Frostline - Hardcover

Scott, Justin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0002256088 ISBN 13: 9780002256087

Publisher: Collins Crime, 1997

Synopsis

Justin Scott is back with a new Ben Abbott mystery in the series that is rapidly gaining a major following. The likable former Wall Street player-turned real estate agent gets involved in another small-town drama of scandal and corruption that could have big-time consequences.

Newbury has a new resident: ex-diplomat Harry King – close confidant of Kissinger, ‘the man who brought Reagan and Deng to the table’, heavily involved in the organization of the Vietnam War – has bought Fox Trot, a beautiful estate at the top of the mountain in Newbury. Unfortunately, King’s idyll is spoilt by his neighbour: ex-Vietnam vet Richard Butler. A strip of Butler’s land runs straight into King’s like a knife, and he ain’t budging. Ben Abbott is brought in to mediate, but before he can help resolve the issues, Butler’s ex-con son Dickie turns up dead – blown to pieces by an explosion that also destroys King’s man-made lake. And Butler is arrested as an accessory. Suddenly, Ben is in over his head as he tries to clear Butler’s name – and gets much more than he ever bargained for...

About this title

Review:

Rave reviews for the Ben Abbott books:

‘Hardscape has everything a first-class mystery needs: murder most foul, naturally, plus a tough, smart and compassionate detective with a shady past, a couple of terrific dames, a setting that’s as well drawn as the characters and enough suspence to make the reader hyperventilate.’
Susan Isaacs

Stone Dust:

‘On target again, Justin Scott delivers another literate, witty and absorbing mystery staring Ben Abbott... Scott creates a mixture guaranteed to hook new readers and bring old ones back for more.’
Publishers Weekly

‘A totally brilliant display’
Daily Telegraph

‘[Ben’s] sardonic views... give this sophisticated series its unexpected and wholly delicious tartness’
New York Times

From the Back Cover:

The first two Ben Abbott mysteries, 'Hardscape' and 'StoneDust', established Ben as one of the most engaging and canny PIs to have appeared in a long time. Now, with 'FrostLine', Justin Scott continues to build the reputation of the wittiest and most engaging sleuth in small town America.

When Newbury’s newest resident, ex diplomat Harry King, the close confidant of Kissinger and reputed to have been heavily involved in the Vietnam War, contacts estate agent and part-time PI Ben Abbott about employment, Ben sees big dollar signs as he contemplates the commission on selling King’s beautiful estate 'Fox Trot'. But King doesn’t want Ben’s selling expertise, he wants him to act as a mediator between him and his troublesome neighbour, ex – Vietnam vet Ronnie Butler. A strip of Butler’s land runs straight into King’s estate like a knife, and Butler is using it to settle a personal vendetta.

But before Ben can help resolve the issue, Butler’s ex – con son, Dickie, turns up dead – blown to pieces by an explosion on King’s land – and Butler is arrested as an accessory. Suddenly Ben must use all his contacts on both sides of the tracks, as well as negotiating the usual minefield of his various loyalties to friends, family and lovers, to clear Butler’s name and identify the real killer.

Justin Scott is the author of, among others, 'The Shipkiller, The Man Who Loved the Normandie, A Pride of Kings, The Empty Eye of the Sea, HardScape' and 'StoneDust'. Born in New York City in 1944, he now lives in Connecticut.

PRAISE FOR THE BEN ABBOTT SERIES

HARDSCAPE
“Scott writes wisely and wittily about post- 1980s America and the caste – ridden community of Newbury. The plot is a cracker and in Ben he has the perfect narrating participant, shrewd, compassionate and profoundly engaging.”
SUNDAY TIMES

“The quality and intelligence of the writing is there from the first page, offering insights into Mammon a la mode and the fraying fabric of a rural community seldom found in a crime novel. Some books excite, some delight; this contrives to do both.”
OBSERVER

STONE DUST

“The portraits of the individuals involved, the unfolding of the layers of truth below the gossip and Scott’s compassionate observations on modern small town mores makes this a special kind of detective novel.”
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

“A totally professional display”
MIKE RIPLEY, 'Daily Telegraph'

“Exciting and refreshingly witty writing ... quality stuff”
VAL McDERMID, 'Manchester Evening News'

“[Ben’s] sardonic views... give this sophisticated series its unexpected and wholly delicious tartness.”
NEW YORK TIMES

About this edition

• Publisher: Collins Crime
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0002256088
• ISBN 13: 9780002256087
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320