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BAD TIDINGS (A Henry Christie Mystery, 19) Hardcover – July 1, 2013

by Oldham (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 67 ratings
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Three murders – each a year apart. Each victim kidnapped on Christmas Eve, their brutalized bodies found a week later; each killed by two bullets to the brain, their mouths stuffed with chicken feathers.

The possibility of catching a serial killer is the bait used by Detective Superintendent Henry Christie’s chief constable to lure him away from his planned Christmas festivities. Henry could have said no – but if there’s one thing he can’t refuse, it’s the chance to bring a murderer to book.
In his thirty years with the Lancashire constabulary, Henry Christie has never known a case like this. What he couldn’t anticipate was that he would be stretched to the limit both personally and professionally. Unexpectedly stepping into a blood-soaked turf war raging between two local crime families, Henry soon finds himself slap-bang in the middle of a violent situation where his own life is also on the line.
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Previous page
  1. Book 19 of 31
    Henry Christie Mysteries
  2. Print length
    224 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Severn House
  5. Publication date
    July 1, 2013
  6. Dimensions
    5.86 x 0.92 x 8.58 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    072788266X
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0727882660
  9. See all details
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The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

What should have been a relaxing Christmas break for Henry Christie proves anything but in Oldham's tight 19th novel featuring the Lancashire detective superintendent (after 2012's Fighting for the Dead). On New Year's Day, Henry inherits the case of two murders (dubbed the Twixtmas Killings by the press) from a disgraced colleague, and his mother suffers a near-fatal heart attack. That his mother has a do not resuscitate order in place complicates matters, while a potential next victim of the Twixtmas killer turns out to be Freddy Cromer, the violently deranged scion of a local crime family. Freddy is brought to Royal Blackburn Hospital, where he quickly takes a nurse hostage, and, in a separate incident, unknown individuals begin a shootout in the corridors. The thrill of the chase spurs Henry on, but he is still a team player who does things by the book. Oldham shows just how exciting a proper police investigation can be in this top-notch procedural. (Sept.)

From Booklist

Detective Superintendent Henry Christie finally has his private life sorted out, after the tragic death of his wife several years earlier. His daughters are grown and settled, and he even has a new lady friend. But his professional life is another story. Henry has been assigned to the puzzling Twixtmas murders, so-called because they’ve occurred for the past three years between Christmas and New Year’s. The bodies of the victims were found brutalized, their mouths stuffed with chicken feathers and a bullet through their heads. The police haven’t been able to crack the case, so it’s landed on Henry’s desk. As he tries to unravel the murders, he is caught in a deadly turf war between two of the city’s most violent drug lords. It’s Henry’s computer-genius sidekick, Jerry Tope, who uncovers the first real clue that sets Henry on the confusing, terrifying path to finding the killer. As usual, Oldham offers a cracking police procedural with plenty of heart-pounding action, a smattering of dark humor, and a likable renegade as the hero. --Emily Melton

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Severn House (July 1, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 072788266X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0727882660
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.86 x 0.92 x 8.58 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 67 ratings

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Nick Oldham

Nick Oldham

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
67 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Brian Oldham
5.0 out of 5 stars Nick Oldham Mysteries
Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2013
Verified Purchase
This is a fast read. It is well written with good dialogue and believable characters. Nick Oldham was in the police for about 30 years and is retired and writing now. He has 17 of these books out now and I liked this one. It is refreshing to see a well balanced detective. He is in love and going to get married to a wonderful woman after having lost his wife several years ago. His daughter talks to him, his sister talks to him ad they all take care of the aging mother. Nick writes about the part of England in which he grew up and worked and brings that to life. I always enjoy getting the local jargon and looking at the items mentioned in use and when shopping. I did email the author to tell him i liked the book and entitled the email "A message from a slightly older Oldham" There is my disclosure. I got a nice response back Add Nick to your reading list.
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Renita Cohill
3.0 out of 5 stars It was ok
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2022
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It took me awhile to read. I was ok and not really something I particularly liked. I was sad at one point to see how a person’s childhood was and understood why he became that type of guy.. The last chapter is really only the best part of this book.
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Shoe Junky
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2018
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Love this series! Easy to read. Would have enjoyed an audio version. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
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Top reviews from other countries

mrs mollie e harmer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great as Usual
Reviewed in Australia on November 11, 2019
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love all the Henry Christie series, good job
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Ireland
5.0 out of 5 stars I just thoroughly enjoy Nick Oldham's 'Christie' books.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 25, 2013
Verified Purchase
I can never figure out why (other than the first 4) these don't appear in paperback. They are pretty expensive in hardback and are not long novels. I can only presume Nick Oldham's publicity hasn't reached the reader numbers he deserves. Interesting to see that Henry Christie is finally moving away from his adolescent sex life!
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Richard Scott
4.0 out of 5 stars Still one of my favourites
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 27, 2013
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Not has good as the last one but still a cant put down read! Action takes place over a short period and the pace seemms to pull you along.
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Geordie
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great story from a great writer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2014
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Another great story from a great writer. His stories of the world of a policeman's lot is surely a tough one and this one is pretty gritty. Christie leaves no stone unturned. A man always on a mission until he gets results.
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joe m
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2014
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Good read
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