Murder Among Us

A bit burdened with shifting viewpoints, the novel's well-paced plot, solid characters, and methodical investigation make a very good mystery.

Reviewed by David on July 02, 2005

Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural, English Village)

Synopsis: The Chief Inspector Markby of the small English town Bamford is pleased to be at the gala opening of Springwood Hall, now transformed into a luxury hotel. However, the event, full of local and London high society is marred, first by the protest of the local Historical Society, and then by murder. The investigation throws suspicion on many of those present at the event, and Markby, along with sometimes unwanted help of his lover Meredith Mitchell, sifts through motives and opportunity.

Full Review: The viewpoint shifts several times, now only between Markby and Mitchell, the protagonists, but also several other secondary characters; adding occasional frustration as the narrative switches.

However, for the most part, the plot moves smoothly, and characters—including secondary—are well described, with quirks, weaknesses and strengths. Several other developments, closer to home, flesh out the novel without removing the focus from the main mystery.

The appealing characters, solid plot and the small-town atmosphere add up to a very enjoyable book.

Copyright: 1992

Series Name: Mitchell and Markby mystery

Overall: 6; Plot: 6; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 5;

W. F. Howes Ltd. (Clipper Audio), 2001, Compact Disc Audio Book, 9 CDs