Book Review: The Sibyl in Her Grave

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Sibyl in Her Grave     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Sarah Caudwell
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Legal Setting   Woman Main Character   Cozy
Series: Hilary Tamar # 4
Delacorte, Jul 2000, $23.95, 304 pp.

It begins as a favor between friends. Ricky Farnsham of Parson Haver, West Sussex, England, provides some stock tips to the town vicar, Maurice Dulcimar and his friends Griselda Carstairs, and Regina Sheldon. The results are a handsome pay off to all of them. The results are so good that it raises questions about their legality. A friend of Regina's niece realizes that the tips were actually insider trading. A new resident, psychic Isabella del Comino lets it slip to Regina that she knows how the money was earned.

It turns out that Isabella was the source of the insider information. She had told Ricky whom, in turn, told his friends. Shortly afterward, Isabella dies, officially from a heart attack. Julia's friend Oxford fellow Professor Hilary Tamar believes foul play occurred. Soon Isabella's niece is attacked twice, leading Julia and Hilary to believe that Isabella's killer wants to eliminate Daphne. Other strange events occur, which forces Julia and Hilary and two other friends to begin an investigation.

Sarah Caudwell has the deft touch of a master magician. She pulls a sleight of the hand trick on the audience that sends everyone scrambling down the wrong direction so that no one can guess the truth behind the mysteries of THE SIBYL IN THE GRAVE. The narrator, Professor Tamar, has a sardonic sense of humor that hides a mind that is as sharp as a tack. The readers observe the mystery of Parson Haver through her witty eyes and perspective. She turns a clever melodrama into an entertaining, brain teasing reading experience.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner