Reviewed by Jeanne
Mrs. Sheila Malory is a literary scholar specializing in 19th
century authors who lives in the English village of Taviscombe. She’s also a widow with a son at college and
a myriad number of community tasks from taking pensioners to appointments to
baking cakes for fundraisers. When an
old friend who has been living in America shows up with a stylish new fiancée,
Sheila tries to withhold judgment but everyone else is firmly of the opinion
that Lee Montgomery is only marrying Charles for his money.
Mrs. Malory’s resolution to keep out of it is tested when a
frantic Charles calls from America, saying that he’s unable to reach Lee in
England. He wants Mrs. Malory to find her
and let him know that she’s all right.
But Sheila is unable to locate Lee, and soon begins to wonder if there’s
been foul play.
This is the first of the Mrs. Malory books, but it’s so well
written and the characters so familiar that it doesn’t seem like a first in
series book. I consider it a fair play
mystery, and I loved the English setting, the bits about books (I now want to
read something by Charlotte Yonge), and having a sensible, down to earth,
middle aged sleuth who doesn’t jump to conclusions or cause scenes.
I’ve read several other books in the series and enjoyed them
all. While some things do change for the
characters, this isn’t a series that has to be read in order. Also, while these
were written from 1998-2014, they don’t feel particularly dated, except that
people don’t carry mobile phones or constantly check computers. I find it a
pleasant change.
If you are a fan of the classic British mysteries, such as
Agatha Christie or Josephine Tey, by all means give Hazel Holt a try. I will certainly be reading the rest in the
series.
Note: The book also
appeared under the title Mrs. Malory Investigates.
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