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Canon Clement #4
A Death on Location
THE NO. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES
CANON DANIEL CLEMENT IS BACK...
In the spring of 1990, we return to Champton, where the characters we've come to love are all aflutter as a glamorous movie set takes over the village.
As the actors don their bonnets, gowns and crowns, a murder interrupts filming on set - and it's an ingenious murder . . .
Can Daniel solve the mystery with help from his sidekick Detective Sergeant Neil Vanloo - even when things are so sticky between them?
CANON DANIEL CLEMENT IS BACK...
In the spring of 1990, we return to Champton, where the characters we've come to love are all aflutter as a glamorous movie set takes over the village.
As the actors don their bonnets, gowns and crowns, a murder interrupts filming on set - and it's an ingenious murder . . .
Can Daniel solve the mystery with help from his sidekick Detective Sergeant Neil Vanloo - even when things are so sticky between them?
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2025
337 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
About the author
Richard Coles
30 books407 followersThe Reverend Richard Coles (born 26 March 1962) is a Church of England priest, broadcaster, writer and musician. Richard Coles was born in Northampton, England and educated at the independent Wellingborough School (where he was a choirboy)and at the South Warwickshire College of Further Education, Department of Drama and the Liberal Arts. He is known for having been the multi-instrumentalist who partnered Jimmy Somerville in the 1980s band The Communards, which achieved three Top Ten hits. He later attended King's College London where he studied theology from 1990. Richard Coles co-presents Saturday Live on BBCR4. In January 2011 The Reverend Richard Coles was appointed as the parish priest of St Mary the Virgin, Finedon in the Diocese of Peterborough.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
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October 2, 2025Thought the first one was poor, but decided to try this because it was on cheap and I thought he might have hit his stride.
Honestly, I'm baffled. Richard Coles (who I love on the radio) appears to be writing a murder mystery series with a slow burn romance while not being remotely interested in either murder mysteries or romance. I'd say why bother, except they're doing a TV series so kerching.
The murder is beyond perfunctory. You can see how it might have been done but all the clues and deducing and stuff feels like it takes place offscreen while the author gets on with what he finds actually interesting: the life of a CofE rector in a classic TV English village, with battleaxe mum and comedy squire. It's 80s Grantchester, or unfunny Vicar of Dibley (she says tautologously). Meanwhile it appears in the middle two books the vicar fell for the policeman, but now he's basically over it, which...okay, but that's an entire plotline in there just to establish that a thing didn't happen?
Entirely unsatisfactory as a murder mystery but with far too much murder to make it a DE Stevenson or Mapp and Lucia style portrait of a village--which is clearly what he should be writing because all the pen portraits except for the rector and cop are clear-eyed in a deeply uncharitable way and thus very good fun.
Honestly, I'm baffled. Richard Coles (who I love on the radio) appears to be writing a murder mystery series with a slow burn romance while not being remotely interested in either murder mysteries or romance. I'd say why bother, except they're doing a TV series so kerching.
The murder is beyond perfunctory. You can see how it might have been done but all the clues and deducing and stuff feels like it takes place offscreen while the author gets on with what he finds actually interesting: the life of a CofE rector in a classic TV English village, with battleaxe mum and comedy squire. It's 80s Grantchester, or unfunny Vicar of Dibley (she says tautologously). Meanwhile it appears in the middle two books the vicar fell for the policeman, but now he's basically over it, which...okay, but that's an entire plotline in there just to establish that a thing didn't happen?
Entirely unsatisfactory as a murder mystery but with far too much murder to make it a DE Stevenson or Mapp and Lucia style portrait of a village--which is clearly what he should be writing because all the pen portraits except for the rector and cop are clear-eyed in a deeply uncharitable way and thus very good fun.
May 3, 2026
As a voracious reader, it’s good to have variety; light and shade ; fiction of all types and after Booker nominees and historical fiction, crime fiction is always an escape- it’s the certainty of good overcoming evil and a conclusion where order is restored that makes me turn to detective fiction..
Reverend Richard Coles latest Canon Daniel Clement mystery is the perfect relaxing example of crime fiction that somehow calms as well as entertains with a good plot.
This time a murder at the Manor House where a period drama film is being shot and again Daniel, Detective Neil VanLoo and the inimitable Audrey are back. With a film star in their midst, all sorts of social challenges, faux pas and comedic moments prevail.
This is the fifth Canon Clement book and Reverend Richard is now mastering his art and the feel and voice of the characters get stronger and as a reader more recognisable.
