Death in Profile

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Pub Date 17 Mar 2016 | Archive Date 20 Jul 2017

Description

The genteel façade of London’s Hampstead is shattered by a series of terrifying murders, and the ensuing police hunt is threatened by internal politics, and a burgeoning love triangle within the investigative team. Pressurised by senior officers desperate for a result a new initiative is clearly needed, but what?


Intellectual analysis and police procedure vie with the gut instinct of ‘copper’s nose’, and help appears to offer itself from a very unlikely source – a famous fictional detective. A psychological profile of the murderer allows the police to narrow down their search, but will Scotland Yard lose patience with the team before they can crack the case?
Praised by fellow authors and readers alike, this is a truly original crime story, speaking to a contemporary audience yet harking back to the Golden Age of detective fiction. Intelligent, quirky and mannered, it has been described as ‘a love letter to the detective novel’. Above it all hovers Hampstead, a magical village evoking the elegance of an earlier time, and the spirit of mystery-solving detectives.


Guy Fraser-Sampson is an established writer best known for his series of ‘Mapp and Lucia’ novels which have been featured on BBC Radio 4 and optioned by BBC television. This is his debut work of detective fiction, and the first title in the Hampstead Murders series.

The genteel façade of London’s Hampstead is shattered by a series of terrifying murders, and the ensuing police hunt is threatened by internal politics, and a burgeoning love triangle within the...


A Note From the Publisher


Guy Fraser-Sampson is an established writer, having published not only fiction but also books on a diverse range of subjects including finance, investment, economics and cricket. His darkly disturbing economic history The Mess We’re In was nominated for the Orwell Prize.


His Mapp & Lucia novels have all been optioned by BBC TV, and have won high praise from other authors including Alexander McCall Smith, Gyles Brandreth and Tom Holt. The second was featured in an exclusive interview with Mariella Forstrup on Radio 4, and Guy’s entertaining talks on the series have been heard at a number of literary events including the Sunday Times Festival in Oxford and the Daily Telegraph Festival in Dartington.


With Death in Profile he begins a new series entitled The Hampstead Murders. Set in and around the iconic North London village, the first book in the series sees a team of detectives pursuing a serial sex killer while internal politics and a love triangle threaten to destabilise the enquiry. Harking back (sometimes explicitly) to the Golden Age of detective writing, Death in Profile introduces us to a group of likeable central characters whose loves, eccentricities and career ups and downs will be developed throughout the series. Very different from the contemporary model of detective novel, Guy’s innovative style and approach has been endorsed by leading crime writers such as Christopher Brookmyre and Ruth Dugdall.

Guy Fraser-Sampson is an established writer, having published not only fiction but also books on a diverse range of subjects including finance, investment, economics and cricket. His darkly...

Advance Praise

“Classy and sophisticated … if you thought the Golden Age of crime writing was dead, then read this.”

Ruth Dugdall, CWA Debut Dagger Winner


"Comfortingly old school crime fiction with a modern twist."

Bestselling thriller author Chris Brookmye
“Classy and sophisticated … if you thought the Golden Age of crime writing was dead, then read this.”

Ruth Dugdall, CWA Debut Dagger Winner


"Comfortingly old school crime fiction with a modern twist."

...

Available Editions

EDITION Mass Market Paperback
ISBN 9781910692936
PRICE £7.99 (GBP)

Average rating from 75 members


Featured Reviews

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Death in Profile is a modern-day police procedural with a Golden Age of detective fiction feel. A series of horrifying murders have been committed and the police are stumped. Old-style and modern policing have not succeeded in catching the murderer. Very well-written, interesting characters and just a smidge of romance make for an exciting read.

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Sadly, I can’t enthuse about this as much as I’d like to. I came to the book via Fraser-Sampson’s Mapp & Lucia sequels but where those are full of character and eccentricity, this is a bit bland and colourless and very full of crime clichés: the lonely, friendless detective, the false trails, the criminal profiler. Even the plot has been done numerous times before though I don't want to name check for fear of giving things away.

There's a kind of 'cosy' feel to it all except that the crimes are the violent rapes of women and the two elements fit uneasily together. I also felt that the investigation was handled in an unsophisticated manner where the police arrest people for no good reason, and gasp at revelations that surely we've all seen before.

Crime is a crowded market and anyone entering it has to have something different to add to the party: this is neither successfully dark and edgy or cosy and characterful. Not for me, I'm afraid - sorry.

