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Dead Before Morning: British Detectives (Rafferty & Llewellyn Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Geraldine Evans (Author), Bookbrush-Evans (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition

3.8 1,058 ratings

Book 1 of 22: Rafferty & Llewellyn British Mystery Series

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FIVE STARS ON READERS' FAVOURITE

FINALIST IN THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS

18-NOVEL MYSTERY SERIES

A murder investigation…and Joe Rafferty’s already got trouble in spades.

His first case in charge looks like being his last. Because he suspects that the case of the 'Faceless Lady' is a poisoned chalice. Gifted by his new boss, who is only waiting for Rafferty to fail, to put the boot in.

When even his ma adds seems to add to the kicking…Does she really expect him to supply a Get Out of Jail Free card for his cousin, Jailhouse Jack? When what his cousin needs is a miracle.

And Jack's not the only one. Rafferty’s boss looks hand-rubbing ready in anticipation of his failure. If he’s got some detective favourite ready to slot into his space, the case of the ‘Faceless Lady’ looks likely to be the one to do it. His ma’s little problem just adds the cherry on the top.

All he can do is grit his teeth and hope for a lucky break. But when he gets it, it’s from such an unlikely source that he suspects the fates are having a laugh at his expense. But it’s the only clue he’s got, so he has to follow it up.

Will he end up with egg on his face? Or solve the murder against all the odds? Rafferty wishes he knew. The only thing he’s sure of is that his boss won't hesitate to get rid of him if he drops the ball. Determined to deprive him of that satisfaction, he goes with his gut-instinct, but keeps his fingers crossed all the way.

'Did not see the end coming.' Amazon Reviewer

'Evans' humor seriously added to my enjoyment of her book. The series has stand out central characters and clever plots.' AUNT AGATHA'S BOOKSHOP, ANN ARBOR

RAFFERTY & LLEWELLYN BRITISH MYSTERY SERIES
Dead Before Morning #1 Down Among the Dead Men #2 Death Line #3 The Hanging Tree #4 Absolute Poison #5 Dying For You #6 Bad Blood #7 Love Lies Bleeding #8 Blood on the Bones #9 A Thrust to the Vitals #10 Death Dues #11 All the Lonely People #12 Death Dance #13 Deadly Reunion #14 Kith and Kill #15 Asking For It #16 The Spanish Connection #17 Game of Bones #18

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This British author's mystery debut introduces Detective Joseph Rafferty, newly promoted, and his sidekick, the lugubrious and sententious Sergeant Llewellyn. Their first big case together, the mutilation murder of a young woman in an expensive mental hospital, tests both their ability and their compatibility: they risk unpleasant retribution from the clinic's ambitious, womanizing owner as well as scrutiny by press and superiors. Solid police procedure set in an isolated area but fraught with conflict. For most collections.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

The debut of marriage-phobic Detective Inspector Joseph Rafferty and his well-educated, lonely subordinate, Sergeant Llewellyn, who are called to the grounds of a posh private psychiatric hospital to survey the naked body of a young woman with her face bashed in. Who coshed her, and why? The philandering, social-climbing hospital-director, Dr. Melville-Briggs, his proud, do-gooder wife, his mistresses, and his staff all claim airtight alibis--which Rafferty and Llewellyn soon see right through, thanks to the smarmy hospital porter, the folks at the pub, and the tendency of major characters to spread malicious gossip about each other. Then a worried young woman named Miranda insists that she was meant to be the victim because of her firsthand knowledge of Melville-Briggs's drug-trafficking; Melville-Briggs himself dies in a suspicious car accident; and a diary with some heavy-duty S/M entries pops up before the villain is confronted--almost. Unpleasant people behaving in preposterous ways, with the author showing little insight into the medical profession or police procedure. A sequel, alas, is in the works. -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review

'Geraldine Evans has written an entertaining mystery novel in Dead Before Morning: Rafferty & Llewellyn British Mystery Series.

