The Flaxborough Chronicles feature Inspector Purbright in the quiet town of Flaxborough. The fifth investigation for D.I. Purbright deals with the alarming murder of a local woman active in charity work. There are several possible suspects. She was heard arguing with her husband the night she died. Earlier that afternoon she had written a very threatening letter to another charity organizer. And there has been a strange man skulking around town who claims to be a private detective. What or whom is he investigating? Letters begging for help were received by the Chief Constable, the editor of the newspaper, and the coroner on the day of the murder - but were they from the deceased? And, if so, why were they unsigned?
Readers familiar with Purbright's fellows on the force and some of the townsfolk of Flaxborough will be glad to meet up with these characters again. It is like seeing the faces of neighbors as one walks down the street. A newer acquaintance is Lucy Teatime, who appeared in the fourth book and seems to have set up residence in town. And the odd character of the "private detective" is certainly entertaining. How many investigators actually have too much to drink before a stakeout and then climb into the car of their surveillance subject and take a nap? Yes, it may be a small town, but Flaxborough has plenty to keep readers interested.
Readers who enjoy Miss Marple and mysteries set in small English towns full of eccentric residents will welcome having this series drawn to their attention.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
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