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Graham Brack
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Lying and Dying: A thrilling police procedural with an unexpected twist... (Josef Slonský Investigations Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Graham Brack (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 836 ratings
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An international crime thriller with an unforgettable detective. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Jo Nesbo and Peter Robinson.

What do you do when the poison comes from within…?

Prague, Czech Republic

The body of a young woman is found strangled by the side of the road.

There are no obvious clues to what happened, apart from the discovery of a large amount of cash concealed on her person.

The brilliant, but lazy, Lieutenant Josef Slonský is put in charge of the case.

With a wry sense of humour, a strong stubborn streak and a penchant for pastries, Slonský is not overly popular with the rest of the police force. But he is paired with the freshly-graduated, overly-eager Navrátil, whom he immediately takes under his wing.

When fingers start to point inwards to someone familiar with police operations, Slonský and Navrátil are put in a difficult position.

If what they suspect is true, how deep does the corruption run? Are they willing to risk their careers in their pursuit of the truth?

Anyone could be lying, and others may be in danger of dying…

LYING AND DYING is the first international crime thriller in the detective series featuring Lieutenant Josef Slonský: an atmospheric police procedural full of dark humour.

JOSEF SLONSKÝ INVESTIGATIONS SERIES
BOOK ONE: Lying and Dying
BOOK TWO: Slaughter and Forgetting
BOOK THREE: Death On Duty
BOOK FOUR: Field of Death
BOOK FIVE: A Second Death
BOOK SIX: Laid in Earth
BOOK SEVEN: The Murdered Molls
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  1. Book 1 of 7
    Josef Slonský Investigations
  2. Print length
    297 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    August 1, 2018
  5. File size
    1.4 MB
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  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Josef Slonský Investigations Book 1 - Book 7
Bundle price: Kindle price
$10.97
Bundle price: Kindle price
$21.95
Bundle price: Kindle price
$33.93
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07CY28BLH
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books (August 1, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 1, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 297 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 836 ratings

About the author

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Graham Brack

Graham Brack

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Graham Brack has been writing for as long as he can remember, but now concentrates on crime fiction. Three times shortlisted for the Crime Writers' Association's Debut Dagger prize (in 2011, 2014 and 2016) he never quite managed to win it.

Graham lives with his wife Gillian in Northamptonshire and has two children and three granddaughters, who are too young to be allowed to read Grandad's books, so he provides other stories for them.

He trained and practised as a pharmacist and has also written about football, rugby, cricket and medical law. He is an ordained priest in the Church of England.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
836 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the well-developed plot with suspense and unexpected dialogue. They find the characters engaging and the humor darkly humorous with sarcasm. The book provides a nice introduction to Czech culture and history. Readers describe the writing as clever and well-written, with an excellent start to the series.

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PlotCharacter developmentHumorHistoryIntelligenceStartWriting quality
9 customers mention "Plot"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot. They find it well-developed with suspense and unexpected dialogue. The mystery is enjoyable, but some feel it doesn't live up to other mysteries.

"...The plot is well paced and quickly becomes quite convoluted as Slonský and Navrátil tread carefully through a political minefield to uncover the..." Read more

"...The investigation had sufficient momentum and was nicely unpredictable, at least for me...." Read more

"...He is a fun character, and the mysteries are always enjoyable but this one doesn't live up to the earlier offerings...." Read more

"...Realistic characters, intricate plot, a great deal of suspense. Perhaps the end is a little weak, it somewhat makes up for the more realistic story?..." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find Slonsk and Navrátil to be great characters who make an excellent team.

"Graham Brack's detective Lieutenant Josef Slonský is an interesting character. He reminds me very much of the old TV detective Colombo...." Read more

"...Slonský and Navrátil are both great characters and make an excellent investigative team...." Read more

"...The quick went in sarcasm gave more depth to those characters and certainly inserted a touch of humor." Read more

"I really like Master Mercurius. He is a fun character, and the mysteries are always enjoyable but this one..." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous with its dark humor and witty plot. They appreciate the quick sarcasm that adds depth to the characters.

"...Recommended for lovers of smart, witty crime with a little grit." Read more

"...The quick went in sarcasm gave more depth to those characters and certainly inserted a touch of humor." Read more

"Humorous, interesting series featuring a unique detective from Prague. Really like this series even if there is a bit too much romance...." Read more

"Darkly humorous Czech crime..." Read more

3 customers mention "History"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the book's history. They felt it provided a nice introduction to Czech culture and history, and they enjoyed the mystery aspect.