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Firstly I would like to thank Netgalley and Urbane Publications for allowing me an advance copy of Death In Profile which is a police procedural done in a cozy style and deals with the hunt for a serial killer. The novel starts just after the death of the fifth victim when DSI Simon Collison arrives to take over the investigation from the original SIO, Peter Allen. Collison brings in a profiler and the body yields the first forensic clue of the case so they are off and running and soon have a suspect, Gary Clarke, and a conviction but then evidence is uncovered which may mean Gary is innocent.
The plot is quite clever and it is well written but the execution bore no resemblance to reality and had me laughing by the end at the ineptitude of the investigation and the forensics. For example, early on in the novel there is a discussion as to why the killer used a condom and the reasoning was to protect him from a sexually transmitted disease which he'd probably had before. There is no mention of DNA or the killer's desire to leave none, which in this day and age is the main reason for rapists to use a condom. I could nitpick my way through the whole novel in this vein but it would take too long and would expose the whole plot. The other annoying thing is the characters going into monologues or discussions about serial killer pathology 101, most of which is blatantly obvious to anyone who can read or has ever watched a true crime documentary.
I love police procedurals which is why I chose to read Death In Profile and I quite like a cosy from time to time but in this case the two genres do not fit well together and I only enjoyed the novel for the unintended comedic elements, most of the time I found it annoying and poorly researched.

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An interesting book with lots of unusually twist and turns, not sure that it is for me, but I did enjoy the characters and plot did keep me reading just to find out what happens next. Most people will certainly enjoy it.

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In Death in Profile Guy Fraser-Sampson introduces us to the first in a new series of books - the Hampstead Murders. A serial killer is at large having just claimed their fifth victim in what looks to be a sexually motivated attack. The Detective Chief Inspector in charge of the investigation, Tom Allen, is quietly shuffled off the case having failed to produce results. Bright young Detective Superintendent Simon Collison is brought in to bring a fresh pair of eyes to the investigation. We are introduced to other members of the team: DC Priya Desai, DC Katie Willis, DI Bob Metcalfe. At the suggestion of Karen, profiler Dr Peter Collins is brought in to build up a picture of who might be responsible. Through careful examination of the clues, one clear suspect emerges ticking all the boxes suggested by the profile. But can it be that simple?

What I found most interesting in this book were the two approaches to police work - old school gut-instinct, working steadily through evidence and facts versus the more modern approach looking at profiling the possible perpetrator. The profiler, Peter Collins, was highly intelligent and a really fascinating character in himself, I enjoyed reading about how he came to his conclusions. The slight twist in the story where the team found inspiration from the great fictional detectives was very entertaining. There were plenty red herrings to keep me guessing just who the criminal might be and, as is usual for me, I didn't guess whodunnit!

While the story of the hunt for the serial killer was fascinating, I felt that this book was equally an introduction to the police team, watching them begin to work as a unit and get to know and trust each other. I certainly enjoyed reading about the team and am looking forward to getting to know more about them in future novels. A very enjoyable crime novel, witty and astute.

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Intriguing concept and enjoyable overall but somehow a cracked bell.

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Great characters in a compelling North London police procedural

I enjoyed this interesting modern day Hampstead murder mystery. Being a North London boy myself and knowing the locations, especially the pubs gave the book extra interest.

Although a murder mystery, the fainter hearted amongst us should be ok with this as there not too much detail on the actual murders. The action and the investigation rolls along at quite a pace, and was quite easy to follow.

Where the book seemed to get a little lost was in the Golden Age of detective fiction storyline which once it had police officers role playing appeared a little far-fetched.

That being said the plot was compelling and the various twists and turns keep you second guessing. I look forward to the further adventures of Messrs Collinson , Metcalf and Willis.

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Death in Profile by Guy Fraser-Sampson...

The genteel façade of London’s Hampstead is shattered by a series of terrifying murders, and the ensuing police hunt is threatened by internal politics, and a burgeoning love triangle within the investigative team. Pressurised by senior officers desperate for a result a new initiative is clearly needed, but what?

Intellectual analysis and police procedure vie with the gut instinct of ‘copper’s nose’, and help appears to offer itself from a very unlikely source – a famous fictional detective. A psychological profile of the murderer allows the police to narrow down their search, but will Scotland Yard lose patience with the team before they can crack the case?
Praised by fellow authors and readers alike, this is a truly original crime story, speaking to a contemporary audience yet harking back to the Golden Age of detective fiction. Intelligent, quirky and mannered, it has been described as ‘a love letter to the detective novel’. Above it all hovers Hampstead, a magical village evoking the elegance of an earlier time, and the spirit of mystery-solving detectives.

Guy Fraser-Sampson is an established writer best known for his series of ‘Mapp and Lucia’ novels which have been featured on BBC Radio 4 and optioned by BBC television. This is his debut work of detective fiction, and the first title in the Hampstead Murders series.

I have been given an ARC by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The story opens with the discovery of a body by the dog of a local homeless person. Straight away it is established that this murder is the work of a serial killer. We start to meet the members of the team involved in investigation and realise the sense of despondence that pervades them as they have been investigating the serial killer for 18 months.

The investigation is led by DCI Tom Allen, a world weary man. He realises that with the discovery of the killers' fifth victim that things are a little stale. However, when he receives a visit from his Detective Superintendent, he is taken off the case and ordered to take leave.

The team are jaded and feeling frustrated at the lack of progress in the case. The is, amongst some of the male characters, some misogyny towards one particular female character which left me feeling a little uncomfortable, which I felt was unnecessary on the part of the author.