The mystery is engaging from the first page to the last, with many twists and turns. The ending is unexpected, although the author skillfully places clues along the way. The two main characters are well-described, and the complexities of their relationship added an intriguing element to the story. The inclusion of Rafferty family members, part of a large Irish Catholic clan, adds another interesting layer to the story; this is contrasted by Llewellyn’s only-child, single lifestyle. Dead Before Morning: Rafferty & Llewellyn British Mystery Series, written by Geraldine Evans, is a fascinating mystery. It is the first of an eighteen-book series; every reader will want to devour the next seventeen books!' - READERS'S FAVORITE

'This often comic tale sharpens the appetite for more.' -PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

'Evans' humor seriously added to my enjoyment of her book. The series has stand out central characters and clever plots' -AUNT AGATHA'S BOOKSHOP, ANN ARBOR

'Wonderful series. Fantastic books. I highly recommend them. They have terrific characters and interesting plots.' -GAIL FARRELLY-AUTHOR

Review

‘A lively and highly engrossing British mystery…
Evans’s first installment in Rafferty and Llewellyn Police Procedural Series see DI Rafferty and Sergeant Llewellyn investigating vicious murder of a young woman at an unlikely place.
Recently promoted Detective Inspector Joe Rafferty and Detective Sergeant Llewellyn are sent out to a local psychiatric institution to investigate brutal murder of an unidentified young woman. The pair’s digging into the lives of hospital staff and other people stirs fears of what secrets might be revealed.
The gusty, resolute Rafferty and the gruff, scholarly Llewellyn’s odd pairing and their comic banter is a treat to read. Illegal drugs, jealous colleagues, and scorned lovers all mix into the intrigue. Short chapters with top-notch prose, and catchy, ironic dialogue keep the action moving.
Evans’s successful maintenance of the spunk and humor throughout the story will earn her a devoted following.’

From the Author

I created the Rafferty & Llewellyn series because I wanted to write about one of policing's 'Ordinary Joes', the working-class majority, rather than the usual staid, middle-class and educated British detective who's so often the depicted protagonist. But, most of all, I wanted to write stories that made me chuckle even as I was writing them, and come up with ever more inventive ways to drop my poor Rafferty in the mire. He's no Sherlock, and he usually gets there in the end, but not before he's been through the mill.

And, just to add some spice, I've included a family background for DI Joe Rafferty that includes a 'Ma' who is a little too fond of dubious 'bargains', a wider Rafferty clan who believe a little gentle law-breaking is no big deal and a stiff-necked professional partner who thinks the law should apply to everyone -- even the mothers of detective inspectors.

I hope you find it as much fun to read as I found it to write.

I'm a traditional author turned indie, and the creator of the Rafferty & Llewellyn procedural series.

My other procedural series is the 2-strong Casey & Catt: Up in Flames and A Killing Karma.I have also written a biographical historical novel: Reluctant Queen, about the little sister of infamous English king, Henry VIII, a suspense-thriller: The Egg Factory, and several non-fiction books (some under pen names). And why not? Like most people, I like a bit of variety.

About the Author

Geraldine Evans's publishers have included Macmillan, St Martin's Press, Worldwide, Hale and Severn House. But in 2010, she made the momentous decision to turn indie and has since published almost all of her backlist as well as several original-to-kindle works.

Her interests include learning electronic keyboards in a desultory fashion, painting oil portraits of unwilling victims and getting God-like in the greenhouse.

Originally a Londoner, she moved to a market town in Norfolk (UK) in 2010.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004EYUHN8
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amazon Digital Services; 2nd edition (January 11, 2014)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 11, 2014
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1502 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 296 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #1,379,930 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #2,724 in Mystery Series
- #7,770 in Traditional Detective Mysteries (Kindle Store)
- #8,805 in Christian Mystery & Suspense

Customer Reviews:
3.8 1,058 ratings

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Geraldine Evans
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Geraldine Evans writes the 18-strong Rafferty & Llewellyn Mystery Series; funny, family orientated mysteries that are brilliant at taking you out of yourself, and which have earned her several awards and some wonderful reviews.
She was born in London and brought up on a south London council estate. Even though, like her three older siblings, she left school in her mid-teens, she found a love of life-long-learning shortly after. Why not before? Ah, there’s a tale for another time!
She turned to writing in her twenties, but it was hitting thirty that gave her the grit to endure six years of rejections. And then, after being plucked twice from slush piles (Hale and Macmillan), she spent eighteen years as a traditionally published author. Her previous publishers include Macmillan, St Martin’s Press, Worldwide, Hale, Thorpe (large print), Severn House, and Soundings (audio).
She took control of her own destiny and turned Indie in 2010. Since becoming an Indie, she's gone on to publish all of her back-list, including Reluctant Queen, about the little sister of Henry VIII, the Casey & Catt Mystery Series, and various new works.
Since the heady day of learning her first novel was to be published, she's experienced the usual switchback ride of the average writer's life, but she says becoming an Indie, and having control of her writing career and destiny, is the best thing ever. She hopes her story will encourage other working-class people to take their lives by the scruff of the neck and go for it!
Geraldine moved to a market town in Norfolk (UK) in 2000, with George, her late husband. She wouldn’t move back.
She is a member of Mystery People, the Crime Writers Association, and The Alliance of Independent Authors.
Her Website: https://geraldine-evans.com/
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Gennifer Dooley-Hart
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3.8 out of 5

