Geraldine Evans

I am seemingly unable to resist the pull of a new series and once again I have read the first in a police procedural series. Dead Before Morning by Geraldine Evans introduces the mismatched pair of detectives as Inspector Rafferty and DS Llewellyn methodically work their way through their first case together. A young woman has been murdered and found on the grounds of a posh private psychiatric hospital. They have more than a few suspects and soon find out this is far more complicated than show more it first seemed.

The recently promoted Rafferty is from a lower class background, he’s rough around the edges and relies on his gut feelings far more than the better educated Llewellyn who keeps a firm control on his emotions and works methodically through the clues. Of course, these differences actually make these two a formidable team.

The pacing is quick, the dialogue is lively and I am not sorry that I will be reading more of these mysteries as I went for the bargain purchase and now have a few sitting on my kindle. I did enjoy the relationship between Rafferty and his mother, who is a determined matchmaker and desperately wants to see her son settled. show less

Geraldine Evans has recently re-released her Rafferty and Llewellyn Mystery series in ebook format after it has enjoyed a fourteen book publication run with Macmillan and Severn House in the UK in the early 2000's.
Death Line is the third in the British police procedural series that teams the dynamic DI Joe Rafferty with the straight laced Sergeant Dafyd Llewellyn who are investigating the murder of Jasper Moon, a celebrity 'seer to the stars'. Found dead in his office with a crushed skull, show more the flamboyant man has his share of admirers and enemies and the pair must determine who is responsible for his violent death.
This is a skillfully plotted mystery with no shortage of suspects. Evans creates a cast of authentic characters whose flaws put them each in the frame as suspects. Rafferty and Llewellyn investigate the leads methodically, but even as they eliminate a suspect doubt lingers, and it is not until the very end that the murderer is identified. There are surprising twists that keep the reader guessing every step of the way.
Rafferty is a likeable character, intelligent and committed to his job he has an irreverent sense of humour and enjoys sparring lightly with the sedate Llewellyn. Their partnership works well, though in this book at least, Rafferty is definitely in control.
There is an added depth to the story as prejudice is explored and confronted. Rafferty has to reconsider his preconceived notions of Moon as an egocentric, eccentric homosexual as he investigates the man's past. He is very nearly diverted by his bias and it's satisfying to have Rafferty recognise his flaws.
From the first page I found Evan's writing style comfortable and engaging. Death Line is a clever and entertaining police procedural mystery that I really enjoyed. A quick search of my local library revealed several of the Rafferty and Llewellyn mysteries on the shelves and I plan to pick up a few on my next visit. show less

Originally published in 1995, Death Line is the third installment of the long-running Rafferty and Llewellyn detective series, recently re-released in electronic format. This time, they set about solving the murder of Jasper Moon, a well-known "seer to the stars". With high profile clients, wealthy business partners, and disgruntled employees all under suspicion, it's up to this duo to discover the truth behind this theatrical man's death. Along the way, they'll face their own prejudices and show more learn the value of an open mind.

Having finished the novel, I am compelled to applaud Evans' ability to keep a girl guessing. Alibis were seemingly airtight, motives flew about in a plausible manner, and minor details came into play in grandiose fashion. The slow reveal of lies and various connections between the characters made me feel as if I were sleuthing alongside the crude, determined Rafferty and his uptight colleague Llewellyn; unlike many a mystery novel, Death Line avoided dashing me about as if I were a mere spectator to their impossible brilliance. The two are understandably human, which ties into the preconceived notions that nearly ruin their investigation.

One of the major topics tackled in this novel is homosexuality, including the perceived need to masquerade as heterosexuals in a social climate unwilling to accept gays. Evans explores the psychological impact of such playacting on the men in question and the women and children most readily involved in their lives. Ever the politically incorrect nonconformist, Rafferty's terminology and suppositions can be somewhat boorish, bordering on offensive, but they highlight the character's ingrained homophobia and the challenges that face him in overcoming it.

The language is very British in terms of the dry wit, the colloquialisms, and the various references to European history. For Americans, it may take a moment or two to adjust, but it's a comfortable read once you get going. Personally, I like the smart tone of voice; my issue is primarily with the first chapter, in which various sentences are so dense with information that it's hard to keep track of the point. Granted, it's probably intended to illustrate Rafferty's train of thought, but it can be a bit of a turn-off (of the rambling variety). This tendency does wane later on, though the questionable use of en dashes does not.

On the whole, Death Line is one of the better mysteries I've read. I plan to look into the rest of the series when I get the chance.

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(Review copy provided by the author) show less

The detective team of Rafferty and Llewellyn is an entertaining English lineup that works because they brilliantly compliment and oppose each other. Mystery detective pairings often work on a push and pull system operating to either sway the balance or draw a reader towards a direction or clue. Evans has created a tandem that jells together, neither overshadowing nor undermining the other. For those who love Sherlock Holmes style mysteries, you'll likely adore Evans style, humor and method show more of detection. All players in the plot are revealed in moment, action and speech making it a wonderful cozy, rainy-night read rich with interesting characters that all appear guilty and innocent. At every turn you'll think you know who the killer is, but the true identity and motive won't come until the end. The reveal is not far-fetched or deceptive -- it was there all along and it works perfectly.

What sets Evans mysteries apart is the notion of how prejudice can play a role in the line to justice. How culture, belief, assumptions, gender and job can all affect how a case is perceived, delayed, detoured or in some cases, unsolved. Thankfully, Rafferty and Llewellyn catch their own flaws and rethink to avoid mistakes. However, by including this thematic element Evans shines a light on the unavoidable flaw in crime and the pursuit of justice, humanity. show less