There are some small advancements in the case which cause the team to feel a lot happier and feel like they are actually making progress. However, they soon realise that they were not making the progress that they thought they were. One of the team enlists the help of her partner to profile the killer. The profile leads to the arrest of a man who is sent to trial and convicted. He is assaulted and killed in prison, just as evidence comes to light, proving that he is innocent of the crimes.

The man that provided the profile slips completely into the persona of a great literary detective from the golden age. His character was an eccentric one to begin with, and he simply cannot accept that he may have contributed to the death of an innocent man. This point in the story makes it descend into a confusing mess, flipping backwards and forwards between reality and fantasy. What makes it even harder to accept is the press ganging of several police officers into role playing characters that were part of the detective story. Really? Come on! This just ruins what was turning out to be a credible murder mystery!

There is praise for this style of storytelling, but I've got to be honest. It spoils things for me. I love modern crime novels and classic ones too but this mashing the two together just doesn't do it for me.

That said, the characters in the story are very well written and believable. I found the novel well written and enjoyable up until the ending, which left me feeling a little flattened and confused. I was left wanting to know so much. Overall an enjoyable 3 out of 5 star read. I'm profoundly grateful to Netgalley for my advanced copy, thank you very much!

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This book starts of with an established Detective Chief Inspector struggling with what appears to be a serial rapist-killer. He is quickly replaced by a more senior officer, Detective Superintendent Simon Collison.
The story looks at the conflicted interests of the team whilst working for their new boss whilst trying to keep the DCI away from working on the case in his own time.
The small investigation team is boosted by the introduction of the strange Dr Peter Collins, the partner of one of the officers. From then on things go down hill rapidly.
This story had plenty of promise but never really took hold.
One of the problems I had with it was some of the procedural inaccuracies. They detracted to the point of being frustrating.

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A book which sneaked up on me at first I found it hard to get into but persevered and am very pleased that I did - the writing seemed to free up and the Author left me with the feeling he knew about police procedure and the result was a very convincing read.
Then the twist kicked in turning things around on their axis but adding to the enjoyment factor for the Reader.The narrative then continued between the original Storyline and the Twist until the ending of the Novel.
I was left wanting to read more by this Author and hoping that he will continue with this storyline

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This is a police procedural novel with an intriguing difference. It's interesting how iconic legendary crime writers are thrown into the mix to solve the crime. What struck me most was the mountainous job in policing at all levels including paperwork, forensics, cold cases, interviewing suspects/witnesses and door to door questioning as well as the detectives piecing together enough credible evidence (often thin on the ground) to enable a conviction . Although I was aware of the difficulty of nailing a criminal I thought this novel gave an exceptional insight into the effect on the crime teams mentally and personally. The characters were very likeable and handled the setbacks with dignity and admirable perseverance and professionalism. The ending seemed very abrupt but I gather this is the first of the Hampstead series so it was a cliff-hanger ending perhaps. I shall look forward to more in the series.

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Well-written. Couple of gruesome bits at the beginning. I kept waiting for the original Inspector--who gets re-assigned early on--to come back, so I never really connected to the 'new' guy, who is the main protagonist. I guessed the murderer twice--and was wrong both times. There are two very unexpected turns, or reversals, before the mystery is finally solved. The turns felt a bit forced, and I found the ending less than satisfying (I also, by that point, had been 'fooled' twice, as had the investigators, so I didn't trust that the culprit really was the culprit, and felt a bit suspicious/disengaged from the final solution). A couple of interesting characters, although one was hard to believe, and I enjoyed the setting. Three and half stars.

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This a police procedural detective story, with a lot of detail. Very much the kind of thing I like.

A serial rapist-murderer is on the loose in genteel Hampstead and DCI Tom Allen and his team are exhausted and depressed by their failure to find the killer. When the body count reaches five, Allen is replaced by a younger man, the fast-tracked graduate Simon Collinson, now a Detective Superintendent. This is due to police politics and the need to deal with the press, baying for a result. As Allen is an old-style copper, the kind with a ‘copper’s nose’, he naturally resents this and resolves to pursue his investigations alone. His colleague, DI Metcalfe, feels for his old guvnor but plays it by the book, supporting Collinson and shutting Allen out. Metcalfe has another problem: his irresistible attraction to the distractingly gorgeous DC Karen Willis.

Unfortunately for Metcalfe, Willis has a partner, Peter Collins. He’s extremely brainy, with three degrees in psychology and a doctorate in criminal behaviour. He’s also odd, dressing as though he’s time travelled from the past. Willis suggests that the team invite Peter to join them unofficially as a profiler. He does so and draws up a profile of the type of person likely to commit such a bizarre series of killings. The police then (slogging away), search for such a man and find him. But is he guilty? Allen doesn’t think so.

