Joyce Porter Books

Detective Chief Inspector Wilfred Dover stands out as a uniquely lazy and greedy protagonist in crime fiction. His lack of motivation raises the question of why he should even care to solve the case at hand. This intriguing perspective on a detective's apathy adds a fresh twist to the genre, inviting readers to explore the complexities of his character and the dynamics of crime-solving.

Scotland Yard sends Detective Chief Inspector Dover and his woeful assistant MacGregor off on the Stately Home circuit to look into murder - and the victim couldn't be a drearier sort: "the wettest thing since nappies."

Detective Chief Inspector Wilfred Dover is the most idle and avaricious hero in all of crime fiction. Why should he even be bothered to solve the case? Sully Martin had probably been a picturesque English village before the earthquake nearly destroyed it. And construction tycoon Walter Chantry might have been taken for another of the many casualties if it hadn't come out that he had been strangled. This time Dover is in for much more than his usual share of the bother. For a start, the town's only hotel is unlicensed, and there's not a drop of booze to be had. But almost as alarming are the unmistakable signs that someone is actually out to kill Dover. Unless, that is, against all odds Dover strikes again. “Something quite out of the ordinary.” Daily Telegraph “Joyce Porter is a joy … Dover is unquestionably the most entertaining detective in fiction.” Guardian “Plotted with the technique of a virtuoso.” New York Times “Wonderfully funny.” Spectator “Dover is wildly, joyously unbelievable; and may he remain so for our comic delight.” Sun “You will be fascinated by his sheer dazzling incompetence. Porter has a keen eye, a wicked sense of comedy, and a delightfully low mind.” Harper’s

Back in print: the fourth adventure of Joyce Porter's Inspector Dover--Scotland Yard's best-kept secret. When a woman witnesses a young policeman's suicide and has the bad taste to report it, Dover's vacation stops at the seaside wasteland of Wallerton. As he sluggishly investigates the matter, an earlier case of murder and mutilation turns up as well.

Detective Chief Inspector Wilfred Dover stands out as a uniquely lazy and greedy protagonist in crime fiction. His lack of motivation raises questions about his commitment to solving cases, making for a compelling exploration of apathy in law enforcement. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a narrative where Dover's character challenges traditional expectations of a detective, blending humor and intrigue in his unorthodox approach to crime-solving.

Detective Chief Inspector Wilfred Dover stands out as an unconventional protagonist in crime fiction, characterized by his laziness and greed. His lack of motivation raises questions about his commitment to solving cases, making for a unique exploration of detective work. The narrative delves into themes of apathy and the complexities of human nature, challenging traditional notions of heroism in the genre.

Detective Chief Inspector Wilfred Dover stands out as an exceptionally lazy and greedy protagonist in crime fiction, raising questions about his motivation to solve cases. His unorthodox approach and lack of enthusiasm for his work create a unique dynamic, challenging traditional notions of heroism in detective stories. This intriguing characterization invites readers to explore the complexities of his personality and the implications of his indifference in the pursuit of justice.

Detective Chief Inspector Wilfred Dover is the most idle and avaricious hero in all of crime fiction. Why should he even be bothered to solve the case? The town of Pott Winckle owes its prosperity to the firm of Wibbley Ware. Naturally, when the owner’s daughter is murdered, the call goes out for Scotland Yard’s finest. Once again, Dover is off, the reluctant Sergeant MacGregor in tow. All Dover has to do to clinch this one is settle back in Wibbley’s Rolls Royce, perhaps bend a bit of evidence, or maybe a few fingers. Oddly enough – and not for the first time – his methods result in something resembling a solution. Editorial reviews: “Something quite out of the ordinary.” Daily Telegraph “Joyce Porter is a joy... Dover is unquestionably the most entertaining detective in fiction.” Guardian “Plotted with the technique of a virtuoso.” New York Times “Wonderfully funny.” Spectator “Dover is wildly, joyously unbelievable; and may he remain so for our comic delight.” Sun “You will be fascinated by his sheer dazzling incompetence. Porter has a keen eye, a wicked sense of comedy, and a delightfully low mind.” Harper’s

Detective Chief Inspector Wilfred Dover is the most idle and avaricious hero in all of crime fiction. Why should he even be bothered to solve the case? When word gets out that Pomeroy Chemicals is seeking to fill the lucrative position of Chief Security Officer, Dover is keenly interested. All he needs, he feels, is one smashing success and the prestigious title is his. When a young pregnant girl known to no one in the town of Frenchy Botham turns up murdered, Dover eagerly comes up with more totally plausible suspects, persuasive motives, and airtight solutions than the sharp mind of his assistant Sergeant MacGregor, can process. In fact, if you've ever wondered when or how MacGregor would reach his breaking point, this is the book to read. Editorial reviews: “Something quite out of the ordinary.” Daily Telegraph “Joyce Porter is a joy... Dover is unquestionably the most entertaining detective in fiction.” Guardian “Plotted with the technique of a virtuoso.” New York Times “Wonderfully funny.” Spectator “Dover is wildly, joyously unbelievable; and may he remain so for our comic delight.” Sun “You will be fascinated by his sheer dazzling incompetence. Porter has a keen eye, a wicked sense of comedy, and a delightfully low mind.” Harper’s

Detective Chief Inspector Wilfred Dover is the most idle and avaricious hero in all of crime fiction. Why should he even be bothered to solve the case? Inspector Dover suddenly vanishes from Scotland Yard, and a gang of kidnappers, the Claret Tappers, issues an ultimatum..