Nicholas Rhea (1936–2017)

A story of the crimes committed while night policeman Nick Rhea is on patrol around the area of Aidensfield in Yorkshire during the 1970/1980's. Most of which would be considered minor crimes. It also includes some descriptions of the law at that time, plus the pranks that the police would play on each other, which I admit not to finding amusing.
Very low key stories, none of which I found that interesting. I gather this series of books were turned into a television series - Heartbeat - which I have never watched.
A NetGalley Book… (more)

Constable on the Hill by Nicholas Rhea is the first in his “Constable” series that are about the experiences of a rural policeman in Yorkshire. The author himself was a Yorkshire Bobby and the books draw on many of his own experiences. This series is the basis for a popular British TV show called Heartbeat. Nicholas Rhea is actually a pen name which he used to write the Constable series, his real name is Peter N. Walker.

This first book introduces Constable Nick Rhea and give us both some heartwarming and some humorous antidotes about the events in the life of a rural policeman. The book reminded me somewhat of both James Heriot’s books about being a Yorkshire Vet, and Patrick Taylor’s series about the Irish doctors. It is the 1960s and Constable Rhea has been posted to a small village. He, his wife, Mary and his three young children settle into the provided house/office on the hill outside of the village. His job goes from investigating robberies to inspecting dog licences, some of the cases described in this book involve a naked woman running through the middle of the town, policing dog racing events and helping a lost donkey find it’s way home.

Constable on the Hill is a light and entertaining read, filled with quirky characters and showing how the country police solved all problems that came their way. While I definitely don’t need a new series to keep track of, I will keep this one in the back of my mind for when I need a light read.… (more)