Hey Diddle Diddle, the Runaway Riddle: A Retired Sleuth and Dog Historical Cozy Mystery (One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries Book 1) by P.C. James

Hey Diddle Diddle, the Runaway Riddle: A Retired Sleuth and Dog Historical Cozy Mystery (One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries Book 1) Reviews

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  Kathy

  Former Inspector Tom Ramsey is planning to hike the Fells and hit some high peaks with his Border Collie, Braken. He’s certainly not planning on doing any investigating. But when he comes across a young lady fleeing from some men, he steps in to help. Sophia has been reported missing and believed to be a runaway after an argument with her father. In reality, she was kidnapped and had escaped. With no ransom issued for her, Ramsey is convinced she’s in danger. Getting the local police interested is a challenge, though. Enlisting the help of Sophia’s friend and potential fiancé, Alistair, the three musketeers set some traps for their foes. Can they determine who wants Sophia out of the way before things turn deadly?
  
  P. C. James kicks off this spinoff from his Miss Riddell series with a puzzling mystery that will keep you guessing. Ramsey and Braken are charming and Sophia is a feisty heroine. Despite her teenage angst and occasional griping, she actively participates in her investigation. She and Alistair make a cute couple with their bickering and banter. Looking forward to more to come in this new series.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Adrian Murphy

  This enjoyable spin-off from the Pauline Ridell mysteries features her friend and helper, the now retired Inspector Ramsay. He and his faithful canine companion, Bracken, are plunged into a mystery when they encounter Sophia, a young woman on the run from a pair of kidnappers.
  
  I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot as Ramsay, Sophia, and her friend Alastair set out to discover who was behind the kidnapping and why. Was it a simple case of a ransom demand, or something far more sinister? Could her life be in danger, along with Ramsay’s for helping her?
  
  I think fans of cozy mystery will instantly warm to Ramsay and Bracken, who make a charming investigative duo. The always alert dog helps his master at several crucial points in the well-written story. And I'm pleased to read that there will be a follow up book to this new series.
  
• 
  Merry Chapman

  Having been forced into retirement, former inspector Tom Ramsey with Bracken, his border collie, decide to hike the countryside and find peace in his quiet retirement. But that will soon be disrupted when he hears there is a runaway girl. But when on of his hikes he runs into the runaway Sophia, who is running from two men, he can't help but getting involved and investigating the situation. This is a wonderful page turning book that keeps you not only entertained, but turning pages to get the the great ending. I can't wait to see what the author has up his sleeve for Tom and Bracken next. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
• 
  Christine Goodnough

  I really enjoyed this character and story, and look forward to reading more. A connection is made to another of the author's series, Miss Riddle, which makes me want to read some of those, too, and see how the characters interact.
  
  I read this book in one day--it was such a well written, compelling read! The dog is an interesting addition, but rarely mentioned. Where did he stay while Ramsay and friends were making inquiries? After all, his presence would have identified Ramsay to the thugs looking for "an old guy and his border collie."
  
  I also wondered why the thugs kept the girl alive and well in the first place? What were they waiting for? If this was ever explained, I missed it.
• 
  Dorenda Doyle

  A New Favorite Genre for this Reading Fan!
  
  Although I’ve always enjoyed an occasional cozy mystery, the characters of Ramsey & Bracken have won me over to this genre! Wonderful plot development, hints and facts sparsed out with great timing, and personalities divulged by a master storyteller! Can’t wait for the next one!
• 
  Amary Chapman

  Great read
  
  Well planned historical cozy around a retired detective and his faithful companion. They pair came across a woman in distress while on vacation. Plenty of possible suspects and action scenes
• 
  Deb

  The title of the book enticed me to read it. The retired inspector and a smart dog also was a selling point! I felt that it was slow moving and way too long. The ending felt rushed so I had to reread it to make sure I understood what just happened. Not sure if I will continue with the series. L
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  Beth Connor

  It's a cute and fast read. It's not a series I'll continue but I enjoyed the one. Why 3 stars? It was boring and slow in some places. I found myself scanning rather than reading.