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  • Hey Diddle Diddle, the Runaway Riddle: A Retired Sleuth and Dog Historical Cozy Mystery (One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries Book 1)

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P. C. James
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Hey Diddle Diddle, the Runaway Riddle: A Retired Sleuth and Dog Historical Cozy Mystery (One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

by P.C. James (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars (425)

He was forced to hang up his badge. Now, a kidnapping has raced into his retirement

England, 1960’s. Former inspector Tom Ramsay is taking advantage of having to step down. Invalided after getting shot in the line of duty, the plain-speaking man adopts a border collie and gets down to the serious business of hiking the scenic countryside of his ancestry. But after hearing over the radio about a missing local, the fifty-five-year-old ex-cop is shocked when a pleasant walk brings him face-to-face with the victim fleeing her captors.

With the young woman reported as a runaway and no ransom note issued, the experienced detective can’t resist investigating. But with a would-be fiancé, a pushy father, and tight-lipped suspects muddying the waters, Ramsay struggles to uncover the truth in the close-knit hamlet full of secrets.

Can he unmask the mastermind before meddling makes him a target?

Hey Diddle Diddle, the Runaway Riddle is the page-turning first book in the One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries series. If you like thoughtful and relatable heroes, bucolic backdrops, and puzzling crimes, then you’ll love P.C. James's clever tale.

Buy Hey Diddle Diddle, the Runaway Riddle to crack the case today!
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  1. Book 1 of 8
    One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries
  2. Print length
    282 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    December 30, 2023
  6. File size
    965 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Shop this series

 See full series
There are 8 books in this series.

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From the Publisher

Retired detective and dog in 1960s English village with text “A Retired Sleuth. A Loyal Dog.”
Text reads “A Missing Girl. A Reluctant Return to Duty.” on black background with blue letters.
Book cover with text “Tight-Lipped Suspects Muddy the Waters”, cozy mystery style

Text reads “The twists and turns kept me glued to my seat long after bedtime. Great series.”

Text reads “A wonderful pair of detectives, human and canine, with plenty of wit and warmth.”

Graphic with review quote: “Beautifully written, filled with humor, heart, and classic charm.”

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Customer Reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars 425
4.3 out of 5 stars 169
4.4 out of 5 stars 96
4.3 out of 5 stars 78
4.4 out of 5 stars 49
4.2 out of 5 stars 54
Price EUR 4.26 EUR 5.11 EUR 5.11 EUR 5.11 EUR 5.11 EUR 5.11
Series Order Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Book 6

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CG3YY1NT
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 30, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 965 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 282 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 8 ‏ : ‎ One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries
  • Best Sellers Rank: #164,227 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars (425)

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
P. C. James

P. C. James

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I’ve always loved mysteries, especially those involving Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. Perhaps because Miss Marple reminds me of my aunts when I was growing up. But Agatha never told us much about Miss Marple's earlier life. While writing my own elderly super-sleuth series, I’m tracing her career from the start. As you’ll see, if you follow the Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries series.

However, this is my Bio, not Miss Riddell’s, so here goes with all you need to know about me: After retiring, I became a writer and when I’m not feverishly typing on my laptop, you’ll find me running, cycling, walking, and taking wildlife photos wherever and whenever I can. My cozy mystery series begins in northern England because that was my home growing up and that’s also the home of so many great cozy mysteries. Stay with me though because Miss Riddell loves to travel as much as I do and the stories will take us to the many different places around the world I’ve lived in or visited.

