Tag: British life in the 1960s

Sing Me Who You Are by Elizabeth Berridge – a 1967 novel recently reprinted in the lovely British Library Women Writers series

September 10, 2023

Sing Me Who You Are by Elizabeth Berridge

This 1967 novel, recently republished in a lovely edition in the British Library Women Writers series, tackles many issues of a woman’s experience in the 1960s, but also issues that are still of immense importance in the twenty first century. This novel is affected by vivid memories of the Second World War, which arguably left a different legacy from the First World War in terms of expectations, especially for women. Harriet Cooper’s own inheritance is actually a large green single decker bus, which offers the prospect of an independent life, but even a field cannot be shut off from a demanding world. The land on which the bus is parked belongs to another – a difficult cousin, Magda – and there are questions of land ownership and lifestyles. A man who is not present is also a focus, an unusual man whose life choices have implications for so many others. There are secrets, demands, ambitions and discoveries which will change the course of Harriet’s proposed idyllic lifestyle of solitary pursuits apart from two loved and awkward cats. This is a book of enormous atmosphere, accurate and significant dialogue, and uncomfortable truths before it launches into a significant consideration of land use beyond Britain and a world of limited resources. This is a later book than most of the editions in this series and as such it asks new questions and relates different answers. I enjoyed this engaging book and was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review it.

At the beginning of the novel Harriet arrives in her small car with virtually all her worldly goods. Some are inherited from her late mother who she had lived with, all are secured in or on the car. To the vast interest of small boys who witness her arrival she has brought her two precious cats, Bella and Shetat, who are to keep Harriet company in her new home. Her nearest neighbour, Mrs Everett and family, are transfixed by her arrival, foreseeing nothing but trouble. Despite Harriet’s best attempts to indulge in her solitude as a careful unmarried woman determined to live a simple life, the world insists on crowding in as a local journalist Meirion soon turns up. Soon she is forced into an explanation of her presence, of how she knows Magda, her cousin, who is married to Gregg. As Gregg arrives it soon seems that events, people that they have both known will have an impact on them that neither can deny, that no one can truly live in isolation.

This is a book of beautiful descriptions of characters, of regrets for what cannot be undone, those who are lost in so many ways. Its references to the choices that people make, are sometimes forced to make, are significant and painful, as men in particular try to outdo each other in bravado and eagerness to prove their feelings. It is a book of the countryside, of small communities that are on the brink of developments of all kinds. I was particularly engaged by the character of Magda, brittle, unpredictable and influential. I recommend this book as a book full of a sense of its time, in a postwar world where everything seems to be changing but with all the influences of past conflicts to contend with for so many people and places.

The Family Tree Mystery by Peter Bartram – an enjoyable Crampton of the Chronicle Adventure set in 1967

February 26, 2023

The Family Tree Mystery by Peter Bartram

This is another in the brilliant “Crampton of the Chronicles” series that I have so greatly enjoyed in the fairly recent past. According to the quote on the back cover I “Thoroughly Recommend the Entire Series” and I certainly do, especially on the evidence of this latest adventure. New readers can enjoyably start with this particular book as it reintroduces the characters and situations with well – paced comments as the Brighton crime reporter, Colin Crampton. tracks down another story of murder and machinations. This time it becomes little closer to home than most as the mystery seems to involve his girlfriend, model Shirley Goldsmith, who even in the somewhat different world of 1967 has far more skills, instinct and integrity than it may first appear. As always Colin and Shirley have to rely on their wits and survival instinct not only to sort out what is really happening, but to get them out of tricky situations where the danger is real. With his trademark humour and taste for chaos, Bartram has scored a hit once more with this story that mixes some real people and familiar situations in this enjoyable and fast paced novel. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this memorable adventure, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys tales written with real humour and excitement.

