The Killings at Badger’s Drift: Midsomer Murders Mystery, Book 1
[{'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2020', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "I am a big fan of the Midsomer Murder Series and decided I need to read the books as well. I realize I am behind but watch this space.\nThe book, the first that set of the popular series, is definitely much better. This is understandable since a 90-minute program cannot put all the details in it, and you are left with gaps at times. The book filled and coloured it in beautifully. I must admit that a looked at the pilot program again and could clearly see the differences but still very enjoyable.\nI am very impressed with the author's writing skills as well. The story and character come alive on the pages. The fast pace and easy flow make it a breeze and you read through it almost in one sitting. I can't wait to read the rest.\nThis is truly a very good edition to add to your library.\nBarnaby and Troy are realistic and even in the series, they are absolutely perfect for the rolls created by Caroline Graham. The setting, the plot and the interesting characters make this a classic that everyone can enjoy."}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2021', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'John Nettles who played Inspector Barnaby for many years said when presented with the first 7 books in this series that he was delighted to take the part but felt no TV or film could do proper justice to the actual books. I saw number one in series one, The Killings at Badgers Drift a few times but agree after reading this book, good as the films were, they couldn’t do full justice to the book. I’m going to try to read each one and would highly recommend them to other readers. Excellent.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2010', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "The first book by Caroline Graham in her Inspector Barnaby series of seven. The wildly successful TV series from England used these seven titles and then brilliantly imagines dozens more.\n\nThe book has a contemporary feel, unlike the Marple books, and includes all sorts of perversions, persuasions, and crimes -- petty and grand. Inspector Barbaby is his dogged, tenacious, observant self, but long-suffering on account of his wife who he adores but can't cook! This is a side of Joyce we do not see in the TV series, and adds some fun and good witticisms on Barnaby's part. Troy is much more self-assured and, in his mind, quite the ladies' man, always trying to please the 'old man'.\n\nThe plot is byzantine. One almost needs to take notes and make a chart! But fun, interesting, and clever all the way. A great ride."}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2013', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-4 review-rating', 'review_body': 'These are the books on which "Midsomer Murders" are based. Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby is a far less likable character in the book, and Troy similarly – with a chip on his shoulder. However, I like her writing – it\'s colourful and original.\nAn old lady sees something unsavoury and shocking (a copulating couple that she recognises) during a walk in the woods – later that day she is murdered. In true "Midsomer" style there follow 2 more murders, apparently unrelated but of course after many wild goose chases and red herrings, Barnaby with assistance from Troy ties them all up and resolves the case(s). I particularly enjoyed this one and may very well try another.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2018', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-3 review-rating', 'review_body': 'I love the TV series and being curious, I had wanted to read the books but they were very old and difficult to find. I finally did (and they weren’t pricy) and decided to give it a go!\nThere are many differences to the book and series (including a character who died in the show but lived in the book) but it was nice to get some richer backstory on the characters and explore country life in the ‘80s! It was broken up into nice sections and wasn’t too long or horribly drawn out.\nI found the flow of it quite tricky though, and I wasn’t sure whose perspective I was seeing or who was saying what sometimes. I’m not sure I would have been able to read it if I hadn’t seen the show first.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2007', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "I picked up a more recent book in the Inspector Barnaby series from my local used bookstore but being the anal soul that I am, decided to read the books in order. Took me a bit of effort to find this first one for a less-than-usurious price but once I got a copy, decided it'll remain in my library (rather than sell it). Graham writes a protagonist like Dick Francis does - a dogged, intelligent individual who follows the threads 'til the end and justice is served. A well-written plot is buoyed by a cast of memorable characters, some comedic, some odd but all with a role to play. I plan on collecting the entire series. Highly recommend."}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'The book reads just like the TV show which I love. Full of characters, confusing circumstances and neatly wrapped up in the end'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2014', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'The very first episode of one of my favorite television series, Midsomer Murders, was "The Killings at Badger\'s Drift". I\'d seen many later episodes of the show before I saw that one and was blown away by its compelling plot, dark themes and offbeat characters.\nIt made me intrigued to read the book on which the episode was based. I was not disappointed at Caroline Graham\'s masterful handling of this compelling mystery and immersed myself in its pages, reading late into the night. The TV show was very true to the book. Now I\'ll have to read all Caroline Graham\'s other books.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2020', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'Book series is what Midsomer Murder Mysteries was produced from and wanted to book to series episode to compare.\nArrived on time, in good shape and as described.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2021', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "If you didn't tell me it was used, I wouldn't be able to tell. It does not look like it has been previously read.\nVery happy with purchase."}]