Although firmly set in the present day, this book constantly references the Golden Age of detective fiction. Some of the police investigators, like Collinson, are well read in it. Metcalfe gets confused when fiction starts to merge with reality and he finds himself acting in a Dorothy L Sayers pastiche, which the author obviously enjoyed writing. To say more about that would be just too much of a spoiler.

I’d previously read Guy Fraser-Sampson’s Mapp & Lucia sequels, which were well done. His first venture into detective fiction is very clever. To be honest, I was slightly disappointed by the solution to the mystery but that didn’t stop me enjoying the book very much. Murder in Profile will be part of a series called The Hampstead Murders and I’ll certainly be reading the next one.

Murder in Profile will be published by Urbane Publications on March 17th and I read it courtesy of NetGalley.

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British police procedural with a surprise ending

Taking place near where I used to live (so I understand all the geographical references), this novel is swift-moving about a serial rapist and killer operating in the North London area.

Tom Allen is taken off the case after 18 months of lack of success but keeps involved despite orders from above. The case takes many twists and turns and I thought that I could predict who the killer was from about hallway through: how wrong I was! The ending comes as a complete surprise and works well.

Relatively short (a good thing), the plot is engaging and well-written: I felt that a strange twist just after halfway through the book when an important character suffers a breakdown was unnecessary but others may appreciate its eccentricity.

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I enjoyed this book but sometimes found myself skipping the long monologues, especially when Peter has lost his mind. However it's a well written book with some great twists and turns, looking forward to the next in the series.

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For the first third of the book I was considering it one of the best I've read for some weeks, then it developed in to a conspiratorial farce with the introduction of Peter Wimsey. In turning the pages I was half expecting Brian Rix to leap out and drop his trousers! I kept reading however and there were a few turns and twists but none really plausible. The brooding relationship between Bob and Karen was implausible too, considering the elated esteem which Karen introduced her partner to the 'team'. She was obviously in love with Peter and was very much on his intellectual level. Perhaps she fancied a bit of rough but I doubt it.
I had it in mind to give five stars whilst I was engaged in reading the first third but sadly I have to reduce that to three stars in light of how the plot went South. Such a shame.

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This is a crime novel immersed in police procedure. I found it interesting, not quite a page turner but had enough twists and turns to keep me interested. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it by the end, considering I usually read American crime with more blood and gore! However the plot was both plausible and not obvious! I would definitely recommend the novel.

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This is the first book in the new Hampstead Murders series, and the author is undeniably a very good writer. It is also obvious that he is a big fan of classic crime literature: from a character obsessed with Dorothy Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey to the detectives solving the crime thanks to a classic novel that I personally love (no spoilers here). As a fan myself you’d think I would have loved this novel and yet it didn't appeal to me. I found it repetitive and some parts were too distracting. The plot itself was great, I didn't see the culprit coming and the actual murder investigation was engrossing. If only all the boring parts had been cut off (I really don't need a transcript of the trial or endless conversations rehashing what the detectives know, not to speak of the parts devoted to Lord Peter). It was also a pity how some characters just disappeared for big chunks of the novel, when they had such great rapport with other, less likable characters. Parts of this novel caught my interest but the rest just didn’t keep it.

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Best known for his revival of EF Benson’s Mapp & Lucia (link) characters in such novels as “Au Reservoir” and “Lucia On Holiday” (probably enough in itself to win me over) Guy Fraser Sampson has now embarked upon a crime series subtitled “The Hampstead Murders.” This police procedural novel is the first. Publishers are always keen to find some different aspect for their crime lists and this certainly does have an original slant, but for me that slant doesn’t work.
As a police procedural all is good, the case is involving, there are plenty of twists and a good balance of investigation, trial and office politics. However, the author has sought to combine this, a modern day serial killer on the loose in North London with more than a nod to the writers of the Golden Age of detective fiction. He introduces a conceit whereby it appears as if characters from Dorothy L Sayers are playing a part in the investigation. For me, this just didn’t work.
I’m very aware of plot spoiling so I’ll say little but when the team of a two year old investigation into the series of murders is refreshed a profiler is brought in. Now I know all about profilers (I do watch “Criminal Minds after all) but it does seem like the good team at Hampstead nick know very little. The eccentric individual helping out the Police has been a staple of detective fiction since Conan Doyle but I just couldn’t get to grips with this character and the whimsy of the whole Lord Peter Wimsey idea grows from this.
When the characters involved in the investigation are on task they are great, believable and generally convincing. Away from the case it’s all rather stilted and I found the relationships between them came across as inauthentic. This is something I would be looking out for in the next of the series. Hopefully, as the characters become more established they will come alive away from the detective work.
I’m not sure how this author’s device of incorporating elements of the Golden Age will work in the next of the series. I would rather hope that it wasn’t there as it seems an uneasy marriage. I do think there’s lots for crime-loving reading groups to discuss as I think there will be lots of divided opinion. I do love Dorothy L Sayers and maybe she does have a place in a modern day Hampstead crime spree but not like this.

