three's A Crowd.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2012
16 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Mary Lydon Simonsen
46 books180 followersI am the authors of several Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion re-imaginings. I have also written a modern love story, The Second Date, Love Italian-American Style, and three British mysteries, Three's A Crowd, A Killing in Kensington, A Death in Hampden, Dying to Write, and Murder by Moonlighting.
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, volunteer, reader, writer, serious recycler.
When I read for relaxation, I read mysteries. My greatest love is history. When I am doing the research for a new book, I love digging for historical nuggets.
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, volunteer, reader, writer, serious recycler.
When I read for relaxation, I read mysteries. My greatest love is history. When I am doing the research for a new book, I love digging for historical nuggets.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 7, 2012
This was a brilliant breakout start into the world of detective fiction for Mary Lydon Simonsen. I have been reading her work for a few years now in the Romance genre and was very eager to see how she would do not just writing a mystery with a police detective, but making the detective British. She did a terrific job. I've read and watched a lot of British drama mysteries and it felt the same.
The main plot centers around the mystery of who attacked Police Detective Sergeant Patrick Shea's former love interest, Annie while she was walking home. There are other subplots like the situation with Patrick's current love interest, his work with his partner Molly to solve burglaries and missing persons, and his desire to be promoted to Scotland Yard. The story is a wonderful blend between police procedural stuff and Patrick's private life. Patrick works on Annie's assault in his private time and on the sly because it happened in a different station's precinct. The mystery there was well written and was as deliciously tricky as a good mystery should be (I hate it when I solve a mystery early on).
The main character Patrick Shea was very likeable. He was a flawed hero because of choices he made particularly when it came to relationships (boy can the man pick 'em), but in all other important matters he was the man to depend on whether it was at work or with his family. I liked how he owned his mistakes and expected to abide by what came as a result.
The secondary characters like Molly and Annie were not just foils for Patrick and Annie's former roommate and the newspaper reporter was a hoot.
It's hard to believe this was a first time dip into the mystery genre and I eagerly await the next installment in the Patrick Shea series.
The main plot centers around the mystery of who attacked Police Detective Sergeant Patrick Shea's former love interest, Annie while she was walking home. There are other subplots like the situation with Patrick's current love interest, his work with his partner Molly to solve burglaries and missing persons, and his desire to be promoted to Scotland Yard. The story is a wonderful blend between police procedural stuff and Patrick's private life. Patrick works on Annie's assault in his private time and on the sly because it happened in a different station's precinct. The mystery there was well written and was as deliciously tricky as a good mystery should be (I hate it when I solve a mystery early on).
The main character Patrick Shea was very likeable. He was a flawed hero because of choices he made particularly when it came to relationships (boy can the man pick 'em), but in all other important matters he was the man to depend on whether it was at work or with his family. I liked how he owned his mistakes and expected to abide by what came as a result.
The secondary characters like Molly and Annie were not just foils for Patrick and Annie's former roommate and the newspaper reporter was a hoot.
It's hard to believe this was a first time dip into the mystery genre and I eagerly await the next installment in the Patrick Shea series.
June 25, 2012
Celebrated Austenesque author, Mary Lydon Simonsen released a new book, yet it is not a Pride and Prejudice re-imagining. Simonsen hits the ground running in her debut mystery, Three’s A Crowd.
Detective Patrick Shea is the quintessential good guy who is on the fast track to becoming the newest detective on Scotland Yard’s Murder Investigation team. But when his ex-girlfriend becomes the victim of an assault, things get complicated. After learning of Annie’s assault, Patrick Shea makes finding her assailant his mission. However, being back in Annie’s presence might not be as easy as Patrick thinks. While Annie regrets losing Patrick, he is assaulted by memories of their time together. I could feel the sparks between the two still, however, are they going to be able to overcome their broken past and start anew? Will he lose his chance at promotion for interfering with a case from a different patch?
Those who enjoy Simonsen’s humor will be pleased to know it is not lacking here! From the one-liners and humorous banter to factual tidbits tied in, Three’s A Crowd is classic Simonsen writing. Where Simonsen usually exhibits her historical prowess, here she displays her command of British lingo and police operations. The subtle facts interlaced into the plot make the story and characters appear real. It’s through the British dialogue and descriptions that I felt as if I was right there in London with the characters. The language used is so raw and real, making me further believe the characters are real. Even though there were a few terms I didn’t know, readers are provided a glossary of British police terms at the end of the book.
