Exit Lines by Reginald Hill

"Exit Lines" is one of the great Reginald Hill's early mysteries featuring the Dalziel/Pascoe detective partnership and it is a very good one indeed. The book's theme is the end of life and the problems of declining physical and mental capacities and the attendant loss of confidence and dignity. It's a thoughtful and imaginative story that remains relevant and interesting to this date.

"Exit Lines" opens with the almost simultaneous deaths of three elderly pensioners in the Yorkshire district where Peter Pascoe and Andy Dalziel are key members of the regional police. One death is clearly a murder--a man is bludgeoned to death in his bathtub--but a motive doesn't appear to exist. A second death is at first considered a likely accident, but Inspector Pascoe has a gut feeling that the injuries in evidence are contradictory. The third death seems the most cut and dry. A tipsy senior on a bicycle is mowed down in the middle of a rainstorm and it appears to be from his own carelessness. But the driver of the vehicle responsible for the death may or may not have been none other than Andy Dalziel. A Dalziel that had been drinking heavily before the event.

As in most Hill mysteries, the development of the story's characters is as important as the story line. There are wonderful personalities drawn here. Hill also provides an insightful and understanding look at the plight of elderly people who are living with diminished resources and failing capacities throughout the story.

As with most Reginald Hill books, this is a highly intelligent read that never insults the reader and delivers an excellent story with admirable characters.

Ever since I discovered Dalziel & Pascoe I've made it a point to read all the books in this series. They never disappoint! I love the absolutely unapologetic crudeness and Non-PC of Fat Andy as well as the sly humor of both he and Pascoe. Each book contains a good little mystery, as well, along with many other regular characters. Reading a Dalziel & Pascoe book is like a visit with familiar friends.

I LOVE the Dalziel/Pascoe series of police procedurals, set in England......WHY are the vast majority of them NOT on Kindle??? Makes no sense!!! These are really well written books with interesting plots and a wonderful group of recurring characters.

I am a big fan of this writer. Exit lines was a great example of a fine, well written, satisfying
mystery story. Adding the death bed exit lines of famous and infamous persons starting each chapter was perfection.

recommended

I've read all these series and hate when they end - I've read them all - so it would say I'm a real fan of this author and this series.

I recommentdReginald Hill mysteries to those who like mystery with a bit of wit, humor and literary referances. I have read all of them.

I am a devoted Pascoe and Dalziel fan, so couldn't write an objective review. I enjoyed the book thoroughly. All books thus far have been excellent.