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What is the boundary between the golden age of detective fiction, the Agatha Christie time so to speak, and the modern thriller? That is, this book was written precisely to encourage the reader to explore this boundary. Here are all the elements of the modern thriller, from the serial killers to the police officer in his trespass, as well as those of the classic detective fiction, including the search for truth in situations that are beyond the classic detective environment and have more to do with teatime.
So this is a book original, the solution of which comes, despite some suspicion, almost completely unexpected, although the part in which the protagonists, to put at ease the amateur profiler mandated to describe the personality of the serial killer, dress and act like the characters of a golden age of detective fiction, it is a bit fetched.
Thank Urban Publications and Netgalley for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

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a very intuitive British police procedural that focuses on who these cops are as much as the mystery which itself was really well done.It offers insight into the public face they need to put on while still solving the crimes. An excellent read that hooks the reader into really caring.

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**I received this through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

I really enjoyed this modern day murder mystery! Parts of it had an old school feel with a modern twist, which I found inventive and refreshing. I especially loved how Peter's character arc was woven in various ways throughout the story.

There were so many dynamics going on with this book that I found it hard to put down. There always seems to be something working in the background of what you're reading, you just aren't always able to put your finger on what you're missing. The character development went hand in hand with the plot development, which was great to read. I hate when a character's arc has progressed faster than the story so you always feel like you're trying to go back to earlier chapters in the book and put pieces together.

This is a light, procedural murder mystery, so even the faint of heart, or someone just trying out the genre, shouldn't be worried about being grossed out or hating the book due to gory details. This tale has amazing twists and turns that keep the reader guessing every time new information comes to light. I can't tell you how many people I was "sure" was the killer as I was reading.

While I felt the ending was a bit anti-climatic, I still loved this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great new book to dive into. I'll definitely be reading more from Mr. Fraser-Sampson!

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This is a cracking cerebral thriller which pits the gut instinct school of thought against the more contemporary school of psychological profiling. There is a serial killer running amok in Hampstead and we are introduced to the police team led by the newly appointed Detective Superintendent Collison.

Profiler Dr Peter Collins is bought on board and he builds a picture of the killer. The evidence suggests a specific suspect. Great fictional detectives inspire the team in their hunt for the perpetrator! There are plenty of twists and suspense in this well written and constructed story. The author maintains a gripping and thrilling narrative and the novel is well plotted. I gather that this is a series and I am looking forward to the next one. Many thanks Urbane, the publishers for a copy of the book via netgalley.

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A serial killer is at large in Hampstead and the police are going round in circles. With no witnesses or forensic evidence, their investigation is stalling until the discovery of a new body. Will this bring them the leads they so desperately crave? DS Collison is brought in to try to move the investigation forward and he soon brings his own style of policing to the table.

I am in two minds about this book. One one hand, the plot and its eventual conclusion made good reading. The characters are likeable and the author manages to avoid including the cliched 'troubled' police officer with peronal issues.

However, there were several sections of the book that I did not enjoy. I felt that the 'golden age of detection' section was incredibly far fetched, especially when several of the police officers were coerced into participating in the profiler's role play. Also, a lot of the conversations that took place between the investigating officers seemed to state the obvious. I also felt that the officers seemed to be very forensically unaware and was surprised that there was no mention of the perpetrator not wishing to leave their own DNA at the scene...

Based on this book, I would read a second book in the series but I would like to see the omission of the profiler and more old-fashioned police procedure.

Review also at: https://gobuythebook.wordpress.com/2016/02/21/death-in-profile-by-guy-fraser-sampson/

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This a light hearted Crime Novel I thought not the usual gritty dramas that you get. This story centred around the investigation of a serial killer. It had its up and its down and enjoyable to read but I thought that it got lost a bit in the middle of the story. I was actually expecting more from this story than I got. It also had a surprise ending that you will never guess who dunnit.

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All mystery lovers will attest to the fact that the mystery genre provides an intimate look at human psychology, individual motivation, and the actions that an individual may be driven to. Intellect and empathy both play a role in detection. Guy Fraser-Sampson takes this to heart in the first book in his newest series Death in Profile.

For months a killer has been stalking women, raping them before leaving them dead. Media and political pressures regarding the lack of progress lead to the case being assigned to Superintendent Collinson. Lack of leads encourages him to seek advice of a psychologist, a gifted but eccentric academic.

Lovers of classic British mystery will be thrilled by the tribute paid to Dorothy Sayers, the creator of the Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries. Indeed part of what makes this novel unique is that the profiler, when under extreme stress, retreats into Sayers’s world, taking on Wimsey’s persona.

While at heart Death in Profile is a police procedural, it also a reader’s mystery, acknowledging the vast amount of information absorbed over time through the avid reading of novels. Fiction is a reflection of reality and much that is useful can be learned, even if it doesn’t come into use until years later. Guy Fraser-Sampson is a skilled author and Death In Profile is a riveting mystery.

