1950s Lewes, South Downs. Following her brother's heroic death rescuing a parishioner from impalement on a gargoyle, eccentric artist Primrose Oughterard feels duty-bound to take responsibility for Maurice and Bouncer, his discerning cat and dog.
Hubert Topping, the new Latin master at the local prep school, is a man of seemingly impeccable conduct. Primrose, however, takes an instant dislike to him, denouncing everything from his penchant for ancient languages to his floral buttonholes. When a body is found on top of the downs, Primrose is certain of Topping's involvement and sets out to prove it, while Bouncer and Maurice are bemused spectators to the ensuing human skulduggery. Inevitably, Primrose is caught up in a series of calamities, including murder, foiled intentions, and concealment of evidence, before a conclusion on a notorious Sussex clifftop.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
Suzette A. Hill is a graduate of Nottingham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Universities, and for many years she taught English.
Review:
"The research is unobtrusive but impeccable... Anyone who enjoyed Mapp and Lucia will love this good-tempered satirical little book with its middle-class manners, relaxed eccentrics and tough core." (Historical Novels Review)
"I really enjoyed this novel and I valued seeing Primrose from her own point of view... The world of animals is well developed and expanded in this novel, without overwhelming the plot and from a characterisation and relationship stance this novel has surprising depths. I hope there will be further novels in this series." (Cross Examining Crime)
"With multiple narrators that of Maurice, Bouncer and Primrose, not forgetting the correspondence between Emily, the school secretary and her friend Agnes enjoying life in Tobago, this tale of village life set in the late 1950’s is a delight. Witty, clever, and cunningly plotted, it is a joy to read. Highly recommended." (Lizzie Hayes Promoting Crime Fiction)
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherAllison and Busby
- Publication date2016
- ISBN 10 0749019670
- ISBN 13 9780749019679
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages288
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Rating