Gently Down the Stream (George Gently)

I bought the dvds first and loved them so much, that I needed the actual books. I have (3) books, now. I love how the author describes Mr. gently, with his peppermint creams, and his deep honesty and his clomping around. Mr. Gently, is a big, bulky, salt of the earth man. He is a no nonsense Policeman, who tries to see the good in people, but is often disappointed. He is somewhat cheerful and a gentlemen at all times, towards the ladies. Even to the criminal ladies. The settings are in the UK, and the descriptions and details of the locations, make the reader feel like they are on the cas with "Gently". The deeply handsome, Mr. Martin Thaw, is the UK actor who portrays "Gently", in the dvd series. He is also big and bulky. The story lines are interesting, sometimes sad, but always done well in costume and era (1960's). The assemblage of actors is outstanding! WOnderful characters, and fabulous foggy/rainy settings. Lots of overcast days, with plenty of mystery! LOVE! Love Mr. Gently, Sir!

GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM by Alan Hunter.This title is the 2nd in Alan Hunter’s George Gently series. It is another interesting police procedural/detective story featuring Chief Inspector George Gently.George Gently is a very methodical, measured, contemplative detective and we get a close-up glimpse of his detecting skills.This series by the late Alan Hunter and the British tv production of the same name are both excellent with intricate plots and very complex, interesting characters. The time period and more out-of-the-way locations are also interesting.We spend a lot of time on or near the water in this title. Stoley’s Boatyard reports one of its ‘hired’ yachts burned with the charred remains of the Boatyard’s client still aboard.The descriptions of the waterways, rivers, inlets, bays and channels are all very well-done and I felt very comfortable in this area.Another good title in the George Gently series.

I loved the TV series, but had never read any of the books, so I got this one. It did not measure up to the TV series in which the characters are much better developed. Perhaps I just chose poorly since there are A LOT of novels. But, I doubt if I will try getting any more.

First published in 1957, this is a corker mystery. I'm surprised it hasn't found its way onto the tv series; it'd be lovely to see Bacchus chasing crooks in a boat, or Martin Shaw rough-housing in a cottage. Mightn't fit with the tv backstory though. The novel comes with Hunter's eye for detail. He lavishes words on the landscape with an artist's eye and a poet's ear.

A rental boat is found burned-out with a body on board. It initially seems to be a baffling accident, but when Gently gets on the case it is discovered to be a murder. The cast of characters is as follows (in addition to Chief Inspector Gently and his assistant Dut of Scotland Yard):Superintendent Walker and Inspector Hansom: local police officersJames Lammas: victim whose body is apparently found on the boatLinda Brent: his secretary who has disappearedJoseph Hicks: His chauffeur who has also disappeared.Mrs. Grey: runs a local boarding house, also the aunt of Joseph HicksMrs. Lammas: wife of James Lammas (from Wales)Pauline Lammas: daughter (21) who tries to protect her fatherPaul Lammas: son (20) who tries to protect his motherGwlady Roberts: cookNoggins: local eel catcher, last to see the boat before the fireAnnie Packer: another local who is killed by the murdererTed Thatcher: recently arrived localNone of the locals are talking, and the Lammas family is concealing secrets. It takes Gently awhile to work through the case and discover the plot. Good story that I enjoyed. There is a bit of dialogue but it is phonetic and understandable.

I find this author a man for reasons, including especially wit and mystery, plus a wonderful use of language. I just enjoy reading his books and the only problem I have is finishing his books too rapidly, like a kid wanting his ice cream to last longer.

A good solid mystery by an author who can keep his reader's interest with his storytelling abilities rather than with descriptions of gore and violence. Having in mind the TV series makes the reading even more pleasant.

Not one of the better George Gently novels but still fun. A little on the convoluted side and you'll probably have it pretty much figured out about 3/4s of the way through...

A slow languid tale full of quirks. Not an easy read because of the use of dialect, However the English is beautifully written, lyrical, poetic. Far from the modern style and a pleasant change. I have started reading these after a five year gap and will be continuing.

Enjoyed the TV series, now the books

Liked the book

Ah, how detective books should be written and always used to be. Beautifully crafted English (I'll forgive the oo aar attempts at yokelish), cunning plots, characters who emerge over time rather than being thrust into your face, and a welcome absence of graphic sex or violence, this is so delightful to read.The only problem I had was that I worked out "who done it" very early on and the clues given through the rest of the book continued to fit neatly into place. Whereas Agatha Christie would have led you up to the last page before demolishing your thesis, this one gently cruised over the Broads to its denouement with no surprise at all. But that was just my bad luck and shouldn't stop you enjoying it.

Whilst this story followed George Gently's usual well constructed story line, I felt that the use of the local dialect did at times make it difficult to follow the thread of the story.