Books Reviews
The Wichenford Court Murder – Book Review
By Angela Youngman Feb 7, 2011, 16:44 GMT
Looking for sophisticated and stylish entertainment to stimulate jaded brain-cells? LOOK NO FURTHER! Falconer has shown yet again that he can produce a top-rate whodunnit in the finest British traditions: urbane, cultured and witty. The peaceful estate of Wichenford Court, in deepest Worcestershire, is convulsed by a bizarre murder which, it is discovered, mirrors in 1959 a murder committed on exactly the same spot in 1791. ...more
A murder at Wichenford Court mirrors a murder that took place a couple of centuries earlier in exactly the same spot. The victim was not exactly popular and the suspects are all too numerous. Inspector Wickfield and his assistant, Sergeant Holbrook have the task of trying to untangle the various strands.
Linking into the investigation are missed business opportunities, family antagonisms, threats to jobs and suicide. This is not an easy read. Set in the late 1950's it is written in a style reminiscent of the time, with long paragraphs and a great deal of detail. It is hard to feel a connection with the characters, as I read it everything felt as though the story was set at a distance.
The plot was long winded and did lose my attention. This is a book which will appeal to anyone who enjoys period literature, particularly stories written in aftermath of the Second World War. As a study of society in the period, it is very good - as a crime story it is just a little too longwinded for comfort.
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Books
- 1. 'Sex, drugs and relationships' Dr. Reef to Book Expo signing in NYC
- 2. Book Review: Song of the Serpent
- 3. Book Review: Bloodman
- 4. Book Review: The Last Myth
- 5. Book Review: Skeleton Picnic
Older Talkback