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
425 global ratings

Customers say

Customers enjoy this cozy mystery book, praising its well-developed story with plot twists and believable characters. Moreover, the pacing is good, and one customer mentions it kept them guessing until the last chapter.
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10 customers mention story, 10 positive, 0 negative
Customers enjoy the well-developed story with plot twists.
What a delightful story. We're looking forward to the rest in the series....Read more
...There were plenty of red herrings and plot twists in this comfortable afternoon read....Read more
...Then I started reading, and found it well-written, with an intriguing plot and likable characters....Read more
Very good story. I loved the characters. Will read more by this author. A good clean, fun read.Read more
9 customers mention content, 9 positive, 0 negative
Customers find the book enjoyable and fun to read, with one customer particularly appreciating how the three main characters work together.
...I loved the characters. Will read more by this author. A good clean, fun read.Read more
This was a great book. Am looking forward to the next one. Keep them coming. Great author. Be sure to read.Read more
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very believable and the plot was interesting....Read more
...This was a delightful read as I got to roam around the Lake District, one of my favorite travel memories....Read more
8 customers mention character, 8 positive, 0 negative
Customers appreciate the characters in the book, finding them very believable, with one customer noting the rich descriptions provided by the author.
...reading, and found it well-written, with an intriguing plot and likable characters. I'm looking forward to another book from the author.Read more
Very good story. I loved the characters. Will read more by this author. A good clean, fun read.Read more
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very believable and the plot was interesting....Read more
I loved this book. The characters are loveable. It was a fast-paced read. I can't wait to binge read this whole series.Read more
7 customers mention mystery, 7 positive, 0 negative
Customers enjoy the mystery elements of the book, with one mentioning it kept them guessing until the last chapter, and another noting it takes place in 1964.
If you enjoy historical fiction and a good mystery then this book is for you....Read more
...with the young woman, and later her friend, provide the perfect combination of mystery, humor, and adventure....Read more
...Excellent storytelling. This mystery will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat to the end....Read more
This crime mystery takes place in 1964. Ancient history for some, but I was about the age of the female main character then, so I could relate....Read more
5 customers mention pacing, 5 positive, 0 negative
Customers appreciate the pacing of the book.
I loved this book. The characters are loveable. It was a fast-paced read. I can't wait to binge read this whole series.Read more
...The pace was steady as the characters navigated twists and turns. I loved Braxton, the canine companion of the protagonist....Read more
...The story kept moving along at a good pace and kept me guessing about the possible outcome until the very end....Read more
...The 3 muskateers were fun to see work together. Ramsey and Bracken were truly patient and this was needed with Sophia.Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Anita D.
    5.0 out of 5 stars All the right elements that kept me guessing to the last chapter!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE, THE RUNAWAY RIDDLE. Now that Inspector Ramsay is retired, he sets out to explore the scenic countryside, accompanied by his clever Border Collie, Bracken. When they come across a young woman desperate to evade two men in close pursuit, Ramsay feels compelled to help her escape. He soon finds himself entangled in a mystery he must solve in order to secure his own safety, as well as hers.

    The rich descriptions Author P.C. James provides made me feel as if I had been invited to walk along, not only through the breathtaking scenery of the English countryside, but also with the characters, as I was completely immersed in the story. Ramsay is likeable, compassionate, and clever, and his interactions with the young woman, and later her friend, provide the perfect combination of mystery, humor, and adventure.

    The story kept moving along at a good pace and kept me guessing about the possible outcome until the very end. Well written, entertaining—and, having a cup of coffee in hand, with a cat on the couch nearby—a highly satisfying cozy mystery read. I can’t wait for the next in this series!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • dooley'sMom
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very believable and the plot was interesting. I would like to see the dog, Bracken, get a larger part in the future books.
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  • musicmum
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This kidnapping mystery is so realistic that it gave me nightmares. Excellent storytelling. This mystery will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat to the end. After finishing the Miss Riddell series, I am elated to begin the Ramsey series. Thank you, P. C. James.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Greg A. Marshall
    3.0 out of 5 stars A Lightweight Lighthearted Cozy...
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2025
    Format: Kindle
    A lighthearted cozy mystery that didn't quite grab me, but I hung on till the end. I didn't quite expect the reveal that I got, so from that standpoint, it was good. I think it took too many meandering turns to get to the resolution, so I can't classify it as a page-turner. Might try another in the series to see how it develops.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jackie Houchin
    4.0 out of 5 stars In a time before cellphones!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Hey Diddle Diddle, the RUNAWAY Riddle is P.C. James’s (NOT P.D. James!) cozy mystery set in England in the 1960s, before cell phones.

    I only mention cell phones because there are numerous, no, countless times when the retired inspector has to look for and use a phone box to ask for information, give evidence, or call for help. It’s hard to imagine that time! Oh, the inconvenience! Oh, the pockets full of coins!

    But the Runaway Riddle is a fun story about a kidnapped teen girl and the vacationing ex-Inspector Tom Ramsey and his border collie, Bracken, who stumbles upon her while she’s making her escape. Ramsey is still quick-thinking and acting, and the foiled kidnappers run right by them.

    But why was she kidnapped? There have been NO ransom requests.

    A lot of sleuthing and planning in pubs and cafes takes place, but the old gent (with the help of the girl and her boyfriend and some old friends on the force) DOES finally solve “the who and the why” of the mystery.

    The problem is, at least for me, that the solution is rather grotesque and diabolical in nature, especially for a cozy. Could he really DO that? Read it, and you’ll see what I mean. You may disagree.
    One person found this helpful
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  • footloosemary
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, Steven Jobs!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This crime mystery takes place in 1964. Ancient history for some, but I was about the age of the female main character then, so I could relate. It really brought home to me how much our lives have changed with cell phones. In the book, characters spent a lot of time going to or waiting around phone boxes for calls. It was difficult to coordinate plans because you had to call when that person was near a phone or arrange ahead to meet them somewhere. It took a lot longer to solve the mystery than it would today, also because we now have DNA identification and don't rely just on fingerprints, which were not very helpful in this case. The author did a good job of putting us in that time period.

    This was a delightful read as I got to roam around the Lake District, one of my favorite travel memories. The pace was steady as the characters navigated twists and turns.

    I loved Braxton, the canine companion of the protagonist. He and the retired policeman were very compatible and helpful to each other.

    I don't remember it being acceptable to push a 17-year-old schoolgirl into marriage even back then. Sophia and Alistair were childhood friends and possibly had a future together, but she repeatedly showed her immaturity and flightiness. Yet everyone seemed to think marriage was inevitable. It sounds like a match made for an early divorce. It might go down better if they had both finished school and were in that in-between period thinking about getting jobs. Maybe that's the Mom in me and this would be perfectly acceptable to a teenage reader.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Elizabeth Helm
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
    Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved this book. The characters are loveable. It was a fast-paced read. I can't wait to binge read this whole series.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Buyer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cozy mystery to enjoy with your tea and cold weather
    Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    If you are desiring to read a cozy mystery this winter you may enjoy this one. This guided mystery has a nice pacing to it. The reader is allowed to glean information from different characters points of view. The main characters are likable and make this book an easy read that I enjoyed to slow my pace during the holiday break.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Avid reader . ......
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hey Diddle Diddle .
    Reviewed in Australia on May 15, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I very much enjoyed this story, and all its diversions. P C James is a renowned author, and always keeps my interest locked on the story . Such descriptive writing makes me feel part of it . Thank you for sharing your story with me.
    Report
  • Ingrid Peter Bartsch
    5.0 out of 5 stars P C James at his best
    Reviewed in Germany on April 16, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Hooray, at last, a new series from the best author alive of cozy crime in this day and age. Inspector Tom Ramsay, who made his debut in the fascinating Miss Riddel series, is back, now retired but filled to the brim with years of crime solving experience. As a civilian he becomes involved in the mysterious kidnapping of a young girl as he is vacationing, taking to scenic hiking trails. In this wonderful new episode he helps the victim, who managed to escape, unravel the unsavory truth behind this and bring the culprits to justice. P C James has a wonderful way of mixing exciting, thrilling writing with warm-hearted wording. Looking forward to the next book in this series of One Man And His Dog.
    Report
  • Sarah
    3.0 out of 5 stars Heavy going
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’ve read all the Miss Riddell books but I found this heavy going. I thought the story and dialogue were quite stilted and didn’t flow too well.
    Report
  • Leonie
    5.0 out of 5 stars a very enjoyable book
    Reviewed in Germany on February 27, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I really wanted to know Tom Ramsay was doing After he didn’t feature anymore in the last miss Riddel books and this book was a good answer. I‘m looking forward to the next one.
    Report
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