Review
Only about half of Hill's police-procedurals (featuring Yorkshire cops Dalziel and Pascoe) have been published in America, Deadheads (p. 381) the most recent arrival; and this is the first US appearance for the 1970 Dalziel-Pascoe debut. The murder-victim of the title is shrewish housewife Mary Connon, found dead - an odd head wound - in front of her TV one evening. The obvious suspect? Her low-key husband "Connie," a former local rugby star who (to Mary's chagrin) has continued to spend his Saturdays at the nearby rugby club. But, despite anonymous accusations and bad-mouthing from a nasty neighbor, neither fat Dalziel nor the Connons' daughter Jenny believes that Connie is guilty. So all hands start sleuthing into possible sexual motives within the rugby-club - especially after Jenny finds heavy-breathing letters that her late mother received from a peeping tom. And the (rather strained) solution involves nearby adultery, Mary's nasty taste for emotional blackmail, and some ugly playfulness gone awry. Neither as dark nor as funny as later, better Hill, with Dalziel and Pascoe (still unmarried) not yet fully-drawn - but curious and atmospheric in its moody, rugby-centered, plodding way. (Kirkus Reviews)
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
Reginald Hill's first Dalziel and Pascoe novel. When Connon got back from the Rugby Club, his wife was even more uncommunicative than usual. Five hours later, when she still hadn't moved, Connon noticed that the front of her head had been caved in.
--This text refers to the
Audio Cassette
edition.
From the Back Cover
When Connon got back from the Rugby Club, his wife was even more uncommunicative than usual. The remains of the tea were in the kitchen, while she slumped in an armchair watching some variety show on TV.
Connon had taken a nasty knock in the match. He went upstairs and passed out on the bed. Five hours later the TV was still on – and Connon noticed that the front of his wife’s head had been caved in.
Mary Connon had been an attractive woman in her day. Superintendent Andrew Dalziel knew exactly what went on down at the clubhouse. But Sergeant Peter Pascoe had a few ideas of his own …
“Unusually well-controlled, well-written … Mr Hill makes you really want to know”
SUNDAY TIMES
Read by Warren Clarke
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Reginald Hill is a native of Cumbria and former resident of Yorkshire, the setting for his novels featuring Superintendent Dalziel and DCI Pascoe, ‘the best detective duo on the scene bar none’ (‘Daily Telegraph’). Their appearances have won him numerous awards including a CWA Gold Dagger and Lifetime Achievement award. They have also been adapted into a hugely popular BBC TV series.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
