The Flower Arranger at All Saints
Northbridge Chronicles Murder Mystery
by Lis Howell
Tarnfield is a rural parish in the north of England, picturesque and seemingly idyllic. But the usual feuds, old
secrets and long shadow-casting sins simmer just below the surface. The new vicar wants to shake everything up,
and get rid of what he sees as the meaningless trappings of middle class religion, but hardly anybody supports
him. Looking on from the outside is reluctant working mother Suzy Spencer, whose failed marriage and scatty
appearance cause locals to see her as an unwanted newcomer. It seems she might have a new friend, in the
unlikely shape of Robert Clark, one of the most traditional members of the parish. But everything else seems
trivial when the flower arranger is found dead in the church. Was it an accident, or murder?
Villages are inevitably seen as seething hotbeds of rivalries and ancient feuds, and therefore make fitting
settings for murder mysteries. This debut novel takes the scenic route as it thoroughly introduces readers to
Tarnfield and its inhabitants, making doubly sure we understand everything about it. Normally I would be keen for
an appearance of the editing pencil, but all the information seems germane to the case, the first book in a new
series and our understanding and enjoyment of the experience. It is a novel that will appeal both to readers of
cozies, and those who prefer more realism, as you can find both in abundance. Anybody who has lived in a similar
place (this reviewer for example) will be nodding their heads at the descriptions, and thus it should please a
fairly large number of readers. The author manages to combine a novel about village life with a whodunit, and
has produced a very readable and absorbing tale. I will be wanting to read the next one. |
The Book |
Constable Robinson |
May 2007 |
Hardback |
978145294700 |
Crime - Contemporary, Yorkshire, UK |
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The Reviewer |
Rachel A Hyde |
Reviewed 2007 |
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