A wonderful ( dare I say cosy ) crime read - read them in order for best impact
Reverend Richard Coles latest Canon Daniel Clement mystery is the perfect relaxing example of crime fiction that somehow calms as well as entertains with a good plot.
This time a murder at the Manor House where a period drama film is being shot and again Daniel, Detective Neil VanLoo and the inimitable Audrey are back. With a film star in their midst, all sorts of social challenges, faux pas and comedic moments prevail.
This is the fifth Canon Clement book and Reverend Richard is now mastering his art and the feel and voice of the characters get stronger and as a reader more recognisable.
A wonderful ( dare I say cosy ) crime read - read them in order for best impact
April 17, 2026
Another hug in a book!
January 21, 2026
A cross between Agatha Christie and P.G.Wodhouse's Blading books. Set around a movie set in 1990 .Once again we step back in time to fish pie supper that have laughing out loud.
This book is much more lighter than his last book no gay sadness that shadowed his last book this set after the Christmas party.
Cosmo plays big part in the fun.Full of religious facts,food,and drugs .The return of The Generation Game with Bruce.All this and a murder mystery to solve.
Unlucky I gessed who it was very early on, but know idea why?
The first book is been made into Television series for Channel 5.We also learn bit more about Danel and Neil in this book giving more depth to Bloned haired blued eyed Neil
This was really good and perhaps best so far of Coles books.This won my top crime of 2025
This book is much more lighter than his last book no gay sadness that shadowed his last book this set after the Christmas party.
Cosmo plays big part in the fun.Full of religious facts,food,and drugs .The return of The Generation Game with Bruce.All this and a murder mystery to solve.
Unlucky I gessed who it was very early on, but know idea why?
The first book is been made into Television series for Channel 5.We also learn bit more about Danel and Neil in this book giving more depth to Bloned haired blued eyed Neil
This was really good and perhaps best so far of Coles books.This won my top crime of 2025
August 8, 2025
Detecting takes place as a sort of afterthought; well-written and enjoyable all the same.
April 12, 2026
This is latest book in series , I had not got a clue who had committed the murder.
As this is 5th book you start to learn who all the characters are and how they relate to each other .
The chapters are very long and sometimes it can make if difficult to follow .
But I did enjoy the book .
Thank you for reading my review
As this is 5th book you start to learn who all the characters are and how they relate to each other .
The chapters are very long and sometimes it can make if difficult to follow .
But I did enjoy the book .
Thank you for reading my review
April 26, 2026
I enjoyed the premise of the book - a death happening whilst filming in Champton where everyone's basically an extra.
There was mystery, family and friend conflict and friendships that are expected with a Reverend Richard Coles novel. I really liked how it played out and am intrigued to see what will happen with Daniel and Neil, plus Cosmo and Bernard.
4.2/5.
There was mystery, family and friend conflict and friendships that are expected with a Reverend Richard Coles novel. I really liked how it played out and am intrigued to see what will happen with Daniel and Neil, plus Cosmo and Bernard.
4.2/5.
March 10, 2026
Enjoyable read .
lots of interesting characters and two little Dachshund's.
What more do I need.
lots of interesting characters and two little Dachshund's.
What more do I need.
July 9, 2025
A bit of fun and enjoyable read
December 16, 2025
I found this a bit slow and must admit that I prefer the 'churchy' bits which are familiar to me. The film making descriptions didn't really click with me. As usual most of the descriptions of the central characters were the best bits and of course there were twists at the end .
June 14, 2025
These novels are a real mixed bag I find in terms of plot. I didn't like the first one, the second was better, the third was my favourite, the novella was so sickeningly middle-class it made my teeth itch, and this was... OK. What keeps these from being just bog standard mystery novels unworthy of much comment, to me, is the sheer quality of the prose. It's a cut above the norm and the characterisation of each is clear and distinct. This one slipped into the realm of stereotype too much for me; it reminded me a lot of The Mirror Crack'd and also that Sherlock episode where Ian Chesterton's son who is also in Harry Potter dies only when he undoes his tight Grenadier Guards uniform. 'Nothing new under the sun'. Also, practically, if were going to choose a new name as an up and coming actress, would you really go for Gillian Smith??? Really?
What interested me most was the potential for fatality regarding Alex and Nathan's doctored drugs; I half expected them to be found dead by accident, but this plotline went totally underdeveloped; a shame because it was in a sense the only believable thing about it. The ending made no sense at all. Always I get the sense that these are Trollop-y 'social novels' with a corpse or two added to make it more saleable. The 'plot' such as it is remains almost an afterthought.
My biggest gripe with these novels, as a reader from a working class background and as a trainee Church of England priest, is their utter unreality. Manor houses and flower arranging and BCP and Agas? If this is the world priests inhabit, we're doing something very VERY wrong.