This book begins with revelations of Shirley’s family story from Australia, told in her usual forthright manner. The subject is raised by her receiving a letter from a mysterious man claiming to be a relative, urging her to be in contact as he has important information for her. Colin immediately agrees to take her to visit the man, but their arrival is shaped by the discovery of a body, as could only happen to Colin. Shaken by the find, they seek further information with an eye to finding out what message he wanted to pass on and also revealing a crime story from the beginning. A potential link with mysterious killings in Australia is a further worrying link to Shirley, but also the basis of a great story for the Brighton Evening Chronicle. Just as Colin is getting the background on the story his editor, Frank Figgis, interrupts with a demand that Colin drop everything and conduct a search of the newspaper offices for the manuscript of his memoirs. Dire threats aside, Colin realises that the pesky papers will reveal far too much about his own somewhat dubious methods of getting stories, so he agrees to the investigation. The far more complex matter of the missing revelations of Shirley’s family tree occupy the couple, especially as one or more genuine London gangsters seem to be involved, as well as a Scottish lord and some women cricketers. As Shirley and Colin must set off for some previously unknown places and demonstrate previously hidden skills, the hunt for the truth seems more complicated than ever.

This is a fast-paced novel which is well plotted and includes some remarkable ideas in its setting of the 1960s. The characters are also so well drawn, including the dangerous, the unlikable and the just awkward. This is a very funny book as well as an exciting read, with a keen eye for the detail of a journalist’s life even if the danger is perhaps a little exaggerated! I so enjoy Peter Bartram’s books, and I genuinely recommend this episode in the life of his special creations.  

The World Cup Mystery by Peter Bartram – an enjoyable Crampton of the Chronicle Adventure

November 12, 2021

The World Cup Mystery by Peter Bartram

Fans of the Crampton of the Chronicle adventures will know what to expect from this latest book, featuring Colin Crampton, his girlfriend Shirley and the rest of the dubious characters in and around Crawley. Colin is of course the crime reporter on the Chronicle, and in July 1966 everyone is obsessed by one topic, the World Cup being played in Britain. Colin has other things on his mind, including getting the fastest and best headlines for the Chronicle by any means possible, even if it does mean investigating a murder or two. This is the sixth book in the series, but it is so well written that it stands alone as each character is introduced, from “the Widow” or Colin’s landlady, through to the Chronicle’s editor Figgis. The time period of the 1960s is as always totally convincing, with small details of fashions, prices  and settings, and the dialogue is very funny, even when Colin gets himself into trouble as usual. The intrepid and attractive Shirley is as always full of ideas while effortlessly brushing off would be admirers. I have enjoyed several of these entertaining adventures in the company of Colin with his motley mob of friends, with his quick wit and survival skills. I was as always so very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this very funny and entertaining book. 

The novel begins in a completely different location from the usual environs of Crawley as Colin is working up to proposing to Shirley. He has bought the ring, and organised the trip to Taormina in Sicily, as he is keen to make his relationship with the Australian model official. They have a lot of history of rescuing each other from dangerous situations with self confidence and humour.  When they are interrupted by a sobbing young woman they weigh in with help, as they discover her father has been murdered back in Britain. They have to sneak Rosina out of the country as her passport has been hidden by her violent husband, and Colin has to depend on the local urge to watch a World Cup match on television. 

When Colin returns home he discovers there is a lot of interest in the murdered man Sergio Parisi. Apart from running a greasy spoon cafe he was very involved with a local football club. When Colin visits and charms his way into finding out about the running of the club, he discovers the circular progress of a World Cup final ticket. The local politics are complex, especially with the manager of the club having a dubious relationship with some dangerous characters. Nothing is straightforward in Colin’s world, but it is an entertaining journey peppered with G and Ts, newspaper cuttings and inept police officers. 

This is a fantastic comedy of a particular era, almost a consistent piece of historical fiction. I really enjoyed the characterisation, especially of the resourceful Shirley. It is full of jokes big and small, funny comments and sharp improvisations, even when some of the humour may be slightly politically incorrect. There are clues, red herrings and side distractions throughout which add to the effect. I thoroughly recommend this book, and indeed the entire series, for the humour, the adventure, and the succession of mysteries culminating  in a memorable final.    

