It’s an absolute pleasure today to share my review of Calamity at Coombesford Church by Elizabeth Ducie – and I’m particularly delighted to be able to do so on publication day. This is the third novel in her Coombesford Chronicles series of cosy mysteries, independently published, and now available for kindle (the paperback will follow on 18th November, and is available to preorder). My thanks to Elizabeth for sending me a pre-release e-copy as the basis for my review.
Yes, a cosy mystery – and I know they’re not my usual choice of reading, but Elizabeth does have rather a record for enticing me to read outside my usual comfort zone. I remember how very much I enjoyed her Jones Sisters thrillers, set in the murky world of international pharmaceuticals – and when I read the first book in this series, Murder at Mountjoy Manor, it was rather a treat to discover some familiar characters. And the story was excellent, and so very well told – a wonderfully drawn community, a strong sense of place, and one of those delicious plots that had everyone in the frame in turn (you’ll find my review here). And I enjoyed the second, Villainy at the Village Store, every bit as much, and for the same reasons – and the gentle humour too (my review is here). I did manage too to read and review one of her companion pieces too, Coombesford Calendar Volume 1 – the loveliest collection of twelve short stories, one for each month of the year, not mysteries and no murders, but a series of tales about the people of the village (here’s my review of that one).
So – let’s take a look at the latest…
Isabella Street is a talented composer and Musical Director with a passion for her craft and the drive to create something truly unique.
In “The Hero’s Return”, she embarks on her greatest triumph yet: celebrating the tercentenary of a local boy made good. But not everyone is happy with Isabella’s plans and one night in Coombesford Church, her preparations and rehearsals are brought to an abrupt conclusion.
Amateur sleuths, Charlie, Annie and Rohan must work together to uncover the truth behind the shocking events.
If you enjoy Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnits or are a fan of Richard Osman, Lisa Cutts or Frances Evesham, you’ll love this third book in the Coombesford Chronicles series.
Having so enjoyed previous visits to Coombesford, it was so good to be back among its community again – with the focus this time on an impending musical production to honour a local hero, with composer and musical director Isabella Street firmly in control. Some of its participants are a little less confident though – a young and untried Welsh tenor who might not quite be up to the lead role, soloist Melanie severely doubting her abilities (despite the assurances of her globe-trotting opera singing partner), and professional lead soloist Amanda wondering why she ever became involved. And Henry’s last minute suggestion that the production should end with a procession and fireworks does go down rather badly.
And then there are all the behind-the-scenes complications too – and a few issues from the past making their presence felt. And when everything is brought to a stop with the discovery of a body, most certainly the result of foul play, there are quite a number of suspects for the police team and the local amateurs – Charlie, wife Annie, Rohan, and new recruit Esther – to attempt to disentangle.
A deliciously convoluted plot unfolds, along with discoveries and surprises that move individuals in and out of the frame – with such well-developed characters, a vividly drawn setting, and more than a touch of perfectly judged humour – as the red herrings rapidly multiply. The pacing is just perfect, the story so cleverly constructed – one of those wonderful stories where you become convinced you’ve worked everything out, only to find the rug pulled out from under you by the next revelation.
I did enjoy too the growing friendship (perhaps to become something more?) between Rohan and Esther (becoming rather a key member of the team), and the warmth of the relationship between Charlie and Annie – perhaps that’s the romance reader in me, and I found it a nice counterbalance to the intricacies of the investigation. But I must mention that you really don’t need to have read the previous books or have any familiarity with the recurring characters – this book would be every bit as satisfying as a standalone.
A really compelling read, an intriguingly layered plot that really keeps the pages turning, but with a lightness and warmth I found entirely delightful. Highly recommended – and I’ll be looking forward to my next visit.
About the author
When Elizabeth Ducie had been working in the international pharmaceutical industry for nearly thirty years, she decided she’d like to take a break from technical writing – text books, articles and training modules – and write for fun instead. She started by writing travel pieces, but soon discovered she was happier, and more successful, writing fiction. In 2012, she gave up the day job, and started writing full-time. Villainy at the Village Store is her sixth novel, and the second of her Coombesford Chronicles – she has also published several collections of short stories and a series of manuals on business skills for writers.
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