As always, it’s a real pleasure today to be joining the blog tour for the latest book from Mary Grand, Death at St Jude’s, and sharing my review. The second in her new series, The Isle of Wight Killings, it was published by Boldwood Books on 10th February, and is now available via Amazon for kindle (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading e-copy (provided via netgalley).
As a less-than-regular crime reader, I always find it amazing that someone as thoroughly lovely as Mary could produce a series called The Isle of Wight Killings, and keep me awake into the early hours as I feverishly read chapter after chapter. But she really does write the kind of mysteries I really enjoy, with that beautifully atmospheric (and slightly claustrophobic) island setting, the most wonderfully drawn characters, and all those intriguing layers of secrets slowly unfolding. I won’t run through all the books of hers that I’ve so enjoyed, but if you pop her name into the search bar (on the RHS if you’re on a computer) you’ll find all my earlier reviews. I will mention her last book though, Death at Castle Cove – it’s the book that introduced us to Susan, refusing to let things lie (and putting herself so uncomfortably in the firing line) when her troubled young lodger is found dead, determined to bring the perpetrator to justice (you’ll find my full review here). And this book is the standalone sequel, this time set in the village of Bishopstone, a new home for Susan, and where she’s just starting to feel part of its tight-knit community…
The Isle of Wight has always felt like a safe place to live for keen dog-walker and reluctant sleuth Susan. But after being involved in the investigation of a troubling crime near her old home, Susan decides to move to the peaceful village of Bishopstone.
Susan loves the sense of community and immediately throws herself into village life, volunteering at the local primary school and joining the choir of St Jude’s. So, when there is an altercation at the meeting of the choir committee, followed by a shocking accident involving head teacher Lawrence, Susan is dismayed to realise her powers of deduction may be needed again.
There is a dangerous criminal hiding in plain sight and with the police reluctant to help, Susan must put together the pieces of the fiendish puzzle to flush out a killer before they strike again.
A brand new cosy mystery from the author of the bestselling The House Party. Perfect for fans of Frances Evesham, Faith Martin and LJ Ross.
The gentle pace of life in the village of Bishopstone, along with its welcoming community, has proved to be exactly the fresh start Susan felt she needed – and, one day soon, she really will get all those boxes unpacked after her move. But it seems that passions are running high beneath its peaceful surface – an altercation at the St Jude’s choir committee meeting, when the village school’s headmaster Lawrence decides to withdraw funding, resulting in the inevitable ending of choirmaster Ross’ contract and a dilemma for vicar Daniel. Leaving Lawrence watching bats from the church tower, he locks the door behind her – but later that night, he’s found dead after an unexplained fall. His wife can’t believe it was the unfortunate accident the police believe it to be, and asks for Susan’s help in investigating – and she begins to uncover undercurrents and hidden secrets in the quiet village, and a mounting threat to her own safety as she draws closer to the truth.
At the nearby nursing home, Susan has her elderly friend Alice to use as a sounding board – she was so valuable for her insights during her previous investigation, teasing out clues when she couldn’t work out her next move. But there are so many suspects – all quite wonderfully drawn characters, and every one of them credible. It seems that vicar Daniel might just have a bit of a secret life – and his flamboyant wife Jessie might not be quite what she seems either. And then there are the other teachers at the school – young Cerys who lodges at the vicarage and is still finding her feet, and dedicated Fiona who regularly works into the early hours. And then there’s choirmaster Ross – was he really going to be content to just walk away?
Walking her dogs gives Susan time and space to consider her next moves and weigh up the evidence she collects – but also to think about the changes in her own life. Ex-policeman friend Robert provides support, but worries about her repeatedly putting herself in the path of personal danger – and might she now be ready to let him become rather more than just a friend? And then there are her family issues – her ex-husband walked away, but with a new granddaughter will be coming back into her life, with some inevitable emotional turmoil attached.
This really is a wonderfully told story, filled with twists and turns and unexpected discoveries – and with a steadily increasing tension as it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want Susan to join up the pieces, and the threat increases to her personal safety. There are so many clues and hidden secrets, suspects moving in and out of the frame, red herrings and clever bits of misdirection, small details that might (or might not…) be significant and it was great fun to try to solve the case before Susan and Alice did – and, of course, I failed dismally as always. And the pacing of the whole story is just as perfect as ever – speeding up as the final revelation approaches, making the book quite impossible to put down.
Another triumph for an author whose books I unfailingly enjoy – a really compelling read, with an amateur sleuth I’ve really taken to my heart. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this lovely series – but this is one I’d very much recommend to others.
About the author
Mary Grand writes gripping, page-turning suspense, with a dark and often murderous underside. She grew up in Wales, was for many years a teacher of deaf children and now lives on the Isle of Wight where her Boldwood novels are set.
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Thank you so much Anne, what a wonderful and very thoughtful review. I love the way you describe the charcters, you have them spot on. The village this is based on is just up the road from me and I’ve been popping there for years, it’s a gift for setting a story like this! I am so glad you enjoyed the story, and also that it kept you guessing! Thank you again for your support and encouragment..as i sit writing the next today , your words will inspire me! xxx
Good to see this isle as a setting.