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I really enjoy murder mystery and suspense books, I was pretty sceptical about getting this one because I have been a bit disappointed with the quality of this genre from indie authors recently, but this was a pleasant surprise. My favorite character is Digby Rolf, one of the reasons why is that he is very relatable, but I also think that the author put a lot more effort into his character which brought him to life a bit more than the others. There are many twists and turns in the story so its important that you pay close attention when you are reading, or you will miss out on some important information. The author is very clever in terms of the way he has put the story together, I think the biggest chill factor in the book is the beast of Bodmin Moor, I won’t say anything else, read it, you will find out what I mean. This was a great read, highly recommended.
4.0 out of 5 starsA fantastic, well-written adventure
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 May 2019
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Digby Rolf is back!
I loved the use of Bodmin as a location, I frequently visit Cornwall and Raymond Hall's description of the eerily quiet moors is spot on and does a lot to set the scene of the third installation in this fantastic series.
Mr Hall plonks his story in the archetypal gothic setting, and does a whole lot to stake his claim as a unique and exciting writer of this style. The characterisation of each character - both friend and foe - leaves nothing to chance, and each little morsel of potential is swept up in Raymond's engaging tone.
This is a story with all the shine and vigour of a mid-21st century novel, Raymond Hall does an expert job at building a realistic and entertaining atmosphere all the way through.
4.0 out of 5 starsAnother fantastic Digby Rolf Mystery
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 April 2019
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This isn't my first read of a Digby Rolf mystery, and just as before, I loved it. The Murder At High Tor Manor is the third book in the series, and after finishing the second book, In The Shadow Of A Reaper, I had to snap this one up pretty quickly. Again I was met with a whirlwind of plot twists, murder, bravery, and mayhem. But I would expect nothing less from author Raymond M Hall. The main character Digby was, as always quick to get investigating in what appears to be a suicide. These books have a somewhat traditional theme, yet Raymond M Hall manages to elaborate on the ‘classic’ and transforms it with his style. A fantastic author and an excellent book
5.0 out of 5 starsAnother twist in Digby Rolf's life.
Reviewed in the United States on 12 April 2019
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Raymond M. Hall is one of those rare authors that can write a murder mystery that remain suspenseful until the last chapter. Murder at High Tor Manor: A Digby Rolf Mystery begins with the charm of one of England’s little villages and a Reverend Digby at a crossroads in his life. Beginning a detective service allows him to service people, plus it is something he is good at. But the lifestyle that goes with this occupation is not what Digby thought it would be like. The crime, favors, immoral acts, greed, and murders where everyday dealings when he took on an insurance investigation of the murder of Lord Brewster.
I felt Raymond M. Hall and Arthur Conan Doyle would enjoy discussing story plots and characters. Raymond Hall is an author that will astonish his readers with the complexity of plot and the intricate characters. Each character, and there were several, in Murder on High Tor Manor was well-developed and unique; allowing the reader to clear keep the mystery in sight. I finished this novel thinking, “Wow, what a book!” and would enjoy reading more Digby Rolf Mysteries. Highly recommend for those who enjoy murder, mystery, and WWII fiction novels.
The third entry into the Digby Rolf mystery series, this time around we find that Digby is pretty much at a crossroads. Having chosen to leave the church to set up his own detective agency, based in London, Digby seems to be having great financial success. However, he is bored to death as his clients are a never-ending string of divorce cases. Then, he is engaged to investigate what appears to be a nobleman's suicide. The catch is, if the death can be ruled as that of murder, and not suicide, the nobleman's estate will be beneficiary of a large life insurance claim. This book keeps the reader on the edge of the seat. From the beginning, nothing and no one is what they seem to be. Even more, as the investigation moves forward, the key players and suspects begin dropping like flies. Factor in a large black panther stalking the moors, and you can see how convoluted the mystery becomes.