Once the assailant’s interrogation began, I was drawn in even more. As I approached the climax, I was getting antsy, as I usually do at a suspenseful climax. The only thing I didn’t like was how easily the assailant surrendered; I wish that person would have put of more of a fight, and the climax would have lasted for a few more pages. Still, this was an enjoyable mystery and set readers up for more of Detective Patrick Shea.
Be on the look out as another Patrick Shea mystery will be released in fall 2012.
Detective Patrick Shea is the quintessential good guy who is on the fast track to becoming the newest detective on Scotland Yard’s Murder Investigation team. But when his ex-girlfriend becomes the victim of an assault, things get complicated. After learning of Annie’s assault, Patrick Shea makes finding her assailant his mission. However, being back in Annie’s presence might not be as easy as Patrick thinks. While Annie regrets losing Patrick, he is assaulted by memories of their time together. I could feel the sparks between the two still, however, are they going to be able to overcome their broken past and start anew? Will he lose his chance at promotion for interfering with a case from a different patch?
Those who enjoy Simonsen’s humor will be pleased to know it is not lacking here! From the one-liners and humorous banter to factual tidbits tied in, Three’s A Crowd is classic Simonsen writing. Where Simonsen usually exhibits her historical prowess, here she displays her command of British lingo and police operations. The subtle facts interlaced into the plot make the story and characters appear real. It’s through the British dialogue and descriptions that I felt as if I was right there in London with the characters. The language used is so raw and real, making me further believe the characters are real. Even though there were a few terms I didn’t know, readers are provided a glossary of British police terms at the end of the book.
Once the assailant’s interrogation began, I was drawn in even more. As I approached the climax, I was getting antsy, as I usually do at a suspenseful climax. The only thing I didn’t like was how easily the assailant surrendered; I wish that person would have put of more of a fight, and the climax would have lasted for a few more pages. Still, this was an enjoyable mystery and set readers up for more of Detective Patrick Shea.
Be on the look out as another Patrick Shea mystery will be released in fall 2012.
June 7, 2012
In her latest novel, Mary Simonsen steps away from Regency England, to dive into a post 9-11 London, introducing us to Patrick Shea, a new detective for the Hampdon Crime Unit in London. Shea seems to have it all - easy cases, a great partner in Molly, a brother who is getting his life together, and a shot at moving up quickly in the police force.
The novel talks a lot about what cops of his stature give up to be where they are - family, friends, nights, weekends, and basically their lives. Patrick's wife is remarried, he has a son, Josh, who lives with them, and an Irish mother who isn't very happy that she hasn't visited him in a while. He has very little time outside of his job for a social life. Except for Annie.
Shea's work and personal life collide when Annie, his former flame, is attacked. What we see happens is an example of how Patrick acts when he can't let go of her, or of her case. The result is a tidy little introductory mystery that seems to set the stage for bigger things to come.
What makes this novel isn't the mystery per se, it is the fact that Patrick Shea is so darn likable. You just want to give him a big hug, fix him dinner, and introduce him to your sister if you weren't already married. He's extremely good looking, overly conscientious, and polite. Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE likes him. He reminds me of a young Gary Cooper - and you cannot help rooting for him and Annie.
I'm glad that Simonsen put a glossary at the end of the novella. I had to use it a few times to differentiate between the characters. The only negative I would give is that Shea's likeability spilled over a bit too much with the other characters. I expected more crassness and cursing, especially from the 'estate' folks.
You'll love meeting Patrick Shea - great novella!
The novel talks a lot about what cops of his stature give up to be where they are - family, friends, nights, weekends, and basically their lives. Patrick's wife is remarried, he has a son, Josh, who lives with them, and an Irish mother who isn't very happy that she hasn't visited him in a while. He has very little time outside of his job for a social life. Except for Annie.
Shea's work and personal life collide when Annie, his former flame, is attacked. What we see happens is an example of how Patrick acts when he can't let go of her, or of her case. The result is a tidy little introductory mystery that seems to set the stage for bigger things to come.