"...I felt that it gave me a nice introduction to Czech culture and history...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the history lesson as well as the who dunnit." Read more

"Well-written, clever, with a fascinating glimpse into Czechoslovakian culture and enticing mystery. Enjoying the rest of the series even more!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Intelligence"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's intelligence. They find it clever and humorous, and recommend it for fans of smart, witty crime with a little grit.

"...Wow, I did not see that coming. Recommended for lovers of smart, witty crime with a little grit." Read more

"Well-written, clever, with a fascinating glimpse into Czechoslovakian culture and enticing mystery. Enjoying the rest of the series even more!..." Read more

"Clever and humorous..." Read more

3 customers mention "Start"3 positive0 negative

Customers like the start of the series. They find it humorous and interesting, featuring a unique detective from Prague.

"...in Prague makes for an interesting backdrop to this promising start to the series." Read more

"Excellent start to series I will be sure to finish. Well-written, fantastic plot lines and surprise ending. Highly recommend." Read more

"Humorous, interesting series featuring a unique detective from Prague. Really like this series even if there is a bit too much romance...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality. They find it well-written and clever, with a fascinating glimpse into Czechoslovakian history.

"...The writing is wry and entertaining and the setting in Prague makes for an interesting backdrop to this promising start to the series." Read more

"Excellent start to series I will be sure to finish. Well-written, fantastic plot lines and surprise ending. Highly recommend." Read more

"Well-written, clever, with a fascinating glimpse into Czechoslovakian culture and enticing mystery. Enjoying the rest of the series even more!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • carolynfromoz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Darkly humorous Czech crime
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Graham Brack's detective Lieutenant Josef Slonský is an interesting character. He reminds me very much of the old TV detective Colombo. An Eastern European version - his brilliantly analytical mind heavily disguised by his disheveled appearance and lazy, sloppy ways. Although Slonský is not so much lazy as energy efficient; never doing more than he needs to to solve a crime and able to bend the rules just enough to avoid getting in trouble.

    He requires a lot more refueling stops than the average contemporary fictional detective (who by all accounts almost never has time to stop to eat over the course of an investigation). Slonský, however, never starts a day without coffee and pastries, followed later in the day by beer and sausage. The only time he encounters a vegetable in the book is by accident and it is promptly spat out. Nearing sixty and retirement, he's recently taken on a protegee to train in the ways of investigation, an eager beaver by the name of Navrátil fresh from the police academy, who is taking some time to acclimatize himself to Slonský's methods.

    Slonský and Navrátil are investigating the murder of a young woman who turns out to be the mistress of an important political figure. The plot is well paced and quickly becomes quite convoluted as Slonský and Navrátil tread carefully through a political minefield to uncover the murderer and the motive. The writing is wry and entertaining and the setting in Prague makes for an interesting backdrop to this promising start to the series.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Andrea R
    4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for lovers of smart, witty crime with a little grit.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Having established his career in the Czech police force during the communist era, Lieutenant Josef Slonský is approaching retirement in present day Prague. He's dishevelled in appearance and ravenous in appetite, but is quick-witted and has a mind like a steel trap. With his new offsider, young detective Navrátil, he expects to make reasonably short work of his latest case - an unknown young woman, strangled and dumped near a Metro station in the dead of night. But when it seems that the boss might be implicated in the murder, the case suddenly doesn't seem so straightforward any more.

    This is #1 of a series, currently numbering 4 instalments; one I'll be more than happy to continue reading. Slonský and Navrátil are both great characters and make an excellent investigative team. While this book didn't necessarily transport me to Prague (a city I don't yet know), I felt that it gave me a nice introduction to Czech culture and history. The investigation had sufficient momentum and was nicely unpredictable, at least for me. I thought the constant banter between Slonský and Navrátil (and Slonský and just about every other character) gave the book something of a 'cosy' feel, until I read the climax of the story and could not believe my eyes! I had to go back and re-read a couple of pages to make sure I hadn't fallen into a micro-sleep and missed something! Wow, I did not see that coming.

