Review of ‘Mrs Pargeter’s Patio’ by Simon Brett

Mrs Pargeter is a gem. When she finds a human skull with a bullet hole under her patio, she doesn’t panic. No need to bother the police just yet. Rather, she turns to her late husband’s old associates and starts an investigation herself. As Truffler, Mason and Gary assist in her subtle enquiries, they begin to realise that there are links closer to home than they would like to admit. Mrs P must solve the mystery, before the police start thinking the unthinkable. 

Mrs Pargeter may be my favourite character of the year. Living in somewhat blissful ignorance of her late husband’s activities, she goes about her life thinking the best in everyone. She’d do anything to help someone in need. And there are people all over the country willing to help her too. People with plenty to thank Mr Pargeter for. 

I adored her attitude to life and the loyalty she engendered in others. She was held in high esteem and I can see why. Her husband’s little black book of contacts allowed her to find assistance with just about anything. 

The story was beautifully written, with humour and warmth. I can’t believe it hasn’t been picked up to turn into a TV series.

Review of ‘Murder In The Cathedral’ by Cora Harrison

‘Murder in the Cathedral’ by Cora Harrison is a fascinating historical mystery set in Cork, Ireland in the 1920s. When the archdeacon of the protestant Cathedral dies suddenly, and one of the Reverend Mother’s own flock is found dead nearby, the sleuthing nun feels compelled to unravel the mystery. Why was young Enda even in the church? And what secrets are being kept by those allied to to the church? The Reverend Mother unravels the layers of deception and intrigue, finding that people are not always all that they seem.

I found the historical aspects of the story as fascinating as the mystery itself. The author gave a very interesting insight into Irish society after the civil war . Once they were a free state, the two communities had to learn to live together within a different power dynamic.  The Anglo Irish were no longer in control and that made for some interesting interactions. The story was about a country learning to live with a new reality. A new order. About two communities living in parallel . It was also about poverty and secrets. Cora Harrison has managed to weave all of this into well-written and immersive mystery. I loved it.

Out on 6th September.

I was given this ARC to review.

Review of ‘Death In A Blackout’ by Jessica Ellicott

‘Death In A Blackout’ by Jessica Ellicott is the story of Billie Harkness, a vicar’s daughter from the quiet and sleepy village of Barton St. Giles, who finds herself catapulted into the middle of a murder mystery during World War Two. When tragedy strikes in her own life, Billie flees north to Hull and the kind offer of hospitality from a distant cousin. But Hull is at the forefront of the bombings and before long Billie finds death all around her. When she enlists in the new Women’s Constabulary, she feels compiled to investigate a death that she is sure was murder. The local police do not agree. Billie must find a way to the truth, while keeping under the radar. Female police officers are not exactly popular with everyone and some will do anything to discredit them.

I love mystery novels set in the Second World War. Jessica Ellicott has managed to capture the flavour of the time and the historical detail is well done. Through Billie’s eyes we see the different lives lead by those in the countryside and the coastal cities. We also get to see the different lives led by those of little means, and the rich who think they can carry on as before. But it becomes apparent that life is changing for everyone.

Billie is a resilient and strong woman, but until she is faced with a dead body and a mystery she doesn’t realise it. I liked seeing her change. This was a good story and I am glad to see that the author plans more in this series. 

I was given this ARC to review.