Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #811819 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-30
• Released on: 2004-12-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

From Booklist
When Meredith Mitchell looks up from her foreign-service desk in London and sees her old friend Toby, back from a posting in Beijing, she is not pleased to hear him ask for a favor--not just of her but also of her fiance, Dectective Superintendent Alan Markby. Alison Jenner, a relative of Toby's, is receiving poison-pen letters referring to the death of her aunt decades before--a murder for which Alison was accused and acquitted. While Meredith and Alan think about their upcoming wedding, another murder brings the old one to the fore, and they find themselves hip deep not only in the investigation but also in the garden, country, pub, and family life of a particular English village. Granger has a winning way with color and structure, and although both characterization and plot get a bit shrill at the end, her latest is an absorbing and well-paced village mystery. GraceAnne DeCandido
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Customer Reviews

Very Enjoyable Read
I was eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series, and I was not disappointed. This was a very enjoyable and satisfying read, even if, as others have pointed out, the ending was a little rushed. If you haven't read any of the earlier Mitchell and Markby mysteries by Ms. Granger it may take you a little while to understand the relationships among the repeating characters, but that won't detract from the story and shouldn't stop you from starting with this book. I suspect that when you're finished you'll want to read the earlier ones as well.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, and hope there's not as much time between books as there was between this and the previous one.

I have just one quibble. Did others notice the several typographical errors throughout the book? I think editors and proofreaders are relying too heavily on computerized spelling and grammar checkers, and not enough on carefully reviewing the actual text.

Looking for a solid mystery with really good characters, pick this one up!
The most interesting thing about this book is the very natural and realistic relationships between the people and the events that unfold as a result of these relationships. The characters act out because of their shame, fear, loyalty, envy, ambition, sloth, etc. They all have unique characters and world views and all act accordingly. It seems an odd thing to say, but it seems very organic and believable. I think Granger must be a great student of human nature.

I quite like the main characters, too. Meredith Mitchell works for the Foreign Office and her fiancé Alan Marksby is in the police. In their 30's and 40's, they are a strong couple who are willing to compromise to be together and tolerate each other's baggage. Like Toby Smythe, a friend and co-worker of Meredith's who Alan doesn't care for, and who gets them involved in their current unpleasantness - poison pen letters which are being sent to his aunt.

Another thing I liked about this book is that Granger doesn't have Mitchell and Marksby competing to solve the crime before the other does. I find it so annoying when the unofficial detective messes up evidence and conceals information from the police. Instead, she investigates background information that the police don't have the time or inclination to pursue and then turns over what she finds to Marksby. It is a pleasing, cooperative effort that doesn't grate on the nerves.

Did I guess it? Sort of. If you are looking for a solid mystery with really good characters, pick this one up. This is a long series and I plan to go back and read the others, too.

A village mystery that has some realism.
Detective Superintendent Alan Markby and his fiancé Meredith Mitchell have been asked to look into the source of some poison pen letters by Toby Smythe , a friend and colleague of Meredith's . Meredith and Toby have been friends for years and both work for the Foreign Office. Toby's uncle, Jeremy Jenner's second wife has been receiving hateful letters alluding to a murder trial in which she was the defendant twenty years ago. She was cleared of the charges, but it seems someone wants to embarrass her. Before Markby and Merideth's investigation has barely started, Jeremy Jenner`s daughter is found murdered made to look like the murder so many years ago.

Ann Granger can be counted upon to produce a really good cozy mystery. Her characters are a bit more realistic and dimensional than the traditional cozy. The plot was well constructed. The clues came at a quick enough pace to keep suspense high without it being a book that could not be put down. I look forward to the next Markby and Mitchell mystery.