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Nicholas Rhea
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CONSTABLE IN THE DALE a perfect feel-good read from one of Britain’s best-loved authors (Constable Nick Mystery Book 5) Kindle Edition

by NICHOLAS RHEA (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,058 ratings
DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE SERIES. MEET BRITAIN’S BEST-LOVED VILLAGE POLICEMAN.

“It’s original, it’s funny…one of life’s little pleasures.” Yorkshire Post

THE BOOKS WHICH INSPIRED HEARTBEAT

The brilliantly entertaining and heartwarming books behind the hit 90s TV series “Heartbeat”. One of the top ten most watched shows of the decade.

DIRTY TRICKS AT THE BEST-KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION

Constable Nick patrols his rural Yorkshire beat on foot or on his trusty Francis Barnett motorcycle. But as beautiful as the villages are, they conceal real human drama.

Nick is on hand to help out when Aidensfield decides to enter the Best Kept Village competition and finds itself the victim of a dirty tricks campaign by its rivals.

Then there is the mystery of the spontaneously combusting henhouse, and Nick has to cope with the consequences when the vicar tries a novel way of keeping the churchyard tidy.

CHARMING, FUNNY TALES WITH A COUNTRY FLAVOUR

“Stories of a constable on his village beat in North Yorkshire. All very gentle and far, far removed from the hurly burly of modern day city policing.” Daily Telegraph

In the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside of the 1960s, Constable Nick's roles are as varied as the eccentric villagers.

IT’S NOT THE BIG CITY BUT THE YORKSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE IS STILL FULL OF INCIDENT

Perfect for fans of James Herriot, TE Kinsey, Gerald Durrell, J. R. Ellis or anyone who loves a great read.

DISCOVER ONE OF BRITAIN’S BEST-LOVED AUTHORS

MEET CONSTABLE NICK AND HIS COLLEAGUES
Police Constable Nick Rhea has been posted to the country with his wife Mary and their three small children. They move into the police house, high on a ridge overlooking the moors. It sits on the edge of the village of Aidensfield — “probably the most beautiful site in the country”.

Sergeant Oscar Blaketon. A good, solid and dependable character who runs his little police station with fierce efficiency but under a tough exterior, is full of warmth, generosity and kindness

PC Alf Ventress. The old, easy-going constable whose local knowledge is vital to the running of Ashfordly Police Station. He does like Mrs Ventress's hard-boiled eggs!

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT NICHOLAS RHEA

“Just love Nicholas Rhea's Constable books... easy reading delivers a heart-warming, amusing trip back to a very different kind of policing in the '60s.” Joy Ellis

“Recommended if it's laughter you're after.” Bolton Evening News

“Richly entertaining.” Yorkshire Evening Post

"Splendid reading." Police Journal

“To be really blunt, this is not my normal reading fare, but I loved it.” Nancy

“I enjoyed this tremendously.” Melissa

“A wonderful and relaxing dip into the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors.” David

“A highly entertaining book which anyone who is looking for easy and humorous reading will enjoy.” Granny

IN THE AUTHOR’S OWN WORDS
“As I had served as a village constable in a delightful part of the North York Moors, it seemed logical to use that experience as a background to the stories, and to add a touch of humour which is always present in police work.”

CONSTABLE NICK MYSTERIES
Book 1: CONSTABLE ON THE HILL
Book 2: CONSTABLE ON THE PROWL
Book 3: CONSTABLE AROUND THE VILLAGE
Book 4: CONSTABLE ACROSS THE MOORS
Book 5: CONSTABLE IN THE DALE
Book 6: CONSTABLE BY THE SEA
Book 7: CONSTABLE ALONG THE LANE
Book 8: CONSTABLE THROUGH THE MEADOW
Book 9: CONSTABLE IN DISGUISE
Book 10: CONSTABLE AMONG THE HEATHER
Book 11: CONSTABLE BY THE STREAM
Book 12: CONSTABLE AROUND THE GREEN
Book 13: CONSTABLE BENEATH THE TREES
Book 14: CONSTABLE IN CONTROL
Book 15: CONSTABLE IN THE SHRUBBERY
Book 16: CONSTABLE VERSUS GREENGRASS
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  1. Book 5 of 37
    Constable Nick Mystery
  2. Print length
    204 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    March 21, 2020
  6. File size
    1.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

british, english, funny, cozy, traditional, mystery, lovable, constable, police, detective
CONSTABLE ON THE HILL
CONSTABLE ON THE PROWL
CONSTABLE AROUND THE VILLAGE
CONSTABLE ACROSS THE MOORS
CONSTABLE IN THE DALE
CONSTABLE BY THE SEA
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Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars 6,026
4.1 out of 5 stars 2,221
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,758
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,331
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,058
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,292
Price $0.99 $3.99 $3.99 $2.99 $2.99 $2.99
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heartbeat, village, mystery, crime, police, peace, cozy, relaxing, read, english, funny, witty

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nicholas Rhea is the pen-name of Peter N. Walker, formerly an inspector with the North Yorkshire Police, and the creator of the Constable series of books from which the Yorkshire TV series has been derived

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0866SKGTB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Joffe Books cozy mysteries and reads
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 21, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 204 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1789313819
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 5 of 37 ‏ : ‎ Constable Nick Mystery
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,058 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Nicholas Rhea

Nicholas Rhea

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Nicholas Rhea is the pseudonym of author Peter N Walker. He was born in Glaisdale, a North York Moors village, in 1936. The oldest of three children born to an insurance agent and a teacher, he won a scholarship to Whitby Grammar School but left at 16 to become a police cadet in 1952, based at Whitby, North Yorkshire, England.

He began to write seriously in the late 1950s after years of casual interest, having his first short story published in the Police Review magazine. Continuing to rise through the ranks at the region’s Police Headquarters in Northallerton, he published his first novel, Carnaby and the Hijackers, in 1967.

Although he wrote 130 fiction and non-fiction books, Rhea is primarily known for his Constable series inspired by his many years of police service. He retired in 1982 to concentrate on his writing, encouraged by an interest in his Constable books from Yorkshire Television. This interest resulted in the highly popular TV series Heartbeat, which ran for 18 seasons and over 350 episodes, achieving 18 million viewers per episode at its peak.

Rhea had four children and eight grandchildren and lived with his wife in a quiet North Yorkshire village. He died in 2017.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,058 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers thoroughly enjoy reading this series and find each story interesting, with one noting that chapters can be read as separate short stories. Moreover, they appreciate the beautiful country setting, with one customer describing it as a gentle peek into life in rural Yorkshire. Additionally, customers like the characters in the book.

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9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very readable and enjoyable, particularly praising the author's work, with one customer highlighting the stunning short stories.

"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. The author is a good storyteller and parts made me laugh out loud...." Read more

"These are stunning short stories about a Yorkshire Dales PC...." Read more

"I am enjoying this series so much!..." Read more

"...A very very good read, as is the whole series" Read more

8 customers mention "Story quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the stories in the book, finding them interesting and heartwarming, with one customer noting that each chapter can be read as a separate short story.

"...Each chapter can be read as a separate short story, with interesting characters and events. Just plain fun!" Read more

"...Beautiful countryside, characterful inhabitants, situations of interest and charm, think ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL, with PCs. I love this series!" Read more

"...Like the characters and the heart warming stories. Can’t wait to read the next one." Read more

"...The ending pulled the book together." Read more

5 customers mention "Appeal"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book appealing, with one mentioning it provides a gentle peek into life in rural Yorkshire, while another appreciates the beautiful country setting.

"I love that there are books about the small villages in England, which were my favorite part of that beautiful country we visited." Read more

"These are stunning short stories about a Yorkshire Dales PC. Beautiful countryside, characterful inhabitants, situations of interest and charm,..." Read more

"Love the Yorkshire area of England. Like the characters and the heart warming stories. Can’t wait to read the next one." Read more

"...He makes it all very appealing." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book.

"...Each chapter can be read as a separate short story, with interesting characters and events. Just plain fun!" Read more

"...Beautiful countryside, characterful inhabitants, situations of interest and charm, think ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL, with PCs. I love this series!" Read more

"Love the Yorkshire area of England. Like the characters and the heart warming stories. Can’t wait to read the next one." Read more

"The "any resemblance to real people" is hog wash . These characters are as real as it gets...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Sam
    5.0 out of 5 stars A joyful read
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I love that there are books about the small villages in England, which were my favorite part of that beautiful country we visited.
    Helpful
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  • Reader reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Light weight fun.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. The author is a good storyteller and parts made me laugh out loud. Each chapter can be read as a separate short story, with interesting characters and events. Just plain fun!
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Judi D. Thomas-Sheerer
    5.0 out of 5 stars constable in the Yorkshire dales
    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    These are stunning short stories about a Yorkshire Dales PC. Beautiful countryside, characterful inhabitants, situations of interest and charm, think ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL, with PCs. I love this series!
    Helpful
     Report
  • D.L Shaw-Kilbury
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Love the Yorkshire area of England. Like the characters and the heart warming stories. Can’t wait to read the next one.
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Love never fails, true friends are forever.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I like mysteries, therefore I was some what disappointed,but by the 3rd chapter I got into the story.
    The ending pulled the book together.
    Helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Constable Nick shares the drama and delight of country living in days gone by
    Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    One hopes that there are still corners of England where there are tidy villages where everyone is known and largely accepted. Rhea’s descriptions of the countryside and the seasons are charming and make me want to visit. He makes it all very appealing.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • read and play
    5.0 out of 5 stars Constable Series
    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I am enjoying this series so much! I choose two or sometimes three words or phrases from each book, and use my dictionary to learn the meanings and how to use them in my own speech. Just a fun game.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Garage man
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The "any resemblance to real people" is hog wash . These characters are as real as it gets. I'll bet Mr. There's fellow officers good put names on a lot of the characters. A very very good read, as is the whole series
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Skippy Flink
    5.0 out of 5 stars More of the Constable
    Reviewed in Australia on November 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Constable in the Dale is a great book to read. I just love the way Mr Rhea writes about his life in the north of England, and his characters are so life like, you almost feel as if you know them. A terrific collection of books to collect and read over and over again.
    Report
  • Mrs. L. Dunn
    5.0 out of 5 stars The most humorous, kind-hearted Constable stories
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 27, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely loving the stories of the North Yorkshire Constable. Uninterrupted reading of all the author’s stories. Such wealth of the doings of the people he has met, and the antics of village life. Brilliant descriptions. Lots of giggles. Few tear jerkings. Thank Mr Rhea. Thoroughly recommend his books for enjoyable entertainment.
    Report
  • Meriel Cook
    5.0 out of 5 stars HeartBeat in a small version
    Reviewed in Australia on April 26, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I already enjoy watching Heartbeat and reading the books. This one based on facts gives a fascinating and also humorous look at policing in rural UK in the late 50’s — 60’s. I can picture all the characters in my mind and hear the accents. A pleasant book to read.
    Report
  • David Brown
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 11, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    An enjoyable funny read
    Report
  • Peter Scott
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Constable in the Dale (Book 5) by Nicholas Rhea
    An excellent series of anecdotes from the pen of our hero PC Nick Rhea. He is the 'best-man' at a wedding with a difference, and plays Cupid/ Guardian Angel to a young couple with an overprotective mother. Great read.
    Report

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