    Recommended for lovers of smart, witty crime with a little grit.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • JK Looze
    5.0 out of 5 stars Clever and humorous
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The very clever plot was carried forth by engaging characters. The quick went in sarcasm gave more depth to those characters and certainly inserted a touch of humor.
    Helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not Brack's Best
    Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I really like Master Mercurius. He is a fun character, and the mysteries are always enjoyable but this one
    doesn't live up to the earlier offerings. The plot just doesn't keep one interested. at least for me.
    Helpful
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  • V. E. M.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good story, recommended
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This first in the Slonsky series promises well. Realistic characters, intricate plot, a great deal of suspense. Perhaps the end is a little weak, it somewhat makes up for the more realistic story? I will read more in the series.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great character
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I love these books! I have them all and read them several times. The setting is interesting, the story well plotted. But the best part is the characters. Sponsor is a cynical old cop with a new young officer to "train". The dialogue is very funny and unexpected. The oddball auxiliary characters as well. Their reminisces of the old days under the communists are poignant. My absolute favorite light mystery series
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Maria
    5.0 out of 5 stars Could not put it down
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent start to series I will be sure to finish.
    Well-written, fantastic plot lines and surprise ending.
    Highly recommend.
    Helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sausages rule
    Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Humorous, interesting series featuring a unique detective from Prague. Really like this series even if there is a bit too much romance. Some of the characters are priceless.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Karolin
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love the Slonsky series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I laugh so much reading Detective Josef Slonsky’s cases, and his wily behaviour in catching criminals. I can’t help but like the man. I understand and feel for his chief of police and his colleagues who sidestep Slonsky's slippery tricks and snake-like moves.
    A Beautifully written narrative, cleverly and humorously piecing together a serious plot that shows us a very serious and calculating side to Slonsky's belief and commitment to Justice.
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  • T
    5.0 out of 5 stars Do you love great characters?
    Reviewed in Canada on April 1, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    My favourite authors are: Nesbo, Keplar, Stuart McBride, Rankin, Giles Blunt and others. And, now, Graham Brack is in that list, near the top. The writing flows. I don't have to skip over endless descriptions that add nothing to the plot, atmosphere or background. There is laughter, frustration and intrigue that translates from the page. After reading this one, I bought the rest and signed up for the pre-order. The author creates a great story without violence, sex or language; none of which I am opposed to if it works within the novel. Very refreshing.
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  • Todd Simpson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story
    Reviewed in Australia on August 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This was such an enjoyable read. I especially like a floored character, and Lieutenant Josef Slonsky definitely fits into this category. However, he may not be perfect, but he’s smart with a life time of experience, and he really made this a wonderfully entertaining story. I like Graham Brack’s writing style, and I was thrilled to see there is going to be a second book in the future, and I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for it.
    Lieutenant Josef Slonsky had been a detective in Prague for close to 40 years, and he certainly wasn’t known as a man that liked to be in a hurry. In fact, most people thought he was rather lazy. However, there was no denying he had accumulated a lot of experience over the years. That’s why he was given a new detective to show the ropes to. Finding a someone that had been murdered wasn’t so unusual, however the amount of money the victim had on her was very unusual, as most killers would have stolen it. It doesn’t take Slonsky long to find the murdered women had some sort of relationship with a Government Minister. As far as he was concerned Slonsky really didn’t care who was responsible for the murder, he just wanted to see them locked away for good. I really did enjoy this book from the first page, right through to the last page. A very entertaining and captivating read.
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  • Richard Latham
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to an interesting detective team in Prague
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Having found this author through his other respected series, I was keen to explore the Czech Police in Prague.

    “Josef Slonský had been a policeman in Prague for nearly forty years, working his way up from the lowest of the low to a position of almost no influence whatsoever. Although he was a lieutenant, he never expected to make captain, and did not care one bit.”

    He is an unconventional detective but clever and after following laws he didn’t always believe in; he has reached a time his life when he now seeks justice.

    Slonský is a riot and the undoubted star of this novel, closely followed by young detective, Navrátil who is being mentored by the old warhorse.

    This is an open and shut case and initially I thought it was going to follow the plot of ‘Presumed Innocent’. The opening third rattles along and Slonský is a delight with his acerbic wit, sarcasm and unorthodox methods.

    The middle section gets a little bogged down as the plot becomes technical and the investigation seems to be treading water.

    The conclusion is brilliant and with a twist or two that will satisfy and shock most readers.

    The banter and ways of Slonský may not carry every reader for him, but it makes for a refreshing read and a short distraction to one’s reading. The plot is convincing and the tension builds throughout. A good crime thriller and excellent police procedural all the more interesting as it is set in another country from the usual books out there.
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  • Sandy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Humour, crime & an ending you won't see coming
    Reviewed in Canada on August 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great start to a series featuring Lt. Josef Slonský, a detective in Prague. When a young woman is discovered dead, the investigation will lead Josef & his young protege Navrátil in directions they could never have imagined.

    The case is complex & full of twists but what really makes the story are the characters. Josef is a rumpled curmudgeon edging toward retirement. His sly, hit-and-run sense of humour frequently shocks the naive Navrátil & their dialogue provides comic relief from the dark reality of the murder. Josef is also a survivor of the lean, restrictive years of communism & it's left him with a strong sense of justice for everyone, not just society's elite.

    When the identity of the killer is revealed, I wondered how they would be made to pay but the ending still caught me off guard. The series is off to a great start with this smart, entertaining read.
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