The Judas Goat- a Kennet Narrow Boat Mystery by Patrick Brigham

Judas Goat - The Kennet Narrow Boat Mystery by Patrick Brigham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chief Inspector Michael Lambert takes on a case like no other he has ever encountered before. This complex, well plotted, evenly paced mystery will take Lambert all over the world after a botched arms deal leads to murder and international intrigue. While Lambert is quite capable in his career and seems to thrive with grace under pressure, his personal life is in shambles. His marriage is on it's last leg, he and his wife just waiting the other out to see who will officially say the words out loud and then take action. It's obvious Lambert would consider the demise of the marriage a vast relief. His career takes his mind away from the home life issues and so Lambert is more focused than ever. He will have to be since this case turns out to be a huge undertaking. Bulgaria, Peru, and China are some of the countries that are involved in this massive deal. Interpol is left out of the loop since they are deemed worthless. However, in reality I doubt Lambert could have avoided that sort of red tape, but his detective skills are quite impressive and he gets a lot more accomplished by keeping certain organizations from getting involved. There is a wonderful twist at the end that will have you doing some thinking long after you have finished the book. I haven't read any of this author's work previously, but I must say I'm really impressed. If you enjoy a good solid mystery, with old fashioned detective work, international intrigue and a smart, thinking person's novel that doesn't rely upon explosions, tech gadgets, and over the top plot twist, then you don't want to pass this one up.
Patrick has been a writer and journalist for many years. He has published many short stories,newspaper and magazine articles. Born in the English home counties, he attended Public School and College before moving to London and embarking on his career. Having spent the last twenty years in South Eastern Europe, many of his stories are set in this part of the world as well as in Oxford, Hampshire and Berkshire.
Does author Patrick Brigham write good murder mystery books?
The author Patrick Brigham writes good mystery books, many of which are set at the very end of the Cold War and Communism. Featuring fictional police detective Chief Inspector Michael Lambert, he is often faced with political intrigue, and in order to solve his cases - which frequently take place in Eastern Europe and the Balkans - he needs to know how an old Communist thinks, during the course of his investigations.
There are few good books on the subject of international crime, especially mystery stories which delve into the shady side of Balkan politics, neither are there many novelists who are prepared to address mystery crime fiction, like the author Patrick Brigham.
As a recently seconded officer to Europol, the new EU federal police force, Chief Inspector Michael Lambert brings a new slant to European crime fiction.