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Mike S

Well written, enjoyable read

Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2016

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The plot of this who-done-it is thoroughly planned out. There are enough twists to keep one uncertain of the murderous villain. The characters are vivid in detail and the reader can empathize with or despise most of them.

If you enjoy Inspector Lewis you'll definitely enjoy Rafferty and Llewellyn.

One person found this helpful

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Texanne

He is smart, and funny and impetuous and generally a very ...

Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2015

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Joseph Rafferty is a new inspector of police. He comes from a large family and his Ma is a big influence on his life. She wants him married, he is not in a rush. He has insecurities and believes the class system influences his ability to rise in the police ranks. He is smart, and funny and impetuous and generally a very good cop.

His partner is Lewellyn, a Welshman who seems to be a rather closed off character. Slowly we learn of his childhood. Mostly we learn he is well educated and has a quotation for nearly every occasion. His sense of humor is quiet but quite deadly. And he is observant. He sees and hears what people say and also what they never say. Here is another good cop.

This is the first book I have read by Ms Evans. It will not be the last.

A young woman is found murdered on the grounds of a mental hospital. She is beaten beyond the ability to identify her. We slowly learn who she is. At the same time, we learn about all the people connected to victim and the hospital. There are many suspects. We also learn of the townsfolk who live nearby. There are more suspects.

The plot is well written and presents a good flow to the solution of the mystery. Information is not thrown around wildly, but it does come to us a little at a time. A picture emerges and the reader is along for the ride.

The character development is terrific. Not only do we get to know Rafferty and LLewellyn but we also get to know many others. Some of them are suspects, some innocent bystanders, some likable and some appear to be some of the worst examples of society.

This is a well written book and I look forward to reading more books written by Ms Evans.

6 people found this helpful

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Elisabeth Kilmer

Pretty good first novel

Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2012

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Reasonable, basic police procedural - easy to solve (I knew "who done it" about 1/3 of the way through)but with enough potential to make me want to continue the series. This book feels like a third draft, with lots of small annoying flaws such as not mentioning the day of the crime (Friday) till many pages in, so we don't know how long the protagonists have been at it. The characters are unevenly introduced, with random details about them tossed around like garnishes rather than strategically inserted to enhance a sense of character development. (I have an additional gripe about the plethora of typos in Kindle books, but that is not this author's fault!)

In short, it's not great by any means, but shows enough promise to go on to book two - which I will tell you is a vast improvement!

Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2015

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Entertaining, as told from the point of view of policeman Rafferty with humour, although he takes his job very seriously. Good mystery. Couple of punctuation marks missing, but other than that, didn't drag, I liked the character and his interaction with his family and co-worker, and I would happily read more by this author.

One person found this helpful

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Saundra Wright

The beginning of a truly great detective series!

Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2018

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First morning of his new promotion and Joe Rafferty already has too much on his plate! An enigmatic Welsh Sergeant Llewellyn for a new partner, his mum is calling for him to spring his cousin, Jailhouse Jack, from jail and there's an inidentifiable body at a posh private psychiatric hospital waiting to be investigated. All this and Rafferty's chief is off on a two week holiday. So things had better be wrapped up in short order if Rafferty wants to keep his promotion!

Once the investigation gets rolling, you are surrounded by a plethora of suspects, plot twists and turns and layers of mystery to peel back one at a time. Enlivened with Ms. Evans original characters, richly developed. You will love the glimpses into Rafferty's family! The story is greatly enhanced throughout with sharp wit and wraps up with a rather unpredictable conclusion. The beginning of a truly great detective series! I was gifted a copy of the box set which includes this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

One person found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

Good story

Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2020

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I found this story hard to follow because of the language and slang. The basic story was not so bad. The killer was sort of a twist. I just didn't like the British writing.

Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2015

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Ok so I liked parts of this book. I enjoyed the murder investigation and watching the case unfold, and I enjoyed a couple of the secondary characters.

However, there were several things I didn't like. I was annoyed by Rafferty and his obsession with Llewellyn's "university education." It was exhausting. I get it he was annoyed and jealous. But every single chapter made mention of how Llewellyn thought he was better than Rafferty... If anything Rafferty thought he was better because he had street smarts instead of book smarts. I imagine the author intended for the reader to pick up on that... And I did, but I don't need to be beaten over the head with it. Maybe it calms down in the later books of the series. I liked Rafferty much better by the end of the book. Another thing I didn't enjoy was the portrayal of all children of pastors having a dreary life where they spend all their time in doors alone and miserable. I'm sure there are some who experience that, but as the child of a minister, I never experienced any of that, and I didn't appreciate a few of the disparaging comments made about Christians in relation to Llewellyn. It was completely unnecessary to the plot of the book. It literally had nothing to do with the story. Lastly, while I enjoyed the case, it dragged during the middle of the book, and then all of the sudden, everything was magically tied up within a couple of pages. It just seemed to neat and easy at the end, and it felt very rushed.

I'm not sure if I will read the other books in the series. I don't know that I connected with Rafferty very well. He was to negative and complained a lot, and while I love sarcasm, I don't think the author did a good job of writing it. The dialogue felt forced every time Rafferty attempted sarcasm, and I just wanted it to stop.

2 people found this helpful

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Patsymiller

Good book

Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2021

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Would read it again very good book liked it a lot . Recommend to anyone who likes these type of books

One person found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Roberto Cravallo

I quit at 12%

Reviewed in Germany on April 1, 2022

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I was born in London a long time ago and can't handle british english well. I lived in the USA for 6 years and much prefer US english. For me it was a pain to read, others might enjoy it.

Father Ted

"A police procedural with hidden depths"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 21, 2017

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Rafferty & Llewellyn could become another pair of male Inspector/ Sergeant combinations much admired by British TV audiences. They are the antithesis of Morse & Lewis, they share some traits with Dalziel & Pascoe, but over the whole series from Geraldine Evans no doubt their own style becomes established. This is the first of their cases I have read.
US audiences don't really get many similar pairings, and with many police series tightly framed inside a fifty-minute box it's hard to develop a plot in the way this writer does. Many readers will find this story too long. In part, that's because the diet of 'easy-read' books, and fast-paced cop shows has caused audiences to want a minimalist approach. They don't have time to just sit and lose themselves in a complex story.
That's a shame. Perhaps there are a few plot issues with this book. Maybe it's not as in tune with today's market as some of those written in the past year. However, I would urge you to re-read the conversation between the two detectives and Linda Wilks's parents, as an example.
Those few paragraphs alone revealed so much about families lives. The relationship between the father and mother. The mother's relationship with her late daughter. Ditto for the father. The twitching curtains that offered an insight into how the two parents viewed their neighbours, and vice versa. Rafferty & Llewellyn learned an awful lot to about Linda Wilks's relationship with each of her parents. There were so many layers in those paragraphs that as a reader one could sit back and probe further into what those three characters' lives were like. This may have had a few shortcomings, but its description of the human condition was beautifully observed throughout.

4 people found this helpful

john benfield

good read

Reviewed in Australia on February 16, 2020

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great writing, the interactions between the two police are entertaining

Ronald N D

A light mystery, written as only the British can.

Reviewed in Canada on November 11, 2015

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I was torn between 3 or a 4 star rating. Rational being the storey ran way too long what with some British humour, and long drawn out dialogue around the plot. It also wandered through peerage levels to some extent that emphasized the social differences the Britt's still tolerate. A plot that kept the murder's identity a secret until a sudden revelation near the end came as a rather weak surprise. A long drawn out epilogue served more to flesh out the two main characters for future books than anything else. Although it did provide (finally) a rationale as to why the murderer did what was done. At least based on the bantering of our two cops, that is. All-in-all an acceptable read, but rather boring at times. I guess my rating may be rather generous in retrospect.

L. Kraska

Interesting ...

Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2020

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Good twists and dialogue. A good effort. Sadly, this book needs more professional editing before it can be truly enjoyed. Typos and grammatical errors really detracted from my enjoyment.

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Dead Before Morning: British Detectives (Rafferty & Llewellyn Book 1) Kindle Edition

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Geraldine Evans

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