Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Mrs. Pargeter's Point of Honor
Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Simon Brett
Class/Genre: Mystery Cozy
Series: Mrs. Pargeter # 6
Scribner, Oct 1999, $22.00, 272 pp.
Although Mrs. Melita Pargeter never verbally stated so, she was well aware that her spouse headed up a huge criminal enterprise. She even has no problems using his employees when she needed some assistance. All of her husband’s associates would stop what they were doing if Mrs. Pargeter needed them. Though rather well off, Mrs. Pargeter seems to get herself into situations that would be detrimental if brought if the police were brought into the gamut.
The late Bennie Logan “acquired” many luxurious items for his beloved wife Veronica. However, the widow wants the paintings returned to their rightful owner. Her son prefers allowing the police to deal with the stolen art, but that would besmirch the reputation of her beloved Bennie. Since Bennie worked for Mr. Pargeter, Veronica turns to Melita for help. Using the help of her underworld connections, Mrs. Pargeter begins the process of returning the art even as a police officer tries to intercede in order to obtain a reputation.
Simon Brett has another winner in the latest Mrs. Pargeter tale. Instead of a who-done-it, this story line concentrates more on how the deed is being accomplished. That leads to a large dose of black comedy. The returning characters provide this series with a sense of continuity and homecoming. MRS. PARGETER’S POINT OF HONOR is a marvelous misdirection that stars a saintly-looking elderly person who is anything but a saint.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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