What makes this novel isn't the mystery per se, it is the fact that Patrick Shea is so darn likable. You just want to give him a big hug, fix him dinner, and introduce him to your sister if you weren't already married. He's extremely good looking, overly conscientious, and polite. Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE likes him. He reminds me of a young Gary Cooper - and you cannot help rooting for him and Annie.
I'm glad that Simonsen put a glossary at the end of the novella. I had to use it a few times to differentiate between the characters. The only negative I would give is that Shea's likeability spilled over a bit too much with the other characters. I expected more crassness and cursing, especially from the 'estate' folks.
You'll love meeting Patrick Shea - great novella!
June 8, 2012
Mary Simonsen has stepped out of the Austen world and into a modern English detective story with Three's a Crowd. I did have to laugh when she mentions Collin Firth! This is not her first non-Austen work but I believe it is her first mystery. It’s a modern, edgy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Detective Sargent Patrick Shea is one hot copper! He works for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in London's Metropolitan Police. He has dreams of advancing to Scotland Yard. He also has a high ethical standard and is very devoted to his job, so much so it has cost him his marriage.
Annie Jameson, Shea's ex-girlfriend, is assaulted and he feels it's his duty to find the assailant. He is investigating the case on the side because it did not happen on his patch. Why would someone want to hurt Annie and what did the assailant whisper in her ear?
I adore Patrick Shea! He’s cute, with a smile that would get him almost anything...at least from the ladies, but I didn’t find him at all cocky, just a genuine good-guy. He also has a good sense of humor which is a good thing because with his good-looks and that charming smile, the guys at the station (or nick as it’s called) often found something to poke fun at him with, especially after he receives a rose from a burglar that he has just captured!
Three's a Crowd is a novella meant to introduce us to Patrick Shea. That does not mean it is lacking in any way; it felt complete. There are a few side stories (routine cases), which keep the story moving along as the main story builds. I found I really enjoyed getting to know Patrick and the rest of the characters in this story. I am looking forward to reading more in this series!
A copy of the book was provided by the author for review.
Detective Sargent Patrick Shea is one hot copper! He works for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in London's Metropolitan Police. He has dreams of advancing to Scotland Yard. He also has a high ethical standard and is very devoted to his job, so much so it has cost him his marriage.
Annie Jameson, Shea's ex-girlfriend, is assaulted and he feels it's his duty to find the assailant. He is investigating the case on the side because it did not happen on his patch. Why would someone want to hurt Annie and what did the assailant whisper in her ear?
I adore Patrick Shea! He’s cute, with a smile that would get him almost anything...at least from the ladies, but I didn’t find him at all cocky, just a genuine good-guy. He also has a good sense of humor which is a good thing because with his good-looks and that charming smile, the guys at the station (or nick as it’s called) often found something to poke fun at him with, especially after he receives a rose from a burglar that he has just captured!
Three's a Crowd is a novella meant to introduce us to Patrick Shea. That does not mean it is lacking in any way; it felt complete. There are a few side stories (routine cases), which keep the story moving along as the main story builds. I found I really enjoyed getting to know Patrick and the rest of the characters in this story. I am looking forward to reading more in this series!
A copy of the book was provided by the author for review.
July 1, 2012
Mary Lydon Simonsen is very well-known as a writer of Austen fan fiction. But in this case, she surprises us all with a mystery novella. It has nothing to do with Jane Austen, so I say that for a debut mystery story, she did really well. That is why I give her 4 stars.
Patrick Shea is a British copper, working for the Metropolitan Police. His big ambition is to promote so he can work for Scotland Yard. That is his dream. But his dream may be in jeopardy when one of his ex-girlfriends is assaulted one night. The past interferes in his daily routines and, even though he goes on with his work and solves some other cases, he will have to face that past and try to help Annie, the assaulted ex-girlfriend. Will he discover who assaulted Annie and why? Will he be able to confront his past?
Certainly Patrick Shea is a character that you won't forget that easily. Handsome, sexy, witty, you cannot ignore him. Depicted as a womanizer, you feel there is more about him, so you cannot dislike him at all. His instinct as a policeman and his charm will make him go along the story in a way that makes you read and read, just to know what will happen next.
