The Postscript Murders

Better known for her Dr. Ruth Galloway books, The Postscript Murders book is a bit of a change for Griffiths.
When Peggy Smith is found dead, there seems to be nothing suspicious about her death. A ninety-year-old with heart disease, the end was not unexpected, so DS Hardbinder Kaur finds nothing of concern to her when carer Natalka tells her of Peggy’s death. However, when Natalka tells her that Peggy lied about her heart condition and that she was sure someone was following her, it becomes clear that Peggy’s death was more than an open and shut case. Peggy Smith had been a murder consultant, helping writers with ways to get rid of unwanted characters in their books. Peggy Smith was renowned among authors and was said to know more than anyone should about murder. When Natalka, cleaning out Peggy’s flat, is held up at gunpoint, DS Harbinder Kaur realises that there is more to Peggy Smith’s death than she previously thought. An unlikely trio joins to solve the mystery surrounding Peggy’s sudden death. This trio consists of Natalka, Peggy’s carer, Edwin, a very cautious neighbour, never seen without a tie, and Benedict, who owns the coffee shop where they meet. All have personal problems, but these are put aside, as they turn into amateur detectives, intent on finding out what happened to their friend; Harbinder is not happy with this, and neither is her partner, DS Neil Winton, but being of a more laid back disposition, he is pleased for the three to do his work for him. Harbinder tries to make them stop their detection, so they go undercover. The trio finds themselves at a crime novel literary festival, where authors and suspects abound. There seems to be a bit of a thing lately about amateur sleuths, as in Richard Osman’s two wonderful books. The three in this one are particularly lovely, as they seem to sort out their problems, become friends, and together set about finding out what happened to their dear friend Peggy Smith. It seems strange to call a murder mystery enjoyable, but that cast is what this is, and I hope there is another coming, featuring the same delightful cast. In the meantime there is a new DS Harbinder Kaur coming along this month with Bleeding Heart Yard – Janice