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Inspector Frost #1
Frost at Christmas
Ten days to Christmas and Tracey Uphill, aged eight, hasn't come home from Sunday school. Her mother, a pretty young prostitute, is desperate. Enter Detective Inspector Jack Frost, sloppy, scruffy and insubordinate. To help him investigate the case of the missing child, Frost has been assigned a new sidekick, the Chief Constable's nephew. Fresh to provincial Denton in an oversmart suit, Detective Constable Clive Barnard is an easy target for Frost's withering satire.
Assisted and annoyed by Barnard, Frost, complete with a store of tasteless anecdotes to fit every occasion, proceeds with the investigation in typically unorthodox style. After he's consulted a local witch, Dead Man's Hollow yields up a skeleton. Frost finds himself drawn into an unsolved crime from the past and risks not only his career, but also his life.
Assisted and annoyed by Barnard, Frost, complete with a store of tasteless anecdotes to fit every occasion, proceeds with the investigation in typically unorthodox style. After he's consulted a local witch, Dead Man's Hollow yields up a skeleton. Frost finds himself drawn into an unsolved crime from the past and risks not only his career, but also his life.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
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About the author
R.D. Wingfield
27 books140 followersRodney David Wingfield was a prolific writer of radio crime plays and comedy scripts, some for the late Kenneth Williams, star of the Carry On films. His crime novels featuring DI Jack Frost have been successfully adapted for television as A Touch of Frost starring David Jason. Wingfield was a modest man, shunning the London publicity scene in favour of a quite life in Basildon, Essex, with his wife of 52 years (died 2004) and only son.
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February 9, 2021I was enjoying the book up until about a quarter of the way in when Frost basically blames a 12 year old girl for a vicar taking nude photographs of her. NOT okay. That's when I noticed there were basically no positive female characters in the book. Even the (one) female policeman character seems to exist only to sleep with one of the other policemen and barely has any dialogue. Add to that the constant wisecracks and commentary about women's bodies and what could've been a fun murder mystery turns into a how-to on how to turn off female readers. (In the author's defense, all the men in the book come off a bit like sex-obsessed jerks so really neither gender got off too easy...)
January 3, 2012
I can't decide if Detective Inspector Jack Frost is a misunderstood genius or if he's just incredibly lucky. While he exhibits traits of someone who clearly knows what he's doing; he mostly seems like a bumbling jerk who happens to fall into the right answers.
By saying that, I certainly don't mean for it to seem like I was irritated. Look at Dr. House on... House. He berates his patients as well as his colleges and is certainly without tact - but he always gets the job done. Frost shows many of those traits I love in House but adds a more cheery, less-depressing attitude that made this book really fun to read.
The mystery was a little less than stellar but Wingfield rarely focused on one thing at a time, keeping things lively and moving along at a swift pace. Frost's dry humor and his relationship with fellow officer, Clive Barnard, held my interest throughout. Barnard was the perfect accompaniment along the way; voluntarily putting up with whatever Frost threw his way. I'm hoping he sticks around in the future books.
I'm pleased to admit that I genuinely laughed out loud on more than a few occasions, which was a little unexpected. In reading a few reviews on here, the comedy is something that isn't really given its due.
By saying that, I certainly don't mean for it to seem like I was irritated. Look at Dr. House on... House. He berates his patients as well as his colleges and is certainly without tact - but he always gets the job done. Frost shows many of those traits I love in House but adds a more cheery, less-depressing attitude that made this book really fun to read.
The mystery was a little less than stellar but Wingfield rarely focused on one thing at a time, keeping things lively and moving along at a swift pace. Frost's dry humor and his relationship with fellow officer, Clive Barnard, held my interest throughout. Barnard was the perfect accompaniment along the way; voluntarily putting up with whatever Frost threw his way. I'm hoping he sticks around in the future books.
I'm pleased to admit that I genuinely laughed out loud on more than a few occasions, which was a little unexpected. In reading a few reviews on here, the comedy is something that isn't really given its due.
December 28, 2013
First the good, the mystery was engaging and perfectly twisty. The male secondary characters are well drawn and Frost does manage to be amusing at times.
But it's all wrapped in a giant turd of misogyny. Every woman who makes an appearance is either fuckable or doesn't matter. Most glaringly is when Frost blames a 12 year old girl for the fact that the vicar has naked photos of her. See, the vicar's not a bad sort the girl is just a slut who drove him to it. Frost then shares a charming story of when he was 19 and was doing a girl he later found out was 11. I've got news for you, if you're 19 and you can't tell that some one is 8 years younger than you, you're either not trying very hard and making excuses or you have some sort of mental deficiency. At first I read on, thinking he was pulling a Stabler move from SVU where he pretend to be into something gross so the suspect will confess. But no. Even at the end the vicar isn't to blame, the 12 year old girl is. That's the most egregious thing but then there are the little things piled on top of it. When some young man hits and kills and old woman with reckless driving Frost feels bad for the driver! The hell with the woman.
In fact, I was dumbfounded by the fact that everyone said that Frost fell apart when his wife died. He didn't seem the type of character to care. I would think he'd just move on to someone else, since one hole is as good as another to men like that. So when the big "reveal" comes that his marriage was horrible I was wondering why we were supposed to be surprised, it made more sense to me. Of course the bad marriage was the wife's fault, she was a nagging bitch who wanted more money & success. Jeez, maybe she was a nagging bitch because she had the bad luck to marry a giant arsehole!
So I read to the end, waiting for the punchline. Little did I know the joke would be on me. Luckily, I got it from the library. It's too bad, because it was a good mystery but while I like flawed characters I can't spend this much time in the head of someone who hates my gender this much.
But it's all wrapped in a giant turd of misogyny. Every woman who makes an appearance is either fuckable or doesn't matter. Most glaringly is when Frost blames a 12 year old girl for the fact that the vicar has naked photos of her. See, the vicar's not a bad sort the girl is just a slut who drove him to it. Frost then shares a charming story of when he was 19 and was doing a girl he later found out was 11. I've got news for you, if you're 19 and you can't tell that some one is 8 years younger than you, you're either not trying very hard and making excuses or you have some sort of mental deficiency. At first I read on, thinking he was pulling a Stabler move from SVU where he pretend to be into something gross so the suspect will confess. But no. Even at the end the vicar isn't to blame, the 12 year old girl is. That's the most egregious thing but then there are the little things piled on top of it. When some young man hits and kills and old woman with reckless driving Frost feels bad for the driver! The hell with the woman.
In fact, I was dumbfounded by the fact that everyone said that Frost fell apart when his wife died. He didn't seem the type of character to care. I would think he'd just move on to someone else, since one hole is as good as another to men like that. So when the big "reveal" comes that his marriage was horrible I was wondering why we were supposed to be surprised, it made more sense to me. Of course the bad marriage was the wife's fault, she was a nagging bitch who wanted more money & success. Jeez, maybe she was a nagging bitch because she had the bad luck to marry a giant arsehole!
So I read to the end, waiting for the punchline. Little did I know the joke would be on me. Luckily, I got it from the library. It's too bad, because it was a good mystery but while I like flawed characters I can't spend this much time in the head of someone who hates my gender this much.
January 8, 2024
This is a bit of a nostalgic read for me as I used to love watching A Touch Of Frost on telly.
The story itself feels a bit dated but it's told well and I'm glad I read it.
There's something about DI Frost that I can't help but like. He's definitely a mess but there's this touch of vulnerability to him, something that just makes him very likeable.
Definitely a series I'm going to continue with.
The story itself feels a bit dated but it's told well and I'm glad I read it.
There's something about DI Frost that I can't help but like. He's definitely a mess but there's this touch of vulnerability to him, something that just makes him very likeable.
Definitely a series I'm going to continue with.
October 30, 2021
Frost at Christmas is the first in R D Wingfield's series on DI Jack Frost. Although it wasn't a bad read, I have difficulty working up much enthusiasm about it, perhaps because it was created some time ago, 1984, but, then again, so was I, 1873.
Frost is an annoying, forgetful, scruffy and somewhat mediocre detective. His boss only assigns him to inconsequential cases but, since he is one of only two DIs at his precinct and the other is taken ill, Frost is assigned to a very complex missing person case, and, on the way, picks up a cold case when a long-dead body is discovered.
The case has the usual twists and turns but, as a novel isn't actually very, well, ah, novel. Wingfield's writing is distinctive but I didn't much care for it.
So, if you're looking for a mediocre police procedural featuring an annoying main character, mediocre writing and a fairly decent plot, this is the book for you.
Over and Out
Frost is an annoying, forgetful, scruffy and somewhat mediocre detective. His boss only assigns him to inconsequential cases but, since he is one of only two DIs at his precinct and the other is taken ill, Frost is assigned to a very complex missing person case, and, on the way, picks up a cold case when a long-dead body is discovered.
The case has the usual twists and turns but, as a novel isn't actually very, well, ah, novel. Wingfield's writing is distinctive but I didn't much care for it.
So, if you're looking for a mediocre police procedural featuring an annoying main character, mediocre writing and a fairly decent plot, this is the book for you.
Over and Out
December 26, 2018
A book set at Christmas but not a Christmassy book so can be read at any time.
It's a police procedural featuring Inspector Frost who plays the bumbling fool but has excellent intuition and is liked by all...except the bosses!
I really enjoyed this one - I love a good detective mystery and I really liked Inspector Frost.
This is standard detective fiction but the characters are very good and the story engaging - would like to read more in the series.
It's a police procedural featuring Inspector Frost who plays the bumbling fool but has excellent intuition and is liked by all...except the bosses!
I really enjoyed this one - I love a good detective mystery and I really liked Inspector Frost.
This is standard detective fiction but the characters are very good and the story engaging - would like to read more in the series.
July 28, 2017
Definitely a product of its time when it comes to attitudes to women, sex etc. Aside from that it's an interesting take on the genre. In particular, the fact that it contains more than one mystery, and that Frost has many jobs to do, including paperwork and dealing with office politics. It's fast paced. The author doesn't linger on descriptions of people or places. Dialogue is quick and snappy, often very witty. I'll read others in the series, because it's the sort of thing you can take with you on a plane journey or when you're at a conference or something.
April 11, 2024
In places this is crude and not pc.
The main plot is of a kidnap of a very young girl.
Frost is an old-style cop; he has little room for police work being about reports and paperwork. Mullet, his boss, is the new style of policing, this doesn’t work with Frost, the conflict between them is drawn with a multi-perspective view that boosts its humour deliciously.
The ending is like the author, R D Wingfield is having another joke, being playful as the last couple of sentences are loaded with subtext that’s accompanied by a knowing smile and a wink.
The main plot is of a kidnap of a very young girl.
Frost is an old-style cop; he has little room for police work being about reports and paperwork. Mullet, his boss, is the new style of policing, this doesn’t work with Frost, the conflict between them is drawn with a multi-perspective view that boosts its humour deliciously.
The ending is like the author, R D Wingfield is having another joke, being playful as the last couple of sentences are loaded with subtext that’s accompanied by a knowing smile and a wink.
January 3, 2014
Having watched all the episodes of the TV series I was I admit disappointed when I read this the first original novel from which the character derived. Not because it wasn't a good read because it was, it has a good storyline, interesting characters and maintains it's pace and keeps you turning the pages.
However, for me and I'm sure I'm not alone in this, Frost's attitude regarding a 12 year old girl, of whom pornographic photos they discover having been taken by one of the characters is "We've got more important things to do son, then drag this poor sod to court for corrupting the morals of a twelve-year-old slut, who was more corrupt than him to start with." It is hard to read those lines and not be taken aback and be upset. But then in hindsight reading this now this was during the era of Jimmy Saville but even so it makes difficult reading. And although later this part of the storyline is dealt with again and Frost berated for his attitude it still flabbergasts me that anyone let alone a police officer would take this attitude about a 12 year old not even a teenager she is still a child. Also another jarring point Frost rams a scarf into his pocket which is evidence, they surely had forensic science even then.
A great shame that a good story was spoilt by taking this tone with the story and unfortunately it has not stood the test of time well.
However, for me and I'm sure I'm not alone in this, Frost's attitude regarding a 12 year old girl, of whom pornographic photos they discover having been taken by one of the characters is "We've got more important things to do son, then drag this poor sod to court for corrupting the morals of a twelve-year-old slut, who was more corrupt than him to start with." It is hard to read those lines and not be taken aback and be upset. But then in hindsight reading this now this was during the era of Jimmy Saville but even so it makes difficult reading. And although later this part of the storyline is dealt with again and Frost berated for his attitude it still flabbergasts me that anyone let alone a police officer would take this attitude about a 12 year old not even a teenager she is still a child. Also another jarring point Frost rams a scarf into his pocket which is evidence, they surely had forensic science even then.
A great shame that a good story was spoilt by taking this tone with the story and unfortunately it has not stood the test of time well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2014
I've enjoyed the Inspector Frost series very much. Frost at Christmas is actually the first in the series, it seemed appropriate to read it over the Xmas period. We find out how Frost got his medal, learn to appreciate his bumbling style, even though he is well-loved by the rank and file within the Police station. Not so well-liked by DS Mullet, his boss, but then again, Mullet isn't all that nice anyway. Frost is tasked to take over the investigation and search for a lost girl when one of his peer is taken severely ill. As well, he must show a new DC, Clive Barnard, the Chief Constable's nephew, the ropes. As well, a multitude of other cases fall into his scruffy lap. A DI who works mostly on instinct, Frost muddles his way to solutions, all the while dealing with a winter storm and his own past. Very well-written and most enjoyable to read. Check out the Frost books. It's unfortunate that so few were ever written.
August 1, 2019
This Constable UK hardcover is signed by R.D. Wingfield.
"Frost at Christmas" is the first of R D Wingfield’s DI Jack Frost series. "Frost at Christmas" was first published in Great Britain in 1989, but Wingfield had written it years earlier in 1972.
The 'Frost' books by Wingfield are:
1. Frost at Christmas (1984)
2. A Touch of Frost (1987)
3. Night Frost (1992)
4. Hard Frost (1995)
5. Winter Frost (1999)
6. A Killing Frost (2008)
'Rodney David Wingfield' (1928 – 2007) was a prolific writer of radio crime plays and comedy scripts, some for the late Kenneth Williams, star of the "Carry On" films.
In 2011, the first of four new Frost books was published with the approval of the Wingfield family. The books:
1. "First Frost"
2. "Fatal Frost"
3. "Morning Frost"
4. "Frost at Midnight"
Are published under the name James Henry., this pseudonym refers to James Gurbutt.
"Frost at Christmas" is the first of R D Wingfield’s DI Jack Frost series. "Frost at Christmas" was first published in Great Britain in 1989, but Wingfield had written it years earlier in 1972.
The 'Frost' books by Wingfield are:
1. Frost at Christmas (1984)
2. A Touch of Frost (1987)
3. Night Frost (1992)
4. Hard Frost (1995)
5. Winter Frost (1999)
6. A Killing Frost (2008)
'Rodney David Wingfield' (1928 – 2007) was a prolific writer of radio crime plays and comedy scripts, some for the late Kenneth Williams, star of the "Carry On" films.
In 2011, the first of four new Frost books was published with the approval of the Wingfield family. The books:
1. "First Frost"
2. "Fatal Frost"
3. "Morning Frost"
4. "Frost at Midnight"
Are published under the name James Henry., this pseudonym refers to James Gurbutt.
September 20, 2007
Frost at Christmas
R.D. Wingfield
Searching for a missing girl, Frost encounters one colorful character after another. They include, for a start, an upstanding vicar with a taste for pornography, a foul-mouthed drunken tramp and a witch-like clairvoyant ... to say nothing of his own pompous chief inspector.
R.D. Wingfield
Searching for a missing girl, Frost encounters one colorful character after another. They include, for a start, an upstanding vicar with a taste for pornography, a foul-mouthed drunken tramp and a witch-like clairvoyant ... to say nothing of his own pompous chief inspector.
October 29, 2010
This probably would have gotten a higher rating had the mystery not been resolved by the near-clueless detective bumbling into a monologue-spouting perpetrator.
Also - I think we're supposed to find the detective endearing, if a bit flawed. The detective discovered that a vicar took nude "provocative" photographs of a girl he knew was only 12 years old. The detective did nothing about this because the girl was physically developed and "a slut", so the vicar was not to blame. Seriously? She's 12 YEARS OLD! We're supposed to relate to a guy who thinks like this?
Also - I think we're supposed to find the detective endearing, if a bit flawed. The detective discovered that a vicar took nude "provocative" photographs of a girl he knew was only 12 years old. The detective did nothing about this because the girl was physically developed and "a slut", so the vicar was not to blame. Seriously? She's 12 YEARS OLD! We're supposed to relate to a guy who thinks like this?
October 6, 2016
DI Frost gives a whole new outlook on the crime / mystery genre. Frost is a sarcastic, sloppily dressed and insubordinate detective that you just have to love.