Three Seasons of Sadie by Richard Masefield – a comedy set in the 1960s in a seaside town’s theatre

December 15, 2020

Three Seasons of Sadie by Richard Masefield

Eastbourne in the 1960s was far from an exciting and trendy place for a young man keen to have his first experience of ‘love’, yet it is the setting of Sam’s education in the ways of the world. Sam is nineteen, having finished at an all boys boarding school with some slight experience of dramatic productions, finds himself lodging with an aunt and working in the local theatre. He is lacking in self confidence and knowledge of the world, but he soon meets a group of people who will change everything. This lively comedy is full of memorable characters, from an odious dog called Nanki-Poo to the sublime film star Abigail Compton, and this humorous book describes Sam’s progress during a heady few weeks of secret assignations, suspected deaths, theatrical behaviour and cricket. This very enjoyable book is full of vivid descriptions of life in a repertory theatre as a touring production arrives, and for various reasons challenges emerge to everyone. I found this a most enjoyable book, and I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review it.

The book begins with a very funny Prologue, in which Sam describes his hapless attempt to shrink his Levi jeans in a bath of hot water. His rescuer is his cousin Mag, and she provides accommodation and a job. Sam has grown up on a farm, and while he loves the family business he is keen to explore the world, or at least the nearest town. To the excitement of many a theatre company is due to perform a production of three one act plays, starring the film star Abigail Compton. She has been out of the public eye for a while, and this production is en route to London, supposedly marking a comeback. To say she is mesmerising is an understatement, and she is at the centre of a company who are organised to show her in the best light. While Abigail is very attractive, she has a daughter who is nearer Sam’s age, and he believes at last he can have a relationship. The humour in this book emerges from his attempts to have a few moments alone with Cordelia, the characters in the company, and Sam’s attempts to discover who is responsible for a series of incidents that threaten to upset every performance. He imagines himself to be a famous foreign detective, and tries to compile a list of suspects. Meanwhile Mag holds her games evening, a cricket match must be played, and as assistant stage manager Sam is in the midst of the mayhem as Abigail keeps the show going on.

The humour in this book ranges from the subtle in jokes of the sixties, theatrical life and Sam’s self confessed attempts to lose his innocence. It is well observed, well written and the plot is carefully constructed in the face of theatrical high jinks. The sense of the time period goes beyond research and succeeds in creating the atmosphere of the sixties in a consistent way. Sam’s voice is a fascinating record of his point of view throughout. This is a really good read which provides a lot of entertainment in a coming of age book with absolutely no sense of self pity. I recommend it as an enjoyable read which is full of humour and insight into the sixties and a young man’s life. 

Miss Seeton Draws the Line by Heron Carvic – An Umbrella, a Sketchpad and Crime in a Village

August 13, 2020

Miss Seeton Draws the Line (A Miss Seeton Mystery): Amazon.co.uk ...

Miss Seeton Draws the Line by Heron Carvic

 

Miss Seeton fears the worst in this comedy drama mystery featuring the inimitable older lady, her umbrella and most significantly, her strange ability to draw clues to mysteries. Once again, Detective Superintendent Delphick, also known as the Oracle, is stuck in solving a murder, and thinks of Miss Seeton as the only person who can possibly help. This book is part of a series, but can happily be read as a standalone novel, once the basic idea of the unusual premise of the book is established. Although a series of crimes has been committed in various parts of the country, the action mainly takes place in the picturesque village of Plummergen. This is quite the coincidence as Miss Seeton has inherited a house from her godmother in the village, which she stays in during school holidays when she is not teaching in London. Anyone who has read the previous book knows that this is no peaceful village in the midst of the English countryside, but a lively place that contains some memorable characters who are more than capable of putting completely the wrong interpretation on any event, especially where Miss Seeton is concerned.Ranging from a bewildered Vicar, through two ladies referred to as The Nutts, to my favourite, Sir George Colveden and his practical wife Lady Colveden. This is a fast moving mystery which brings in many elements of farce and more in a fast moving tale of crime, detection and more.

 

The book opens with Miss Seeton saving a child who she finds, in common with others in the village, difficult to like. Her spontaneous use of her umbrella to effect the rescue is,  as ever, a matter of instinct. It also serves to remind her that she has tried and failed to sketch this particular child for her mother, and failed. Why she has produced such a strange image drives her see Dr Knight, as she fears that she is ill. When his daughter Anne visits to find out what is going on, she is alerted to further possibilities of what is going on in Miss Seeton’s mind, which provides suggestions for further police investigation. That proves to be helpful, as Delphick is wrestling with cases of particularly nasty murders , and as yet has very little to go on until a common denominator is found. Of course, village life being what it is, as soon as Miss Seeton is fetched to consult further, gossip condemns her activities as illegal, criminal and worse. When some robberies occur in the village many issues emerge, and Miss Seeton’s activities once more, however innocent, are scrutinised.

 

This book steers a careful line between farce, murder mystery and comedy. It is tense, gently funny and always clever. The situations that Miss Seeton finds herself in are truly remarkable on many levels, and the characters who run through the novel are always consistent and amusing. There are as always a few situations running through this fairly short novel, and there is always something of interest throughout. This is an enjoyable and fairly light read, a 1969 novel republished which shows something of life in the 1960s, and represents a slice of British village life in a fascinating and enjoyable way. I found it a good read which continues Miss Seeton’s story in a very satisfactory way. 

 

This is a different book from yesterday’s classic Heyer, and a very different proposition! Not a new book, though recently republished, it is very different from the many new books I have here to read. There are of course common themes – strong females, crime of a non gory type, humour of a gentle type. So many books, so little time…

Picture Miss Seeton by Heron Carvic – Miss S arrives in Plummergen and begins her adventures

June 29, 2020

Picture Miss Seeton (A Miss Seeton Mystery Book 1) eBook: Carvic ...

Picture Miss Seeton by Heron Carvic

 

The first of the ‘proper’ Miss Seeton books, this novel introduces various characters, mainly of course the brave and indomitable Miss Seeton herself, who sometimes does not appreciate what is really going on. Beginning with her getting embroiled in a Carmen – like murder with her trusty umbrella, Miss Seeton soon discovers that notoriety and threats can seriously inconvenience her. This book was originally published in 1968 by the first author, and is now republished by Farrago. Miss Seeton in this book is a retired teacher who has just inherited a cottage in an English village from her godmother, but soon comes to the notice of the police when she is an accidental witness to a vicious murder. As in the prequel which was written more recently, she has a talent for drawing images of people and situations which reveal much more than their outward appearance; their motives and real personality are strongly suggested for interpretation.  Superintendent Delphick, otherwise known as the Oracle, soon discovers that it is possible to find out a lot from the drawings when looking for murders and other problematic individuals. This book introduces some splendid characters in the village, and there are plenty of jokes and witty asides in a story that combines real wit with some interesting observations on the time. 

 

The book opens with Miss Seeton walking through the streets of London with her trusty umbrella when she sees an altercation between what looks like a young couple. Having intervened, she lands on the floor, but worse is to come when she discovers that the young woman has been stabbed. When questioned by Delphick and Sergeant Ranger, the Superintendent  hits on the idea that she could draw her impression of the attacker, and he is able to identify the attacker as the notorious Cesar Lebel. He realises that Miss Seeton is a valuable witness, but that if she is identified and her whereabouts become public knowledge, she may well be in danger. 

 

When she moves down to the village of Plummergen she discovers a community partly fuelled by gossip, but also made up of an unusual mixture of people. There is a couple who look after the house and chickens, who become quite strong in her defence when needed. Two women are advanced gossips, while there is a village shop that provides a source of interest. A writer of children’s books is in residence, with a daughter who is proving more than slightly difficult. The vicar is beyond vague, with a more organised sister.  My favourites are Sir George and Lady Colveden and their son Nigel, as they both quietly do good without fuss, while Nigel is sweetly determined to help his childhood friend. When she says in frustration that she could kill him, Sir George replies “Stupid…Wife always first suspect. Hire someone. Don’t let ‘em overcharge”. 

 

This is a book of slightly ridiculous events, wonderful characters and at the centre, the accidentally brilliant Miss Seeton. Her strange drawings provide the trigger for detection, her insights provoke investigations, but most importantly her dauntless bravery makes all the difference in this story of criminal goings on and life in the country side. Apparently there are at least twenty more Miss Seetons to come – I look forward to reading more as soon as possible.   

 

I am just about getting used to not writing (and publicising) a review for Saturday and Sunday – which worked out well as Daughter was involved in a car accident on Friday. She is okish now, but her car was most definitely not. Not her fault by the way! On a more cheery note next Sunday I am due to post another book in a English town murder mystery series, so maybe a theme is developing on this blog?

The Body in the Dumb River by George Bellairs – a mystery from British Library Crime Classics

December 23, 2019

Image result for the body in the dumb river

The Body in the Dumb River by George Bellairs

 

This is “A Yorkshire Mystery” yet it starts off in a very different part of the country. As usual with Bellairs’ books, this 1961 novel now republished as part of the British Library Crime Classics contains a complex plot. Further, the characters Bellairs so brilliantly creates are not only consistent but have depth and variety. Unlike some detection writers of the era who seem to struggle to write effective female characters, in this novel  the female characters are varied and always interesting, even when unlikable. It is the little touches that make this and other Bellairs’ books so enjoyable and indeed memorable; the fate of bunch of flowers in this book is lodged in my mind. Martin Edward’s Introduction gives a fascinating insight into Harold Blundell and his writing “career” in which he wrote alongside his job in a bank: ”He was an amateur enjoying a paying hobby”. Given the success he enjoyed during his lifetime, and the popularity of the reprints of his titles today, his writing may not have made him rich but was and is popular. I was so glad to have the opportunity to read and review this excellent novel.

 

From the finding of a body in the flooded fenland to investigations in Yorkshire, Superintendent Littlejohn of Scotland Yard has his work cut out to find out the who, what, where and why. It does not help when he learns that the deceased, James or Jim Lane, apparently a fairground worker, has a whole other life in the north of England. Relationships and the truth of Jim’s true affections must be dealt with before Littlejohn can begin to investigate the series of events that led to his death. For a man that was quite quiet and secretive, he excited strong feelings among those who knew him. Those feelings may be positive or negative, but the understatement of the character of the victim contrasted with several of the other characters who were at least in one case over the top.Littlejohn gets dragged into at least two family situations which he finds rather wearing. It is fortunate that his sidekick, Cromwell, is around to help, and when crisis points are reached there is help at hand. 

 

This book is so well constructed that the plot works well with the characters and setting. There is a contrast between the flooded fens and the resilience of those coping with dramatic water damage, and the stoicism of those who are trying to sort out the situation, with the rather interesting family situation Littlejohn discovers in the north. I found this a really engaging novel to read, sensitively written with excellent characters. The mystery is thought provoking and Littlejohn’s thought processes very interesting  There is an impressive logic to the narrative arising from the characters involved. There is a sense of loss for the victim which feels genuine. I can certainly recommend this as a good volume in the series of British Library series, and works very well as a positive example of Bellairs’ work. 

High Heels & Beetle Crushers by Jackie Skingley – a recollection of a young woman’s life in the early 1960s

December 14, 2019

 

This is a book of a woman with two elements to her life; a life of family, friends and loves, and the drama, excitement and challenge of training as an officer in the Women’s Royal Army Corps. The fact that it takes place as the nineteen sixties are getting established with all the change to women’s options and lifestyles. On one level hers is a ladylike existence, with heels and gloves, hats and relatively formal dresses for special occasions. While not quite chaperoned, the sexes are not expected to mingle informally and are trained on separate sites for different lengths of time. On the other hand this book has much about her training as an army officer, with command challenges and emergency training. She also writes movingly of her family background and its effect on her life choices in a vivid style which kept me engaged throughout the book. Jackie writes honestly with a distinctive accuracy for a  long period of her life. It brings to life a time of particular fashion, patterns for creating dresses and outfits in the home, and only a few cars available. I found it a fascinating and informative read, and I was glad to have the opportunity to read and review this honest autobiography.

 

The book begins with Jackie’s earliest memories of wartime. Her father was a part of the aircrew of a Lancaster bomber which did not return to Britain in early 1944. Her mother was widowed as a young woman with two small children. While she depended on older women in the family, when she met and married Reg Pearce she lost some of her independence. Jackie in particular did not get on with him, as his attitude is controlling and snobbish, and there is the suggestion of him attempting inappropriate behaviour with her. She records her difficult school experience in which she made friends, but was left with the recommendation that she was suited to clerical work. She seems to have had a happy gift of making friends of both sexes, and even as a nervous eighteen year old she finds herself coping with life in an isolated hotel as a trainee receptionist. She has met an army officer in training at Sandhurst, and a long term relationship ensues. She feels deeply the challenges of maintaining a relationship while trying to have her own career, as they are separated geographically and there is the understanding that women cannot have a career when married. On a mundane level the “beetle crushers” in the title are the clumpy black shoes issued as part of the uniform for female army officers. 

 

The story of this book is not all straightforward, as a traumatic event shapes Jackie’s life. Her recovery with the help of friends and new acquaintances is a testimony to the positive effects that such support can have, and Jackie’s moving writing. 

 

I found this a positive read and a valuable insight in a woman’s life in a time of change in so many respects. As attitudes to gender issues, divorce and other elements of life are described, this book is particularly informative for people who want to know about society’s pressures in the fairly recent past. This is a well written book of social history focused on one young woman’s experience, a powerful testament to flourishing in a sometimes challenging times, and finding happiness after a time of severe adversity.   

 

I was fortunate enough to be approached by Jackie herself to post a review of this book, and I have honestly enjoyed finding out more about this fascinating person’s memories.

The Poker Game Mystery by Peter Bartram – Colin Crampton reports for the Chronicle again!

November 23, 2019

 

Crampton of the Chronicle is back! The crime reporter of the Chronicle, a local paper in Brighton, Colin Crampton has some developed some fairly cynical attitudes over the years. Happily he has also acquired some fairly nifty skills of a dubious nature to get him in and out of buildings and sticky situations. Not to mention the lovely, fast thinking and extremely resourceful Shirley, his girlfriend. When murder, past dangers and future crimes are all at risk, Colin must rack his brains to solve three problems, all in double quick time. In a story which vibrates with comedy, as hired thugs with strange names, women who gossip and dubious newspaper modelling are all part of a complex plot which is carried off with great aplomb.  As fast moving as its predecessors, this is a book where the tension of possible imminent serious injury or death is diffused by the quips and quotes of the lead characters. 

 

Set in 1965, this is a world of landline phones, news in papers rather than online, and clubs for gentlemen who play cards. Not that Colin is confident that all will go to his complicated plan at all times, but he has an uncanny ability to read people and decide the best way to proceed. As always Bartram has a way with characters, in their names, “Coldbody” being an accurate description, and their distinguishing features such as a nose that “dominated his face, like it had just landed there and decided to colonise the place”. Their actions always fit in with their established patterns of behaviour, as editor Frank Figgis decides to smoke only black cigarettes until the paper’s owner’s funeral, after the disposal of his black tie following “what happened at…Uncle Whitlow’s wake”. I was really pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this funny and extremely enjoyable book.

 

This cheeky book opens with the dissolute Viscount Rackham recruiting his Saturday “Little Darling” or girlfriend, before the news breaks that his father has died. Colin discovers a dead body which disturbs him a little, but he keeps his head to make sure that he discovers a significant amount of money and a display of cards which will propel the story as he tries to discover the who, why and how of this first death. He then learns of a long standing crisis for one family and how there are plans to help, and must deal with the threat to his job and the very paper he works for together with his friends. He knows in all this he must get his story, while employing all the tricks and subterfuges he knows. Always with him, encouraging and enabling the surprises and hustles he can imagine, and some he cannot, Shirley brings an Australian brand of quick thinking and opportunism that make the two of them a formidable team.

 

Colin’s narration is a continual joy, as he admits that he may have missed the lesson in journalism that covered being “stuck in a house with a dead body, a fainted woman, and a fierce dog” . His narration means that the reader finds out what is going on just as he does, but his longer term plan is kept close to his chest, just as the cards are in a memorable game of poker. Not that the reader has to understand cards to follow the action, as Colin and Shirley have to practice their skills in cheating and distracting respectively. The beginnings of “Page 3” girls is covered as Shirley robustly refuses to engage in glamour modelling, and there is the beginning of a lamentable trend to reduce the serious news in daily newspapers. This book reveals much of the time when journalism was an undertaking beyond sound bites and journalists employed complicated stratagems. It is funny, clever and immensely readable, and I greatly look forward to the next instalment of the Deadline Murder Series. 

A Fatal Secret by Faith Martin – A Loveday and Ryder mystery set in Oxford, 1961

November 15, 2019

A tragic death given full weight and impact on a family and community gives a tough challenge for an innovative duo who investigate crimes in 1960s Oxford.Probationary  WPC Trudy Loveday finds being a rare creature in a totally male dominated force tricky enough, but is also unsettled by her parents’ attitude to her career choice and other actions. Her friend and fellow investigator, Coroner Clement Ryder, has a secret he is unwilling to share with even with Trudy, but puts aside his difficulties to investigate a death that he can only find to be accidental in the first instance. It is only when an influential man asks for help that the Loveday and Ryder take action, and what they discover has implications for more than a family estate which seems to be frozen in time. It takes extreme bravery from more than one person to resolve anything, and the implications of their discoveries are potentially huge. 

 

This is a thoroughly engaging mystery, and the setting and background details not only show extensive research, but also a genuine feeling for place and time. Although the latest in a series, this book works extremely well as a standalone mystery novel  which may tempt you to track down the earlier volumes. As always, Martin show her experience and ability to convey the essential nature of a character in a few deft strokes. The subtle references to people’s rooms and behaviour under pressure reveals so much about their very nature. Even moments of high drama are peppered with details of small incidents which make this a book which succeeds on so many levels. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this elegantly clever book.

 

WPC Trudy is working on Easter Sunday and anticipating a quiet day when a call comes in concerning a missing child. As a body is discovered the causes seem innocent enough as the boy has apparently met with a tragic accident. Even at the inquest overseen by Coroner Ryder the verdict seems fairly straightforward, and it is only when an influential member of the landowning family asks Ryder to get involved that he summons Loveday away from her mundane police duties to assist him in investigating further.  Their method of interviewing various people in and around the “Big House” stirs up several secrets as well as revealing the remaining importance of the village hierarchy. Life in a college is summed up quickly and effectively, and there is a swift procession of settings for questions which prove to be unpopular with several people.

 

The chief strength of this novel is the interplay between Ryder and Loveday, as the young woman realises that wealth and privilege can ease life, but that it does not necessarily guarantee happiness. Ryder reveals something of his past, in trying to use his wealth of experience to understand the truth behind the situation. A genuine warmth for people perminates Lovejoy’s actions, whereas Ryder’s social confidence means that he can cope with otherwise tricky people and situations. I really enjoyed this book set in 1961, and revealing much about the pressures on the few women police officers at that time. This is a book which captures a certain place and time which finds echoes in contemporary life.