Four stars because I like them and they are unusually well written - especially for a 'celeb' author (sorry Richard) - and I will get the next one.
What interested me most was the potential for fatality regarding Alex and Nathan's doctored drugs; I half expected them to be found dead by accident, but this plotline went totally underdeveloped; a shame because it was in a sense the only believable thing about it. The ending made no sense at all. Always I get the sense that these are Trollop-y 'social novels' with a corpse or two added to make it more saleable. The 'plot' such as it is remains almost an afterthought.
My biggest gripe with these novels, as a reader from a working class background and as a trainee Church of England priest, is their utter unreality. Manor houses and flower arranging and BCP and Agas? If this is the world priests inhabit, we're doing something very VERY wrong.
Four stars because I like them and they are unusually well written - especially for a 'celeb' author (sorry Richard) - and I will get the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
Richard Coles delivers another engaging installment in the Canon Clement series with A Death on Location. This book combines the charm of a cozy mystery with the layered intrigue of a murder investigation. When a film crew arrives in Champton, the quiet village life is disrupted, and soon a suspicious death throws Canon Daniel Clement into another tangled case.
What makes this book enjoyable is the blend of village atmosphere, witty observations, and thoughtful reflections. Coles captures the quirks of small-town life with humor, while also exploring deeper themes such as morality, relationships, and community. Canon Clement is a sympathetic and intelligent protagonist, and his interactions with both familiar faces and outsiders add warmth and realism to the story.
The mystery itself unfolds at a steady pace, with enough red herrings to keep readers guessing until the end. The prose is elegant yet approachable, making it easy to stay immersed. Fans of classic British crime fiction will find the tone familiar and comforting.
What makes this book enjoyable is the blend of village atmosphere, witty observations, and thoughtful reflections. Coles captures the quirks of small-town life with humor, while also exploring deeper themes such as morality, relationships, and community. Canon Clement is a sympathetic and intelligent protagonist, and his interactions with both familiar faces and outsiders add warmth and realism to the story.
The mystery itself unfolds at a steady pace, with enough red herrings to keep readers guessing until the end. The prose is elegant yet approachable, making it easy to stay immersed. Fans of classic British crime fiction will find the tone familiar and comforting.
December 18, 2025
A Death on Location by Reverend Richard Coles
A vibrant and witty return to Champton.!
If Murder at the Monastery was a peaceful retreat, A Death on Location is a bustling, joyful homecoming. The village is "all aflutter" as a Hollywood film crew arrives to shoot a period drama, bringing a delightful clash between movie stars and local parishioners.
The mystery kicks off when an extra is found murdered on set, but as always with Coles, the real magic lies in the character work. Seeing Daniel navigate the chaos of a film set while managing village life and his formidable mother, Audrey remains a highlight of the series.
It’s clever, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying. Coles perfectly balances the "glamour" of the film world with the cozy, grounded heart of the Champton community. Another wonderful outing for fans of gentle, character-
driven mysteries!
A vibrant and witty return to Champton.!
If Murder at the Monastery was a peaceful retreat, A Death on Location is a bustling, joyful homecoming. The village is "all aflutter" as a Hollywood film crew arrives to shoot a period drama, bringing a delightful clash between movie stars and local parishioners.
The mystery kicks off when an extra is found murdered on set, but as always with Coles, the real magic lies in the character work. Seeing Daniel navigate the chaos of a film set while managing village life and his formidable mother, Audrey remains a highlight of the series.
It’s clever, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying. Coles perfectly balances the "glamour" of the film world with the cozy, grounded heart of the Champton community. Another wonderful outing for fans of gentle, character-
driven mysteries!
October 31, 2025
3.5
The best one by far, after a pretty dire previous book.
Not too much ecclesiastical talk this time, thank goodness, replaced by a lot of movie talk. Fortunately, how a film is made was more interesting to me than how a parish church and its services are run.
The best one by far, after a pretty dire previous book.
Not too much ecclesiastical talk this time, thank goodness, replaced by a lot of movie talk. Fortunately, how a film is made was more interesting to me than how a parish church and its services are run.
July 28, 2025
The big house at Champton has been taken over by a Hollywood film crew with various locals getting involved as extras or advisers. When one of the locals is murdered it's up to Daniel to assist the police in figuring out who and why. Another great addition to this cosy crime series. Some interesting characters and secrets revealed.
February 8, 2026
This book and the three predecessors are not really my cup of tea but I have read them all as they were passed on to me by friends - they are far too cosy! Book 1 was ok but I was bored by #s 2 & 3. This is better and mildly enjoyable.
