Pignon Scorbion & The Barbershop Detectives
by Rick Bleiweiss
Narrated by Christopher Toyne
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Pub Date Feb 22 2022 | Archive Date Feb 22 2022
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Description
For fans of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, author Rick Bleiweiss’s quirky new detective and ensemble cast of characters set against the backdrop of small-town England in the 1910s will feel both comfortingly familiar and thrillingly new.
The year is 1910, and in the small and seemingly sleepy English municipality of Haxford, there’s a new chief police inspector. At first, the dapper and unflappable Pignon Scorbion strikes something of an odd figure among the locals, who don’t see a need for such an exacting investigator. But it isn’t long before Haxford finds itself very much in need of a detective.
Luckily, Scorbion and the local barber are old acquaintances, and the barbershop employs a cast of memorable characters who—together with an aspiring young ace reporter for the local Morning News—are nothing less than enthralled by the enigmatic new chief police inspector.
Investigating a trio of crimes whose origins span three continents and half a century, Pignon Scorbion and his “tonsorial sleuths” interview a parade of interested parties, but with every apparent clue, new surprises come to light. And just as it seems nothing can derail Scorbion’s cool head and almost unerring nose for deduction, in walks Thelma Smith—dazzling, whip-smart, and newly single.
Has Pignon Scorbion finally met his match?
A Note From the Publisher
Since 2006 as a publishing company executive, he has acquired works by bestselling and award-winning authors including James Clavell, Gabriel García Márquez, Rex Pickett, Leon Uris, and Nicholas Sansbury Smith, among others.
In his latest creative endeavor, Rick has crafted the Pignon Scorbion historical mystery series—blending his love of the past with the twisty deliciousness of a whodunit.
Follow Rick and Scorbion at www.RickBleiweiss.com
Advance Praise
“Very much an homage to Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes…This charming novel is an auspicious debut.”
-Mystery & Suspense
“Bleiweiss’s entertaining debut introduces Chief Police Insp. Pignon Scorbion…Golden age fans appreciative of a light approach to traditional tropes will be eager for a sequel.”
-Publishers Weekly
“Bleiweiss’s novel is a worthy addition in the tradition of Conan Doyle and Christie. Holmes and Poirot, please make room for Pignon Scorbion.”
-Reed Farrel Coleman, New York Times bestselling author of What You Break
“Rick Bleiweiss’s Pignon Scorbion & the Barbershop Detectives has quirky, wonderful characters and all the elements of a great (and fun) detective story. I totally loved reading this novel!”
-Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author
“Bleiweiss transports us back to Edwardian England with a fascinating new detective who is quite accomplished at rooting out truths.”
-D. Eric Maikranz, author of The Reincarnationist Papers
Available Editions
| EDITION | Audiobook, Unabridged |
| ISBN | 9781665046374 |
| PRICE | $19.95 (USD) |
| DURATION | 6 Hours, 45 Minutes, 30 Seconds |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Kelly K, Reviewer
Pignon Scorbion and the Barbershop Detectives by Rick Bleiweiss is a little bit Sherlock Holmes and a little bit Agatha Christie. The story takes place in England in 1910 with flashbacks to prior timeframes and locations.
When the town’s new Chief Investigator, Pignon Scorbion, arrives to town he seeks out his friend at the barbershop. From there the action begins as multiple incidents happen that require investigating and Scorbion uses his barbershop friends to help.
What I liked the most about this story is that it really keeps you guessing. If I can guess the ending within the first half of the book it’s hard for me to finish, but I didn’t experience that here. In fact it elicited some gasps from me…which, are rare.
Rick Bleiweiss’ writing style was easy to follow and matched the era he wrote about. Would this happen in 2022? No, but the wonderful thing about audiobooks is that you can shut your eyes and travel to far away lands and timeframes. Bleiweiss was descriptive enough to teleport me to 1910 England, yet didn’t drown me in the details. His plot was well thought out and engaging.
I am interested in seeing this book in print because the one area I struggled while listening was the jumping of timelines. The transitions weren’t very clear so it would sometimes take me an extra paragraph or two to orient myself within the story. It’s not that the writing itself was hard to navigate and it may just be an audiobook only issue.
For a debut novel I think Bleiweiss will slide right into the mystery genre as if he’s always been there. I can’t wait to read what is next.
Lara M, Media/Journalist
I knew as soon as I started the book, I wouldn't be able to put it down until I read the last word with a great cast of characters and a mystery that quickly became a page-turner. If you enjoy must-solve, twisty cozies, don't miss Pignon Scorpion and The Barber Shop Detectives.
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