Grave Mistake

A very pleasant mystery, featuring the classic props of an English Village investigation, with standard elements enhanced with deft dialogue, likable characters, wit and polish.

Reviewed by David on October 15, 2003

Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural, English Village)

Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Grave Mistake.

Verity Preston, a generally reserved playwright living in a quiet village is both fond and slightly exasperated with her friend Sybil Foster. Sybil, given to hypochondria, temper tantrums and sentimentality, is nonetheless Verity's old friend; and for the sake of this friendship Verity gets involved in the complications of Sybil's life. Sybil's daughter is planning an inappropriate marriage; Sybil's stepson is in trouble again, and Sybil's heart is in danger from a slick lady-killer.

However, the witty and mildly irritated Verity is unprepared to deal with murder. For that, Detective Superintendant Alleyn of New Scotland Yard needs to step in.

Full Review: The investigation is pleasant as much for the deft personal sketches as for the intellectual puzzle. Some characters are more appealing than others, but all hold some interest. The pacing is good, and the author shows considerable skill in her use of language—it's precise, descriptive, and rich, without unnecessary melodrama.

On the whole, this is an excellent example of the modernized English Village Cozy Mystery.

Overall: 6.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 6; Style: 6.5; World-building: 6; Originality: 6;

Copyright date 1978, Chivers Audio Books, 1986, Audio cassette, 8 cassettes