A Frost at Christmas features three different crimes to be solved which is a nice change from only the one murder mystery featured in other crimes books.
I enjoyed Frost's unorthodox approach to solving crime and his reliance on luck to muck his way through the investigation. I can't help but love Frost (he's exactly the same as he on the to show a touch of frost) and can't wait to read the next one! :)
A Frost at Christmas features three different crimes to be solved which is a nice change from only the one murder mystery featured in other crimes books.
I enjoyed Frost's unorthodox approach to solving crime and his reliance on luck to muck his way through the investigation. I can't help but love Frost (he's exactly the same as he on the to show a touch of frost) and can't wait to read the next one! :)
February 25, 2024
Netvarkingas užuomarša, nevertinamas valdžios, bet mėgstamą kolegų, dažnai kvailai juokaujantis, nepolitkorektiškas. Toks yra R. D. Wingfield piešiamas inspektorius Frostas. Kaip ten bebūtų, jis per tris su puse dienos be perstojo rūkydamas ir gerdamas arbatą išpainioja krūvą mažesnių ir didesnių nusikaltimų, padeda kolegoms ir net sugeba palenkti į savo pusę pasipūtųsį jauną inspektorių. Tikrai skaitysiu ir tęsinius, o paskui gal ir serialą pažiūrėsiu
August 23, 2015
Whilst some resemblance to the excellent TV series is apparent, the insane levels of misogyny I could definitely do without.
What strikes Frost as different from other detectives, at least in the television series where he is brilliantly played by David Jason, is that he really cares about the people of Denton and isn't judgemental - or at least tries not to be as he is an old man constantly challenged to adapt to an ever advancing culturally and technological society. He is often seen taking the side and listening to those on the margins of society and actually building a relationship with them and the community, built on mutual and grudgingly respect- of course he has his flaws but this Frost is a juxtaposition of hate and apathy which is difficult to stomach particularly as he excuses pedophiles even with literally a trunk full evidence!
You don't cheer him on as you do on the show where his smugness and refusal to meet the demands of Mullet are borne out of principal, instead he proves to be inept and just difficult for the sake of it.
As a lot of people have stated the main flaw of the novel is it's ridiculous levels of misogyny, which is particularly vexing as it doesn't add to the character at all and leaves an unpleasant feeling in the reader. I realise that not every character is going to be a proud feminist but i find often when this happens it's for a reason whether to show the character's backward nature or display the views of the time etc. but I honestly believe this book does a disservice to men, portraying them as perversely depraved, which is neither fair nor true. Although there are many examples I could use, the incident with the vicar was utterly ridiculous and offensive, particularly the way in which Frost re-accounts his old days to justify such actions. I was left not wanting to read on but did because it was the only book I took with me on holiday and to be proven wrong.
Very disappointed as the mystery and writing style otherwise were pretty decent and as a fan of the show I was looking forward to reading the primary source.
What strikes Frost as different from other detectives, at least in the television series where he is brilliantly played by David Jason, is that he really cares about the people of Denton and isn't judgemental - or at least tries not to be as he is an old man constantly challenged to adapt to an ever advancing culturally and technological society. He is often seen taking the side and listening to those on the margins of society and actually building a relationship with them and the community, built on mutual and grudgingly respect- of course he has his flaws but this Frost is a juxtaposition of hate and apathy which is difficult to stomach particularly as he excuses pedophiles even with literally a trunk full evidence!
You don't cheer him on as you do on the show where his smugness and refusal to meet the demands of Mullet are borne out of principal, instead he proves to be inept and just difficult for the sake of it.
As a lot of people have stated the main flaw of the novel is it's ridiculous levels of misogyny, which is particularly vexing as it doesn't add to the character at all and leaves an unpleasant feeling in the reader. I realise that not every character is going to be a proud feminist but i find often when this happens it's for a reason whether to show the character's backward nature or display the views of the time etc. but I honestly believe this book does a disservice to men, portraying them as perversely depraved, which is neither fair nor true. Although there are many examples I could use, the incident with the vicar was utterly ridiculous and offensive, particularly the way in which Frost re-accounts his old days to justify such actions. I was left not wanting to read on but did because it was the only book I took with me on holiday and to be proven wrong.
Very disappointed as the mystery and writing style otherwise were pretty decent and as a fan of the show I was looking forward to reading the primary source.
March 7, 2018
I was ready to begin yet another British detective series when I delved into this one. Obviously, I've enjoyed other such books or I wouldn't have undertaken yet another, but this one was very different from most of the genre.
First of all, Inspector Jack Frost, is a flawed hero. He's not fighting addictions or hiding skeletons in his closet, but he has difficulty respecting authority and cares little to nothing for protocol or social graces. Frost is, however, driven to investigate crime and bring the law breakers to justice -- but in his own way. In truth, even though Frost has a keen mind, he can be forgetful of details and hates the procedural paperwork necessary to any investigation.
While Frost finds himself at odds with his superiors due to his flagrant avoidance of following orders/procedure, he is well-liked and respected by many of his peers on the force and the beat constables.
What I wasn't ready for in this book were the "laugh out loud" moments, especially in the early chapters of the book. Frost has a way with words that I found witty and humorous.
First of all, Inspector Jack Frost, is a flawed hero. He's not fighting addictions or hiding skeletons in his closet, but he has difficulty respecting authority and cares little to nothing for protocol or social graces. Frost is, however, driven to investigate crime and bring the law breakers to justice -- but in his own way. In truth, even though Frost has a keen mind, he can be forgetful of details and hates the procedural paperwork necessary to any investigation.
While Frost finds himself at odds with his superiors due to his flagrant avoidance of following orders/procedure, he is well-liked and respected by many of his peers on the force and the beat constables.
What I wasn't ready for in this book were the "laugh out loud" moments, especially in the early chapters of the book. Frost has a way with words that I found witty and humorous.
December 1, 2013
I found this to be an enjoyable book. It had a decent plot, interesting characters and a gruff but lovable Detective Inspector, Jack Frost. I loved the touch of humor.
June 10, 2019
Fast -paced, pitka, old school detektivska priča.
I više nego dobrodošla u ovom periodu intelektualne blokade.
I više nego dobrodošla u ovom periodu intelektualne blokade.
January 27, 2021
But Frost was never any good at figures and never did what was expected of him.
Six days to Christmas. Outside it started to snow again.
December 17, 2020
A re read that’s appropriate for this season.
I’ve read this novel many years ago, but re-reading it did not dampen or make it less enjoyable
Detective inspector Jack Frost.. so unorganized yet lucky
Getting his chance to mentor a new Constable who happens to be the boss’s nephew.
A bunch of crimes happening around the Yuletide
Some current
Some old
A girl that never came home
A mystery that’s 32 years old
I’ve read this novel many years ago, but re-reading it did not dampen or make it less enjoyable
Detective inspector Jack Frost.. so unorganized yet lucky
Getting his chance to mentor a new Constable who happens to be the boss’s nephew.
A bunch of crimes happening around the Yuletide
Some current
Some old
A girl that never came home
A mystery that’s 32 years old
Want to read
November 26, 2014My library only has the movie version of this book.
I checked ILL, and they have it -- but only in Japanese! Kurisumasu no furosuto by R. D. Wingufīrudo.
I checked ILL, and they have it -- but only in Japanese! Kurisumasu no furosuto by R. D. Wingufīrudo.
February 12, 2023
NUOTAIKA perskaičius knygą - kažkas vis kliuvo:
• kodėl pagrindinis tyrimas baigiasi tik knygos pabaigoje, o tuo pat metu labai lengvai tiriami kiti nusikaltimai?
• kodėl auka pasirinktas vaikas?
• kodėl kaip normalus elgesys laikomas kolegų „pridengimas“?
• nepavyko perprasti pagrindinio herojaus tikrojo būdo ir šimtu procentų patikėti jo profesionalumu, o ne tiesiog sėkme.
Tačiau detektyvinė linija ir tyrimo vingiai - skaitėsi lengvai ir neleido nuobodžiauti.
Jei būtų pakankamai laiko – skaityčiau ir kitas Frosto dalis.
• kodėl pagrindinis tyrimas baigiasi tik knygos pabaigoje, o tuo pat metu labai lengvai tiriami kiti nusikaltimai?
• kodėl auka pasirinktas vaikas?
• kodėl kaip normalus elgesys laikomas kolegų „pridengimas“?
• nepavyko perprasti pagrindinio herojaus tikrojo būdo ir šimtu procentų patikėti jo profesionalumu, o ne tiesiog sėkme.
Tačiau detektyvinė linija ir tyrimo vingiai - skaitėsi lengvai ir neleido nuobodžiauti.
Jei būtų pakankamai laiko – skaityčiau ir kitas Frosto dalis.
December 11, 2011
Detective Inspector Jack Frost, scruffy, insubordinate, and a general pain in the butt to his superiors, but loved by everyone else. He hated paperwork, was always behind in anything to do with NOT being in the field, and forgot all the meetings and briefings he was supposed to attend.
But with 10 days until Christmas, Frost lands a case which needs to be solved quickly. A young girl, Tracey Uphill, 8 years old, has gone missing after Sunday School, and it's bitterly cold, snowing, not weather for anyone to be out in, let alone an 8 year old child. Plus he's been assigned a new man to help out, Constable Clive Barnard, who is the Chief Constable's nephew, and that makes him even grumpier!
Frost has an uncanny ability to see through even the smallest lie from the canniest crook, and with his unique ability, things start happening. Bodies keep turning up, but he still can't find Tracey. When he finds a long buried corpse, Frost finds himself wishing he'd left things alone, until finally his career, and his life, are in great danger.
I really enjoyed this tale....certainly a different aspect to the usual Detective Inspector!
But with 10 days until Christmas, Frost lands a case which needs to be solved quickly. A young girl, Tracey Uphill, 8 years old, has gone missing after Sunday School, and it's bitterly cold, snowing, not weather for anyone to be out in, let alone an 8 year old child. Plus he's been assigned a new man to help out, Constable Clive Barnard, who is the Chief Constable's nephew, and that makes him even grumpier!
Frost has an uncanny ability to see through even the smallest lie from the canniest crook, and with his unique ability, things start happening. Bodies keep turning up, but he still can't find Tracey. When he finds a long buried corpse, Frost finds himself wishing he'd left things alone, until finally his career, and his life, are in great danger.
I really enjoyed this tale....certainly a different aspect to the usual Detective Inspector!
December 25, 2016
Hated this book. All of the female characters were either sex objects or old crones. And for DI Frost to defend the vicar when it was discovered that the vicar took nude pictures of a well-developed and promiscuous 12 year old is indefensible. Frost said the vicar did nothing illegal, but child porn was certainly illegal in the 80s when this was written. Frost is portrayed as a bumbling Columbo type of detective, but he just seems incompetent and not vaguely as smart as Columbo was.
January 12, 2023
Pirmas sakinys: Bendruoju pagalbos numeriu 999 prieš pat vidurnaktį paskambinęs senukas vos prašnekėjo, jo balsas virpėjo.
Su malonumu perskaitytas senas geras britiškas detektyvas. Visiškai nepasenęs, nors jau greitai bus 40 metų, kai jis pirmą kartą pasirodė – ir prieš 40 metų tabelius (a. k. a. darbo laiko apskaitos žiniaraščiai) reikėjo atiduoti 3 dienos iki mėnesio pabaigos, nes kompiuteriai užimti, ir dabar, nors visi jau turi po kelis kompiuterius. Kad istorija vyksta prieš tiek metų, galima pastebėti iš pinigų vertės (1 svaras valkatai ir savaitinės 20 svarų skolos grąžinimas policininkui yra dideli pinigai) ir rūkymo patalpose.
Įvykiai sukasi greitai (aprašomos 4 dienos Frosto darbo dienos), išaiškinamos net kelios istorijos (aštuonmetės Treisės Aphil dingimas, bandymas įsilaužti į banką, ranka su lagaminu Numirėlio dauboje), pagaulus stilius ir britiškas humoras.
Skaitant kirbėjo tik keli dalykai:
1) Frostas knygoje kelia simpatiją – dėmesį skiria darbui, o ne išvaizdai, koncentruojasi į veiksmą, o ne ataskaitų pildymą, daro pagal save, o ne kaip nurodo vadovas ir t. t. Tačiau jeigu su tokiu tipu tektų dirbti realiame gyvenime, tai putočiau labiau nei jo viršininkas Maletas.
2) Taisyklių laikymasis vs. aš žinau geriau: . Ir taip Frostas daro nekartą – taisyklės yra kietiems, o ne man...
3) Taip ir neperpratau, kur Frostas sako teisybę, o kur blevyzgoja. Pavyzdžiui, dėl buvimo su žmona iki jos mirties – ar iš tiesų Frostas norėjo ją palikti ir tik ligos diagnozė nuo to sulaikė ar tai tik bandymas save nuvertinti jaunojo kolegos akyse?
Su malonumu perskaitytas senas geras britiškas detektyvas. Visiškai nepasenęs, nors jau greitai bus 40 metų, kai jis pirmą kartą pasirodė – ir prieš 40 metų tabelius (a. k. a. darbo laiko apskaitos žiniaraščiai) reikėjo atiduoti 3 dienos iki mėnesio pabaigos, nes kompiuteriai užimti, ir dabar, nors visi jau turi po kelis kompiuterius. Kad istorija vyksta prieš tiek metų, galima pastebėti iš pinigų vertės (1 svaras valkatai ir savaitinės 20 svarų skolos grąžinimas policininkui yra dideli pinigai) ir rūkymo patalpose.
Įvykiai sukasi greitai (aprašomos 4 dienos Frosto darbo dienos), išaiškinamos net kelios istorijos (aštuonmetės Treisės Aphil dingimas, bandymas įsilaužti į banką, ranka su lagaminu Numirėlio dauboje), pagaulus stilius ir britiškas humoras.
Skaitant kirbėjo tik keli dalykai:
1) Frostas knygoje kelia simpatiją – dėmesį skiria darbui, o ne išvaizdai, koncentruojasi į veiksmą, o ne ataskaitų pildymą, daro pagal save, o ne kaip nurodo vadovas ir t. t. Tačiau jeigu su tokiu tipu tektų dirbti realiame gyvenime, tai putočiau labiau nei jo viršininkas Maletas.
2) Taisyklių laikymasis vs. aš žinau geriau: . Ir taip Frostas daro nekartą – taisyklės yra kietiems, o ne man...
3) Taip ir neperpratau, kur Frostas sako teisybę, o kur blevyzgoja. Pavyzdžiui, dėl buvimo su žmona iki jos mirties – ar iš tiesų Frostas norėjo ją palikti ir tik ligos diagnozė nuo to sulaikė ar tai tik bandymas save nuvertinti jaunojo kolegos akyse?
August 19, 2025
I loved this. It's a good, down to earth novel about policing in the 1980s, warts and all. I am a fan of the TV series, but the author writes so well, in immaculate, sordid detail, with touches of humour and sadness. There's a depth to the characters, even the cameos, which doesn't come across on television. The plot(s) are wonderfully convoluted and crafted. I will read more of this author.
Five stars. Would I read it again? Undoubtedly!
Five stars. Would I read it again? Undoubtedly!
March 21, 2024
Not at all what I was expecting from the back cover copy.
The nephew of a poo-bah in the British police force is transferred to a quiet backwater town. He is assigned to eccentric detective Frost, who has a medal, a little bit of sense, and not much else. The nephew ruins his suits and sleeps around, as Frost solves the mystery of a missing child, and a murder that took place 30 years before.
Very readable, but certainly no Inspector West.
The nephew of a poo-bah in the British police force is transferred to a quiet backwater town. He is assigned to eccentric detective Frost, who has a medal, a little bit of sense, and not much else. The nephew ruins his suits and sleeps around, as Frost solves the mystery of a missing child, and a murder that took place 30 years before.
Very readable, but certainly no Inspector West.
February 22, 2024
This was an excellent book , and caused me to read the entire series. I'm only reviewing it because I made a mistake when trying to add book nr. 6, which I really am reading now!
November 18, 2023
This is a review of the (very) abridged audiobook version which only lasts for three hours.
I read and very much enjoyed the unabridged book some time ago and unfortunately this does not begin to capture the charm, humour or clever characters and relationships. Quite simply it has been cut too far to allow those aspects to develop as it’s only a quarter as long as the original. A shame because, in the same way that the TV series did, it lost its originality and ended up being pretty ordinary.
A mention for David Jason who narrated the story and was truly exceptional.
I read and very much enjoyed the unabridged book some time ago and unfortunately this does not begin to capture the charm, humour or clever characters and relationships. Quite simply it has been cut too far to allow those aspects to develop as it’s only a quarter as long as the original. A shame because, in the same way that the TV series did, it lost its originality and ended up being pretty ordinary.
A mention for David Jason who narrated the story and was truly exceptional.
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