The characters are quite realistic. You feel you can meet them in the streets and have a chat with them. They have well-developed personalities and that makes them be complex characters. You really can get an image of them in your mind.
A very enjoyable reading, I recommend it to everybody who likes a good mystery story. I am already waiting for the next installment of Patrick Shea's adventures.
Patrick Shea is a British copper, working for the Metropolitan Police. His big ambition is to promote so he can work for Scotland Yard. That is his dream. But his dream may be in jeopardy when one of his ex-girlfriends is assaulted one night. The past interferes in his daily routines and, even though he goes on with his work and solves some other cases, he will have to face that past and try to help Annie, the assaulted ex-girlfriend. Will he discover who assaulted Annie and why? Will he be able to confront his past?
Certainly Patrick Shea is a character that you won't forget that easily. Handsome, sexy, witty, you cannot ignore him. Depicted as a womanizer, you feel there is more about him, so you cannot dislike him at all. His instinct as a policeman and his charm will make him go along the story in a way that makes you read and read, just to know what will happen next.
The characters are quite realistic. You feel you can meet them in the streets and have a chat with them. They have well-developed personalities and that makes them be complex characters. You really can get an image of them in your mind.
A very enjoyable reading, I recommend it to everybody who likes a good mystery story. I am already waiting for the next installment of Patrick Shea's adventures.
January 17, 2018
I discovered this author through a separate genre of writing but was willing to read her modern police procedural set in London.
This story is set in 2003 and introduces us to Patrick Shea who is a detective working in an imaginary district in London. he and his partner (police) are on the trail of a burglar who is only striking the posh area and only sporadically.
He then learns of an attack on his ex girlfriend. Patrick has a lot of exes, an ex wife, an ex one night stand , the ex girlfriend and a soon to be ex girlfriend. You see Patrick is married to his job. He also has a young son.
The purpose of this book really seems to be to introduce us to Patrick because the mystery aspect of it is pretty weak. And I really found some of it absurd
I wasn't thrilled with this book but I liked it enough to try the second in the series which is much less about Patrick and much more about an actual crime.
This story is set in 2003 and introduces us to Patrick Shea who is a detective working in an imaginary district in London. he and his partner (police) are on the trail of a burglar who is only striking the posh area and only sporadically.
He then learns of an attack on his ex girlfriend. Patrick has a lot of exes, an ex wife, an ex one night stand , the ex girlfriend and a soon to be ex girlfriend. You see Patrick is married to his job. He also has a young son.
The purpose of this book really seems to be to introduce us to Patrick because the mystery aspect of it is pretty weak. And I really found some of it absurd
I wasn't thrilled with this book but I liked it enough to try the second in the series which is much less about Patrick and much more about an actual crime.
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March 20, 2018not for me, but I went on to read second book in series
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January 9, 2014
This was quite a short book but I liked it although at times there seemed to be an odd way of writing and strange expressions used. The author right away points out that though this series is set in London she's kept the Americanised spellings, which I found a little peculiar. I think she maybe meant bus fare but she referred to a bus transfer a couple of times. Also someone being on the inside as opposed to being inside. She also referred to a minor at 17 which isn't the case here. There were a couple of apostrophe errors and at one point women was used and not woman and the American way of saying a couple of days-by dropping the of. (I always wonder why they do that). Then derring-do was spelt as daring do and the attic kept being referred to in the plural. Maybe that's another Americanism. Over all it didn't have a mistake on every other page which made it easier reading.
I liked Patrick although he had some pretty easy arrests to make during the course of this story. I'm not sure about his personal life. He seems to make it needlessly tricky so here's hoping in the sequel he's got his act together a bit and also has some more taxing cases !!
I liked Patrick although he had some pretty easy arrests to make during the course of this story. I'm not sure about his personal life. He seems to make it needlessly tricky so here's hoping in the sequel he's got his act together a bit and also has some more taxing cases !!
