Customer Reviews

The Death of Dalziel: A Dalziel and Pascoe Novel

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I tried to read this as slowly as possible to prolong the sheer self-hugging joy of it all but, of course,I was unequal to the task. Swept along by the helter-skelter pace of the story line, I paused only to look up all the words and references with which I was not familiar. (Quite a few, as usual, when reading Mr Hill). To describe the plot would probably render me fit only for a Dalzielesque verbal broadside from other readers, so all I can do is recommend it with all my heart.

I loved this book. I have read every Dalziel and Pascoe book and looked forward to each new one with delight. With Arms and The Woman however I thought Hill had finally lost the plot, and I was so disappointed I have never approached them in the same way since. Luckily this is a classic and a real return to form. Pascoe goes it alone in this one with Fat Andy hovering between life and death caught up in what looks like a terrorist explosion. Having said that, Dalziel dominates the book as usual, leaving Pascoe desperately trying to catch up. Hector gets to shine here too, becoming a much more rounded and interesting character. Fantastic.

Through a succession of ever-better novels, beginning with 'A Clubbable Woman' in 1970 and culminating (for me) in 'On Beulah Height' in 1999, Reginald Hill estabnlished himself as one of the finest crime writers in the business and his heroes Dalziel and Pascoe as amongst the most believable and likeable detectives. After the superlative 'On Beulah Height', however, subsequent books (and especially 'Arms and the Women') seemed to lose their way somewhat.

Not so 'The Death of Dalziel', which brings a triumphant return of the very best qualities of the Dalziel and Pascoe series - a complicated plot (which I shall not, of course, reveal), well-paced writing, excellent characterisation and a blend of subtle wit and incisive commentary. Where crime novels are concerned, it doesn't get better than this - very highly recommended!

It's the 22nd installment in the highly successful Dalziel and Pascoe police procedurals by Reginald Hill. Perhaps the title gives it added interest, but "The Death of Dalziel" is perhaps the most absorbing, even mesmerizing, episode in this highly successful series set in Yorkshire. Hill's books sometimes run the gamut, from the highly exciting (such as this one) to some that, frankly, seem, somehow, lacking, to be kind.

Lacking in characterization, however, is not one of Hill's weaknesses, as over the course of this series he's made us comfortable with his unforgettable players, from "the Fat Man" (Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel) and his educated and precise Det. Chief Inspector Peter Pascoe through the regulars, Ellie Pascoe, Sgt., Wield, and Sgt. Hector.

In the latest book, Dalziel lies comatose, following a bomb explosion iN a suspected terrorists house, in which he and Pascoe were called to investigate. Although also injured, Pascoe survives to pursue the case, seconded to the British anti-terrorist unit (CAT). This time the terrorists perpetrating the bombing are a group of loyal Brits who align themselves with the historical Knights Templar, but complete with modern techniques and agendas, using the "an eye for an eye" thinking to fight what they believe is the Islamic menace.

As ever, Hill's storyline is filled with complications (as well as commentary on some of the social events of today). This is no ordinary investigation, although it does carry with it some of the ordinary characteristics: murder, intrigue, duplicity, deceit. And all at a very fast pace. This may not be Hill's best work, although it's one of my favorites (the others being "Exit Lines," "Child's Play," and "The Wood Beyond"), but fans of the intrepid duo (D&P) certainly won't want to miss this one.

Overshadowing all else in the book is the unnerving condition of Dalziel. While not a physical character in the investigation, his presence prevails as the story progresses, from his own unconscious thoughts to his influence over his staff and loved ones. "The Death of Dalziel" is a fitting tribute to the bigger-than-life Dalziel and Hill makes us love him all the more, warts and all.

Although I've followed the adventures of Dalziel and Pascoe on TV, this is the first Reginald Hill book I've read. It's alleged that, unlike Colin Dexter with John Thaw's Morse, Reginald Hill does not approve of Warren Clarke playing Andy Dalziel in the TV adaptations of his novels (he isn't fat enough to play the Fat Man for a start). Hill denies it, of course (or at least he denied it in a recent interview I read), but his latest book represents a formidable challenge to the TV adapters. For the eponymous hero spends most of the book lying in a coma in intensive care, until finally . . .

Of course Dalziel won't die, you're thinking. Will he? Well, the clue is in the title. I won't give away the ending, but I have to confess I was shocked.

The story isn't your usual police procedural type of tale. It is a story with a complex plot about an extremist plot against extremist plotters, with a multi-layered counterplot. The introduction of the Security Services adds to the mix and takes the story off in unexpected directions. It's a book about belief (in truth, in God, in self, in right and wrong) and about identity and division (Yorkshire/Lancashire, Anglo/Asian, Christian/Muslim, cops/spooks). The novel is perfectly structured, but it's the development of the characters (especially Peter Pascoe without the support and guidance of the comatose Dalziel) that brings the story to life.

Here the pairing of policemen Dalziel and Pascoe is broken early as an explosion at a crime-scene puts Dalziel in a coma and in hospital. Pascoe goes solo in his efforts to find out what happened but feels blocked by colleagues in an anti-terrorism unit. The mysterious Knights Templar, Muslim characters and terrorism all play roles.

Hill's trademarks are there : he writes well, builds a sound plot and is good with his characterisations.

The story is interesting without being complex or overly challenging.

I have not read all of the Dalziel and Pascoe books, but I would say that this is on par with those I have read; it falls shy, however, of the standard set by Hill in "The Stranger House" and some of his other novels. 9/10

Another book in the superb Dalziel & Pascoe series written by the prolific Reginald Hill

The plot and humour are superb and keep the pages turning

After a couple of what I consider to be slowish, overly "intellectual" tomes, Hill is seriously back on form with a witty and fast-paced story. Part of the denouement is a bit obvious but there is a surprise or two around the corner as well. Does Dalziel Die?

Not telling!

I've read all the Dalziel and Pascoe novels and this is one of his best. I would put it second only to "On Beulah Height". It is topical, in that it is concerned with an investigation into terrorism, and it is unusual in that Dalziel is rendered unconscious and close to death by a bomb at the very outset. So the story is largely about Pascoe trying to find out who is responsible for the incapacitation of his boss. But it is also full of delightful humour including the mental adventures of the unconscious Dalziel. These adventures lead to a beautifully constructed twist at the end. A tightly constructed novel of high quality and a terrific read.

Only the 2nd Daziel n Pascoe book I've read but thoroughly enjoyable and easy to read! Although I found it difficult to get a real idea of the characters as Daziel was out of play leaving Pascoe to go it alone. Will have to read more to make a true judgement