July 16, 2025
another great book from Richard Cole
August 9, 2025
Richard Coles’ new novel continues the series featuring Daniel Clement, the Rector of Champton, who has become an amateur sleuth as he investigates murders in his parish.
A film crew has taken over the local Manor House, with local residents as extras in the film. The death of Margaret Porteus, a local woman, seems initially a case of mistaken identity but as the investigation proceeds it becomes clear she was the target.
This is an easy, enjoyable read as Daniel and his policeman friend Neil investigate an interesting group of characters.
A film crew has taken over the local Manor House, with local residents as extras in the film. The death of Margaret Porteus, a local woman, seems initially a case of mistaken identity but as the investigation proceeds it becomes clear she was the target.
This is an easy, enjoyable read as Daniel and his policeman friend Neil investigate an interesting group of characters.
September 20, 2025
Without doubt this has been one of my favourite series. Highly recommend reading them.
March 1, 2026
This seemed to be an easier read than murder at the monastery. I love the nostalgic feel and I would love to read a story about Audrey as she is such a great character.
March 10, 2026
Always enjoy this series and think they get better each time.
Teased us about the kiss too.
Teased us about the kiss too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2025
Less CofE lore, more story, all good.
April 4, 2026
Another enjoyable read with the amiable Daniel Clement solving a crime. Im never able to guess the murderer before the reveal which is good
June 10, 2025
“A Death on Location” by @revrichardcoles.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved being back in Champton with my favourite priest solving a murder!
The murder taking place within the first chapter?! Getting right into it! Heartbreaking we lost another member from the parish 😢. But the overall story was fantastic. The characters keep getting better and better. I LOVED development for some of the recurring characters! Especially Miss March! I knew she had some interesting story coming. And I’m blown away! The new characters for this book were really fun as well, some more than others. But if you have enjoyed the other books in the series you’ll definitely like this one!
Dan and Neil’s friendship was a little tricky this time around… After the whole incident 😘. But it was great having them together again solving a murder.
Bernard’s new found love for Cosmo (Dan’s Dog) was a fun little side story that I really enjoyed seeing develop.
I feel like it took a little step back from the religious side of things but it made sense for the story. It didn’t deviate too far though.
Proud of myself for somewhat figuring out a clue 😂… I didn’t get to what it meant fully but I was absolutely shocked by that twist… The ending though! I really hope we get another book!
The TV show should be out some time this year and I’m super excited! Hopefully they do the book justice.
I do love Revs writing but damn! He writes long chapters! There were parts of the story that I feel like could of been the end of the chapter but it didn’t. I was also a little sad the actual hardcover didn’t have a cool image printed on it like the rest of the series 🥲.
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025! I’m so glad it did not disappoint!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved being back in Champton with my favourite priest solving a murder!
The murder taking place within the first chapter?! Getting right into it! Heartbreaking we lost another member from the parish 😢. But the overall story was fantastic. The characters keep getting better and better. I LOVED development for some of the recurring characters! Especially Miss March! I knew she had some interesting story coming. And I’m blown away! The new characters for this book were really fun as well, some more than others. But if you have enjoyed the other books in the series you’ll definitely like this one!
Dan and Neil’s friendship was a little tricky this time around… After the whole incident 😘. But it was great having them together again solving a murder.
Bernard’s new found love for Cosmo (Dan’s Dog) was a fun little side story that I really enjoyed seeing develop.
I feel like it took a little step back from the religious side of things but it made sense for the story. It didn’t deviate too far though.
Proud of myself for somewhat figuring out a clue 😂… I didn’t get to what it meant fully but I was absolutely shocked by that twist… The ending though! I really hope we get another book!
The TV show should be out some time this year and I’m super excited! Hopefully they do the book justice.
I do love Revs writing but damn! He writes long chapters! There were parts of the story that I feel like could of been the end of the chapter but it didn’t. I was also a little sad the actual hardcover didn’t have a cool image printed on it like the rest of the series 🥲.
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025! I’m so glad it did not disappoint!
April 6, 2026
Just the thing to read at Easter, a wonderful Canon Clement mystery!
November 23, 2025
Here for the Miss March revelation. I want to know a bit more there!
September 2, 2025
Loved this one! Possibly my favourite yet
March 28, 2026
A true pleasure.
March 25, 2026
Really enjoyed another instalment of the series.
I like the characters and get drawn in to their complex lives and look forward to the murderers reveal!
I like the characters and get drawn in to their complex lives and look forward to the murderers reveal!
March 22, 2026
Enjoyed the twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews