Date with Danger

A Cosy Mystery with More Twists and Turns than a Drive Through the Dales

By: Julia Chapman

Narrated by: Elizabeth Bower

Julia Chapman's fifth Dales Detectives Agency novel, Date With Danger, sees our intrepid leads Samson and Delilah on the trail of a sheep rustler turned killer. A heartwarming cosy crime caper, perfect for fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club and M.C. Beaton.

In the heart of Yorkshire, the Dales Detective Agency is about to face its biggest challenge.

A fatal accident at the local livestock auction mart summons the detective duo Samson O’Brien and Delilah Metcalfe, but what starts as a simple health-and-safety investigation soon takes a sinister turn when they discover evidence that suggests murder.

With local sheep being threatened by a gang of rustlers plaguing the Dales, and poacher Pete Ferris setting in motion a blackmail plot that will see Samson pulled back into trouble with his nemesis Rick Proctor, all three cases are about to converge.

Samson and Delilah are now going to find their next investigation is fraught with danger; a danger that will leave them fighting for their lives . . .

Full of wit, warmth and colourful characters, continue the comforting mystery series with Date with Deceit.

'Chapman delivers on every level in this intriguing murder mystery.' - Lancashire Evening Post

Heroine is TSTL

I really like the story/plot. The only issue is the heroine is stupid and impulsive. She acts without thinking and has a child-like view of the world. I don't like her, so have a hard time understanding why Sampson loves her so much. She seems spoiled at times.
I am learning about life in a rural community, which is interesting. The people are funny and lively. They make up for the shortcomings with Delilah.
The narrator is good with the female characters, but awful with the male voices. Sampson sounds like my 80 yr old aunt, and so much like Delilah, that I can't distinguish their dialogue. It is a little confusing. I wish a more talented voice actor was used, especially when a major percentage of the characters are men. Authors/editors should really consider this before choosing a narrator.
Overall the book is good as background. If you can read it on your own, I recommend doing that. It's an okay listen, but there are a lot better. Just average based on the problems with the main character and narration