August 30, 2012
Three's A Crowd by Mary Lydon Simonsen
A mystery novella (length 193 pages) that introduces Detective Sergeant Patrick Shea. Shea is new to the Hampden Station, and is making his mark. When his ex-girlfriend is assaulted in another district, Patrick Shea involves himself in the investigation (unofficially). This book reads like a full-length novel with one plot flowing into the next. No guts, gore or bodice ripping. Mild swearing, but in context. Ms. Simonsen includes a Glossary of British Terms which was very helpful (and a lot of fun!). The cover is moody and perfect for mysteries. I was lost in this story and read it in one sitting. This is Mary Simonsen's first mystery, but I don't believe it will be her last! Totally recommended. Looking forward to the next book in the series: A Killing in Kensington, A Patrick Shea mystery is due to be published Autumn 2012.
Tags: British police procedural
ISBN 0615653375
Published May 30 2012
Available: Kindle edition $.99 or Paperback $6.95
A mystery novella (length 193 pages) that introduces Detective Sergeant Patrick Shea. Shea is new to the Hampden Station, and is making his mark. When his ex-girlfriend is assaulted in another district, Patrick Shea involves himself in the investigation (unofficially). This book reads like a full-length novel with one plot flowing into the next. No guts, gore or bodice ripping. Mild swearing, but in context. Ms. Simonsen includes a Glossary of British Terms which was very helpful (and a lot of fun!). The cover is moody and perfect for mysteries. I was lost in this story and read it in one sitting. This is Mary Simonsen's first mystery, but I don't believe it will be her last! Totally recommended. Looking forward to the next book in the series: A Killing in Kensington, A Patrick Shea mystery is due to be published Autumn 2012.
Tags: British police procedural
ISBN 0615653375
Published May 30 2012
Available: Kindle edition $.99 or Paperback $6.95
July 19, 2012
I stayed up all night to read this. The characters were very well written, and I look forward to seeing them in future books. I hissed and booed at the baddies and cheered the good guys -- and was surprised at who the true villain was. Even the minor characters got me hopping mad; there is a set of nasty greedy sisters who I hope receive retribution in a future book.
I enjoyed this book very much, and gladly recommend Mary's writing.
I enjoyed this book very much, and gladly recommend Mary's writing.
August 27, 2016
Detective Sergeant Patrick Shea, based in Hampden, London is hoping soon to be placed at New Scotland Yard. But can his personal life interfere with that as he continues to catch criminals, some interesting secondary characters keep the story moving.
Shall watch out to see how the series develops.
Shall watch out to see how the series develops.
May 4, 2017
Good mystery but didn't really need the sex at the end.
June 22, 2018
Readable police procedural featuring a Detective Sergeant with an unfortunate taste in girlfriends. Clearly the author is not a Londoner, so it could have been anywhere.
January 10, 2020
Simplistic characters, simplistic solutions. Shallow plot.
March 8, 2022
Three's A Crowd is a pretty decent British Detective series. Definitely not a page turner, but the characters keep you involved. I will be reading the 2nd book in the series.
January 8, 2013
We meet Patrick Shea, a new detective in the Hampton Crime Unit in London. He’s good-looking, charming, and has a great sense of humor. That helps when the rest of the unit decides to lay a joke on him. He’s the golden boy of the station or the nick as it’s called. He’s just solved an important case but the assault of an ex-girlfriend has brought complications to his personal life that could have serious ramifications on his career.
What I loved about this novella was that it was a complete story. It didn’t feel abbreviated or abrupt. The main plot centers around Annie’s assault, Patrick’s ex-girlfriend. It also centers around their relationship. They had a messy breakup and there are some residual feelings between them.
Despite Patrick’s good looks and charm, he’s not the promiscuous type. He’s a genuine good guy when it comes to women, but his son and his career come first. That doesn’t make for easy relationships.
The writing style was easy to read and the mystery of it was superb. Finding out who the assailant was was a fun ride. It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s first try at mystery writing and that she usually writes Jane Austen fan fiction. The characters were well rounded and easy to believe as well.
I also loved the way Patrick’s world came alive. New Hampton was vibrant and grungy at the same time. The people were hard, the environment was harsh. At the same time there were posh neighborhoods where the rich lived. The contrast was stark.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys British mysteries or just a good mystery in general.