5/5

I received a copy of Death in Profile from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

—Crittermom
(3/25/16)

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I enjoyed reading the book, but I thought the section where the profiler started thinking he was Wimsey was daft, and added nothing to the book. I'd like to read more in the series, but if the 'hook' was somehow trying to write like the authors of the Golden Age, then I'd suggest not doing that, and just writing a good book instead

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This book could have been a brilliant crime novel. The characters were well written and likeable, the plot was brilliantly twisted and the pace was great. BUT somewhere around the middle we entered the Twilight Zone.... I found this confusing, pointless and just downright strange.
I would however read more from the series as it would appear the odd character has been set up to be written out of future instalments.

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Introducing the conundrum of a present day murder mystery to the 'Golden Age' of detecting creates the first of the Hampstead Murder series. Death in Profile is a contemporary crime fiction package, wrapped with a tantalising nostalgic bow.

With a serial killer still roaming loose after an arduous eighteen month search, the existing detective has been removed from the unsolved case and instructed to take immediate leave. But Tom Allen is determined not to let go to the point of obsession and endeavours to work on his theories behind the scenes, with or without the help of his colleagues.

A new supervisor is drafted in without delay to shepherd the weary team and apply the fresh eyes needed to catch a killer. Simon Collinson is the chap with his neck on the line this time. He quickly employs the services of a civilian profiler desperately hoping for an insight into the kind of depraved character they should be looking for.

This decision leads to some questionable investigative skills, bravely relying on cameo appearances by distinctive Dorothy Sayers' characters in an attempt to solve, and I'll be honest here, some rather obvious clues. The art of 'channelling a fictional detective' from one of her novels could prove useful to the regular bumbling detectives already working the case who have missed, stumbled over, then chosen to ignore practically anything remotely of interest.

The exclamation, "why didn't I think of that!" features heavily. Well, bally hell. Isn't that the million dollar question...?

But, if you're determined to take this too seriously you'll be missing a fabulous, atmospheric trip to a bygone era of crime solving, where everyone appears to be living in a bizarrely tame society, excepting the serial killer of course.

While this particular case has plenty of bark it was missing a little bite for me, particularly during the big reveal. Having said that I believe there's much more for the unusual crime solving team to offer in future, and I'm delighted to praise to any author who dares to apply a quirky twist to the conventional.

Sometimes it feels good to wind down from the grittier paced diehard novels and this provides the perfect excuse to do just that. No blood-thirsty thrills and spills, just the good 'Old [fashioned] Bill'.

(Actual rating 3.5/5)

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Well, this was something a little different! I can see that it will probably end up being what I call a "marmite book" as, although it is a Police Procedural, it is somewhat a little different from the bulk standard that you usually get with this genre. It incorporates the current way of detecting alongside that of the "old school" detectives of the past. Most merorably Lord Peter Wimsey. I am familiar with the old detectives and characters that have been taken from the past and I thought that the way the author combined the two was very cleverly done. I think this was aided mostly by the consistent writing style used throughout the novel.
The story is set around catching a a serial killer. This killer has been at large for quite a considerable time and we come in to the story at the discovery of the latest victim. Obviously, after such a long time without results, there is a great deal of pressure on the police to get results and so a change at the top is required and the lead detective is booted off and replaced. With fresh blood, a new suspect comes into the frame and the team then set about trying to prove the case. Thereafter follows convoluted twists and turns, dead ends and new leads, and all sorts of shennanigans as the detectives follow the usual routes as well as some "outside the box" methods to try to get to the truth. All aided off the books by the previous lead detective who just can't let go and who just can't stop interfering.
Yes, I found some of the investigation frustrating. I found some things to be incongruous and inconsistent but, on the whole I followed every new lead along with the characters, drawing some of the same conclusions and guessing the same things but, to be honest, I was never really sure where we would end up. I was, sad to say, completely flummoxed at times and I also found that quite refreshing. One of the things I did like (once I got used to the idea) was the parts that were conducted "in character". As I have already said, I am familiar with the old school detectives referenced in the book and it really was a novel experience for me to see the old fitting in with the new. If you want your police procedurals to be just that then this is probably not for you, but if you are willing to embrace something a little different and accept some strangeness in your read then it may be worth giving this a go. Me, I really can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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For the last 15 months DCI Tom Allen has been in charge in the investigation of serial rape/murders. When a fifth body has been found DCI Allen is replaced by DS Simon Collison to continue the investigation. DCI Allen is told to take some leave in which he decides he will continue with his own investigation.
DS Collison decides to get a profiler to help them find the killer and an arrest is soon made. It turns out the suspect has alibis for some of the dates of the murders. The next suspect, the murder weapon and items from the victims are found in his loft. Have they finally got their man?
This is an insight to old style police work mixed with the current day approach. You get to know all the characters as this is the 1st book in the series and I look forward to reading many more. There is enough red herrings to keep you guessing right to the end.
I'd like to thank Net Galley, Urban Publications and the author Guy Fraser-Samson for ARC in exchange for an honest review

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Although I usually like police procedurals, this just didn't work for me.

