Book Review: A Place of Safety

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

A Place of Safety     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Caroline Graham
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy
Series: Tom Barnaby # 6
St. Martin’s Minotaur, Sep 1999, $23.95, 277 pp.

In Ferne Basset, Charlie Leathers was walking his Jack Russell when he saw Carlotta either fall or be pushed by Ann Lawrence from a parapet near the old Rectory. Charlie vanishes into the night. Charlie blackmails Ann. However, someone murders Charlie. The stunned townsfolk link the murder of Charlie to the disappearance of Carlotta, but cannot find the connecting evidence or ascertain what that could be.

Inspector Barnaby begins to investigate the death of Charlie. He soon learns that the nasty Charlie was very unpopular among the townsfolk, but no one appears to have had a strong enough motive to kill the victim. Thus, suspects abound, but none seemingly obvious. Barnaby also learns about Carlotta running away. He also finds out the prevalent theory links the two incidents, but no one can explain how. Instead, Barnaby continues his methodical inquiries into obtaining the truth behind the murder of Charlie.

A PLACE OF SAFETY is a typical English cozy that travels under the minimum speed limit yet maintains an eccentric charm about the plot. Through Barnaby’s investigation, the story line centers on an insider’s look at what makes the residents of Ferne Basset tick. Caroline Graham writes a delightful and amiable stroll through an English village gossiping over an unexpected murder case.

Harriet Klausner

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