What I loved about this novella was that it was a complete story. It didn’t feel abbreviated or abrupt. The main plot centers around Annie’s assault, Patrick’s ex-girlfriend. It also centers around their relationship. They had a messy breakup and there are some residual feelings between them.
Despite Patrick’s good looks and charm, he’s not the promiscuous type. He’s a genuine good guy when it comes to women, but his son and his career come first. That doesn’t make for easy relationships.
The writing style was easy to read and the mystery of it was superb. Finding out who the assailant was was a fun ride. It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s first try at mystery writing and that she usually writes Jane Austen fan fiction. The characters were well rounded and easy to believe as well.
I also loved the way Patrick’s world came alive. New Hampton was vibrant and grungy at the same time. The people were hard, the environment was harsh. At the same time there were posh neighborhoods where the rich lived. The contrast was stark.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys British mysteries or just a good mystery in general.
December 19, 2017
I do follow the PBS mystery series on TV, which seem to all be British mysteries, don't usually read mysteries. Therefore when the latest in the Patrick Shea series (Dying to Write) was reviewed on Austenesque Reviews (due to its being a murder mystery set at a Jane Austen Convention) and received a good review on the site, I responded that I could not read the fourth in a series without reading the prequels. So the author informed me that the first novella was only $.99 for the kindle version on Amazon. I have read other books, romances, by this author so decided, "Worth a try!"
This is very obviously an introductory novel. And I was quite glad to have the glossary of terms at the beginning (and end) as being an American I would have been lost about the meanings or ranks. I didn't catch on to who was the ultimate culprit until near the end, so that was not given away for me. I did find the descriptions of our hero to be such that, as a romance reader, I will, at least, read the second novel to see where that aspect is headed. I am wondering if we are going to hear about Patrick's former colleagues as he moves to Scotland Yard. I hope so. His son sounds interesting and that fact that he has a relationship with Annie makes for potential in the future.
This was a short read and the crimes were very ordinary ones except for the ones involving the ladies in Patrick's life. I except murders as that is the unit to which Patrick is moving and I expect more complexity in the solving of the crime as I move to the next novel.
This is very obviously an introductory novel. And I was quite glad to have the glossary of terms at the beginning (and end) as being an American I would have been lost about the meanings or ranks. I didn't catch on to who was the ultimate culprit until near the end, so that was not given away for me. I did find the descriptions of our hero to be such that, as a romance reader, I will, at least, read the second novel to see where that aspect is headed. I am wondering if we are going to hear about Patrick's former colleagues as he moves to Scotland Yard. I hope so. His son sounds interesting and that fact that he has a relationship with Annie makes for potential in the future.
This was a short read and the crimes were very ordinary ones except for the ones involving the ladies in Patrick's life. I except murders as that is the unit to which Patrick is moving and I expect more complexity in the solving of the crime as I move to the next novel.
January 14, 2013
I normally don’t read murder mysteries or crime stories, particularly about police detectives.The closest I generally come is Robert Goddard’s novels which often feature a murder or two but in quite a different context - so this was a challenge. I was surprised how quickly I finished Three’s A Crowd, even allowing for it being a novella.
Patrick Shea is a pleasant, honest, cheerful and most importantly good looking London copper. He’s very likeable but I felt he could have done with something other than his looks to characterise him. Some distinguishing trait other than niceness perhaps? I did really like Molly as well and although she doesn’t appear very much, she comes across very convincingly. I think her dialogue and internal dialogue are particularly good.
The narrative flows quickly and I found the police procedures were conveyed in a believable manner. Perhaps the storyline could have been a bit more complicated but the book was enjoyable and I was very impressed with Simonsen’s usage of British language and terminology and with the author’s knowledge of British slang. I have studied Transatlantic English for my novel Crossing Paths and it is a tricky business getting word usage right for a particular country. A pleasant read. Recommended for Crime Fiction fans.
Patrick Shea is a pleasant, honest, cheerful and most importantly good looking London copper. He’s very likeable but I felt he could have done with something other than his looks to characterise him. Some distinguishing trait other than niceness perhaps? I did really like Molly as well and although she doesn’t appear very much, she comes across very convincingly. I think her dialogue and internal dialogue are particularly good.