I like mysteries that have a twist so when one of the characters escaped into fantasy and took several others with him, I was intrigued. Unfortunately, I didn't feel that this brief episode added anything to the book and wished that, if anything, the characters had continued to play act for the remainder of the book.

Otherwise it was an ok, not especially compelling, crime novel. A bit of a disappointment.

At the same time, I can see recommending it to patrons who like Sayers or who want a new British crime series.

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WWWD = What Would Wimsey Do?

Katherine Barker didn’t make it to her sister’s flat that night. She was found murdered … the fifth victim of a serial killer who’d been nicknamed the ‘condom killer’. The MO was the same as the others – a brutal hammer blow to the back of the head; rape; and chloroform burns around her mouth. The residents of Hampstead in London are getting jumpy and the higher-ups decide to replace DCI Tom Allen with DS Simon Collison. They need a break in this case. They need it now. On his own, and being fed information by DI Bob Metcalfe, Tom Allen decides to continue working it on his own.

They determine they need a profiler. DC Karen Willis suggests Peter Collins, a psychologist and her boyfriend. As it turns out, Peter is a great admirer of the fictional Lord Peter Wimsey, who had in the 1920’s began investigating crime as a hobby. While the novel held merit, great characters, and unique twists, I do feel that the emphasis on Wimsey was a downside for this novel. Technology was accessible, but a preference was placed on good old-fashioned cop instincts. In some ways, this reads like a cozy except I felt it was just a bit more graphic than most cozies.

Fictionzeal

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review

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Death in Profile is an excellent read and a British police crime thriller that’s just a little bit different. A team lead by Detective Chief Inspector Tom Allen is struggling to catch a serial rapist and murderer. When a fifth female body is discovered, it’s decided that a change of leadership and a new set of eyes should put in place. The first in the Hampstead Murders series and this book mixes modern day methods with good old fashioned police work. It contains some odd scenes in the pages that caused me some puzzlement, but overall they added to the books appeal and I found it absorbing with a late twist that made the ending an interesting surprise that I could not have guessed.

Detective Superintendent Simon Collison, a young Met Officer fast-tracked for promotion, is sent in to relieve DCI Tom Allen of leading the murder investigation, much to Tom Allen’s dismay. The case has been running for a year and a half with few clues, little progress and the press are restless as the body count has slowly risen to five. It’s proving a tough case to crack and DS Collison knows he will have his work cut out. It’s agreed a profiler should be used to help narrow down the suspects and that’s when things get a little strange…

It’s certainly a promising start to a series and the book had a good feel to reading it. The reader gets to experience the frustrations of the police investigation which isn’t without its flaws, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. There was some humour too, especially for me when DS Collinson is being warned by his boss, The Assistant Commissioner Crime, who is pointing out the dangers of his weird behaviour and I’m sat smiling and nodding in agreement. I enjoyed Author Guy Fraser-Sampson writing and his first story in the series and I look forward to what the next one will bring. (ARC received)

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I enjoyed this book I found the plot compelling with lots of twists and turns to keep me guessing.I wasn't keen on the Lord Wimsey Dorothy Sayers storyline.I can't imagine Police Officers carrying out role playing in such a manner in real life.I was a little disappointed with the ending ,I wasn't sure if the murderer really was the murderer it seemed a bit far fetched .

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An absorbing murder, mystery story which clearly indicates how difficult it is to find and convict a serial killer. Really good characters and some fascinating interactions. Great conclusion with a real twist in the tail. A policemans' lot is not a happy one!!

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Hey a huge thanks to Urbane for this book as it was a cracking read over the Easter holidays! I’ve not really read something like this before - a mix of old and new and it was a really nice treat.

It was like stepping inside a crime convention with the golden oldies such as Sherlock and Agatha and then seeing the modern day police there as well before they all went in one big room to brainstorm the case. That’s how the novel made me feel and with the atmospheric cover and the old lamp on the cover, I was thrilled!

The murders are graphic and sad but it’s the focus of the police investigation and the banter between the characters which is the real gem of the piece.

When the profiler gets going there are some weird parts to deal with and the keystone cops seem to have left their handbook behind but then it’s not supposed to be a serious police procedural - it’s more than that.

It’s a classic who done it that works beyond the level of the science and the police work. Maybe it’s the likes of Sherlock and co who have come back reincarnated and are now working in Hampstead? After all it’s a fictional detective who plays quite a big role in the story.

If you can abandon disbelief then this is a good read to devour underneath the light of a lamppost.

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A brilliant retake on the classic whodunnit with a modern edge!

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Very professionally written police procedural with believable characters, sharp dialogue and a densely plotted storyline.. I wasn't overly enamoured with the storyline references to " the golden age" of detectives but, that aside, this is as good a book, of this type, that I've read for a long time.
The only caveat is that the suitably surprising ending was a little difficult,
but far from impossible. to be entirely credible. It would be unfair to go into more detail as it would be a complete spoiler and it should not detract from what is a really good read.

