A Crushing Walk in Cornwall - (A Walk Through England Mystery) by Nicholas George (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

For retired San Diego detective Rick "Chase" Chasen, week-long walks in the English countryside are an enjoyable new pastime. But sometimes these outings take deadly detours...

Chase is disappointed that his partner Mike won't be joining him on his tour of the rocky Cornish coast--but like long-distance walks, long-distance relationships can require an occasional break. He still has his friend Billie for company, though, and a few more fellow Americans, from a New Orleans restaurateur to a New York travel writer, joining them on their jaunt.

When the group hears before their departure that local landowners have been sabotaging the trail with booby-traps, their walk leader dismisses it as rumor--but some in the group are worried, especially after a terrifying incident on a bridge the very next morning. As they bravely continue their expedition, twelve-year-old chatterbox Ivy, who's already spilled some of her mother's secrets, continues gossiping to Chase about the group members. She's been researching online and thinks they're not all as they seem. When one of them nearly plunges to her death during a visit to a 16th-century castle, Ivy's sure a killer walks among them.

That turns out to be a real possibility when the near miss is followed by a suspicious death during a meal break. Did a Cornish property owner take a prank too far? And is Ivy just a drama-obsessed internet addict, or is ignoring her warnings a fatal misstep? If murder is truly afoot, Chase will have to rely on his investigative wits to trip the killer up.

Review Quotes

Praise for The Walk Through England Mysteries by Nicholas George

"George relates how Chase uncovers potential motives of other members of the walking group; in the process, Chase becomes a target for the murderer. George, whose own love of long-distance walking inspired the book, offers a satisfying mystery with a well-drawn interesting protagonist." --The Washington Post on A Deadly Walk in Devon

"[George] delivers the goods here, with top-notch detective work and a delightfully cozy atmosphere. Armchair sleuths will be thrilled." --Publishers Weekly on A Lethal Walk in Lakeland

"An amiable whodunit." --Kirkus Reviews on A Lethal Walk in Lakeland

"The sequel to A Deadly Walk in Devon is an atmospheric mystery with delightful descriptions of the countryside in the Lake District. The story may appeal to fans of closed-house or Golden Age mysteries." --Library Journal on A Lethal Walk in Lakeland

"This appealing, first-in-a-series debut is a variation on the closed-house mystery, with distinct character personalities hiding deep enmities." --Booklist on A Deadly Walk in Devon

"George's series debut is crisply written, laying a solid groundwork for further whodunits featuring an unconventional pair of sleuths in Chase and Billie." --Kirkus Reviews on A Deadly Walk in Devon

"A fresh concept for a new series that offers readers the chance to see the English countryside. Those who enjoy Steve Burrows's birding mysteries may want to try this nature-heavy cozy." --Library Journal on A Deadly Walk in Devon

"If you've ever considered going on a walking tour in the English countryside, think again! Avoid jet lag and join the intriguing group of trekkers in Nicholas George's A Deadly Walk in Devon and wander along a trail full of treacherous twists and turns to the absolutely gobsmacking reveal at the end of the path. Great fun!" --Leslie Meier, author of Patchwork Quilt Murder

"You'll want to walk just about anywhere with retired police detective Rick "Chase" Chasen, a modern day Hercule Poirot." --Lee Hollis, author of Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star

"Take A Deadly Walk in Devon with Nicholas George in this suspenseful 'quozy' mystery, where every step uncovers a new secret in the picturesque English countryside. Full of colorful characters and plenty of plot twists, readers are led on a page-turning journey beneath the rolling hills and crashing waves . . . to the point of no return." --Frank Anthony Polito, author of Haunted to Death

"Nicolas George delivers a cozy mystery that is reminiscent of the game Clue set in the English countryside. Great characters and a surprise ending. The perfect book to snuggle into." --Mary Kate Mason, Bank Square Books (Mystic, CT)

About the Author

Nicholas George worked as a newspaper reporter before embarking on an extensive career in public relations and communication management. His love of long-distance walking in the U.S. and England prompted him to create his Walk Through England series of mystery novels, set on group walks in the English countryside. Nick co-wrote the feature film "Perfect Match," prominently featured at the Chicago and Montreal film festivals. He lives in Pasadena, California, with his husband Bert.