The narrative flows quickly and I found the police procedures were conveyed in a believable manner. Perhaps the storyline could have been a bit more complicated but the book was enjoyable and I was very impressed with Simonsen’s usage of British language and terminology and with the author’s knowledge of British slang. I have studied Transatlantic English for my novel Crossing Paths and it is a tricky business getting word usage right for a particular country. A pleasant read. Recommended for Crime Fiction fans.
September 22, 2015
Three's A Crowd is an introduction to the world of London-based Detective Sergeant Patrick Shea. For Patrick Shea, after his young son, being a policeman means everything. He's aiming for Scotland Yard's Murder Investigation Team, and the chance to join the MIT seems close enough he can smell it.
Right now, though, DS Shea and his partner DC Molly Updike are dealing with the elusive Hampden Burglar, a missing teenager, and re-opening a cold case. Then there are the added complications of the assault of Patrick's former girlfriend, and living with a delinquent younger brother. Life clearly wasn't meant to be easy! When professional and personal lines become blurred, it can be difficult to see your way clear, and Patrick is uncertain whether his MIT dream will ever become reality.
Through DS Shea, the author investigates the complexities of life as a policeman, and offers a mystery that is not as straightforward as it might seem. There's no need to be wary of graphic crime scene descriptions in this realistic and easy to read story. Three's A Crowd has humour and a cast of likeable characters who I want to keep reading about.
Right now, though, DS Shea and his partner DC Molly Updike are dealing with the elusive Hampden Burglar, a missing teenager, and re-opening a cold case. Then there are the added complications of the assault of Patrick's former girlfriend, and living with a delinquent younger brother. Life clearly wasn't meant to be easy! When professional and personal lines become blurred, it can be difficult to see your way clear, and Patrick is uncertain whether his MIT dream will ever become reality.
Through DS Shea, the author investigates the complexities of life as a policeman, and offers a mystery that is not as straightforward as it might seem. There's no need to be wary of graphic crime scene descriptions in this realistic and easy to read story. Three's A Crowd has humour and a cast of likeable characters who I want to keep reading about.
July 16, 2014
I am familiar with Ms. Simonsen's work in her many Pride and Prejudice variations that I have mostly found to be very well written and compelling, with great dialog and character development. I was a little disappointed that this was a novella, as it lacked as much of the details of Ms. Simonsen's other work as far as character development. The main character is likable though his somewhat messed-up personal life takes over the story in the case that he investigates. I'm not conversant in British police slang, so I couldn't tell if it was particularly accurate, but it was a little overwhelming. Overall it's a series I would continue reading, and hope the rest of the stories are longer, demonstrating more of Ms. Simonsen's gift for dialog.
February 9, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. Real nice that there is a glossary of British terms at the end.
January 30, 2013
Patrick Shea is on the "fast-track" to working at New Scotland Yard. He as excelled in solving cases and has an excellent new partner, Molly.
His ex-girlfriend is assaulted one night walking in a bad part of town and Patrick finds out about the assault. Even though it's in another precinct, he takes over the case risking his chance to move to New Scotland Yard.
He needs to find out who assaulted her and why.
A very fast-paced read; I enjoyed it very much!
His ex-girlfriend is assaulted one night walking in a bad part of town and Patrick finds out about the assault. Even though it's in another precinct, he takes over the case risking his chance to move to New Scotland Yard.
He needs to find out who assaulted her and why.
A very fast-paced read; I enjoyed it very much!
October 12, 2012
It was nice to read something from a genre I'm not used to reading much of. I enjoyed the author's change of pace from her other works. I didn't see the ending until almost the end itself. I enjoyed the character development of Detective O'Shea.
August 31, 2012
Two comments: (1) one of the least authentic British police procedurals by an American author. Can't hold a candle to Elizabeth George or Martha Grimes. (2). Double standard for sexual behavior. Patrick can be a horn dog, yet he judges Annie harshly.
March 14, 2013
I liked this short novella, a police procedural but with a personal touch for Patrick Shea the main character. He doesn't always get things right with his personal life but I like the man and look forward to reading more from this author and her new genre.
July 6, 2013
A very good first book, I have the next one so hope that is as good.
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