Highly recommended and the conclusion gives sufficient hope that a further instalment is on the way.

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Having digested a number of dark detective novels lately, I was caught unaware by the gentler, softer quality of Death in Profile. After finishing the book I saw it was described as reflecting the Golden Age of detective writing, completely different from the modern style. This perfectly describes Death in Profile. But I want to be clear, it is not so soft as to be classified as a cosy murder mystery but certainly has a wholesome nature which was delightful and fresh.

Some elements confused me when I read the story. The role play with the profiler, which was spot on for bygone era dialog, I must say, seemed strange to me but certainly makes more sense with the knowledge gained post-read. I also found the conclusion a bit too tidy. What a luckily police force to have the crimes wrapped up in such an unexpected way!

This was good fun and well worth reading, especially for those not keen on squeamish, stomach turning acts of violence or crime. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more novels from Mr. Fraser-Sampson.

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Really good start to the series that had everything in it

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Firstly I'd like to thank Netgalley and Urbane Publications for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Death in Profile is an excellent twist on modern crime drama novels. It's refreshing to find all the characters have a clear head with no underlying disturbances like we see with many other detective characters. While the plot for this novel is nothing too bold or different from other books out there, it still manages to feel unique.

I like how Sampson doesn't focus on simply one person throughout the book, but instead lets you in to each persons life in little snippets making you want to keep reading and find out more and more about each person. While Metcalfe and Willis are interesting as separate people I found their relationship juvenile, in all honesty. The way they went about each other was really rather unimaginable.

For me, the characters made this book fun and exciting because I didn't feel the plot was anything too incredibly amazing and I found the 'shock twist' a little... disappointing. I would have preferred the story to continue in the direction it was already heading by that point rather than the real outcome. I also found the last few pages of the book a bit pointless and it confused me slightly as to why it was included, I think it completely took away from the amazement you were supposed to feel about the outcome of the investigation into the serial killings.

Other than that and a few spelling mistakes here and there (which I couldn't keep note of due to there being no page numbers on the kindle), I actually did very much like this book and was reaching for it of a night time as well as during my travelling hours. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a crime drama without the troubled cop or gritty suspense. Definitely a fun and quick read.

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Fraser-Sampson brings a lovely classic sense of Golden Age mystery writing to a modern setting with the start of his Hampshire-set series. His debut, while also an intriguing murder mystery in itself, with an array of fascinating characters, is also something of a love letter to those days of Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, and Dorothy Sayers. It has something of a timeless quality to the storytelling, and is somewhat 'cosy' in nature, so may seem slow-paced to those who devour modern, high-tech thrillers full of action. But for those who enjoy the classics, there's a lot to love here. I look forward to seeing how the series develops.

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Five Dead Bodies, a new DSI to take over the investigation and the help of a profiler sought.. I enjoyed Book 1 in the Hampstead Murder series. I was surprised by the ending which I hadn't guessed. I will be looking out for the next in this series by Guy Fraser-Samspon

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I absolutely loved this book! It was most refreshing to finally find normal people dealing with the crime and not another dark detective with ghosts of the past trying to handle the psychological demands of his everyday life. Not all of us are interested in moody people, some really just wish to read a crime novel without all the other stuff...

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Thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's not a cosy as some reviews imply by reference to the Golden Age of Crime, rather it is a modern crime story but with none of the attention seeking gruesome details so beloved of crime novels nowadays. I read books to escape from real world troubles and this story achieved that with aplomb.

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lots of twists and turns, an interesting and sympathetic investigative team, and a creative twist on the consulting detective - all elements of a great cake that somehow, for me, fell flat in the baking. Even though I didn't greatly enjoy the novel, I would still highly recommend it, as I think this would tick a lot of mystery boxes for a lot of readers.

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Enjoyable multi stranded whodunnit told in an old fashioned way. Quite a delightful style that takes one back that despite its graphic nature works on all levels. Recommended.

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Enjoyed this book, it was a little bit different and I read it all quite quickly.

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Charming, it feels like vintage crime fiction yet updated for the present time. There is a timeless quality to the characters and setting, and the plot is reminiscent of the Golden Age mysteries - to the point where it becomes a loving homage to Dorothy Sayer's most famous creation, Lord Peter WImsey. Plenty of intriguing individuals in the police team who have additional mileage in them for future entries in a series. Having lived in Hampstead for a short while, I can confirm the setting is lovingly recreated.

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Death in Profile is a classic whodunit set in Hampstead, London. It surely is different from most of today's crime fiction, and that's what I actually quite liked about it: the old fashioned way of investigation, just like the references to the Golden Age. The story itself wasn't really that outstanding, I'm afraid, and neither was the writing. Both were okay though, but I prefer it if the writing is a bit more descriptive (but that's my subjective opinion!) Yet I enjoyed this book, even though it seemed to drag on a little at some points. Solid 3 stars.

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