Book Review: A Rare Interest in Corpses

Reviewed By: Catherine Thompson - RAM

A Rare Interest in Corpses     Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada HC
Ann Granger
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Headline, $24.95 trade paperback, 310 pages

It is 1864, and Elizabeth Martin, a doctor’s daughter, has come from her north-of-England home to London to be, reluctantly, the companion to Mrs. Parry, her late godfather’s wife. On the way to the house in Dorset Square, however, her cab encounters a wagon carrying the remains of a young woman found at the site of what will be the new St. Pancras railway station, thus introducing Lizzie to the city in a most unwelcome way.

Once at Mrs. Parry’s house, Lizzie learns that her predecessor, Madeleine Hexham, left one day without a word of warning. Her employer suspects immorality was the cause, but in speaking with the staff, Lizzie begins to think otherwise. Her suspicions are proved correct when Inspector Benjamin Ross of Scotland Yard arrives with sad tidings. Now Lizzie and Ben Ross join forces, each in his or her way, to uncover the mystery surrounding Madeleine’s sad life and shocking death.

I was rather surprised when I picked up A Rare Interest in Corpses, as I expected it to either be a Mitchell and Markby or a Fran Varady novel—pleasantly surprised, I might add. Granger has added to her repertoire with this Victorian mystery, a cracker of a tale if there ever was one. Alternating the viewpoints of Lizzie and Ben, Granger develops the mystery from both sides: the professional policeman and the amateur who wishes to see justice done.

In doing so, she also develops the characters of the two leads very well. Lizzie is a sharp-tongued, quick-witted woman, while Ben Ross is a solid, intelligent man. They complement each other and work well together. This novel will delight readers of Anne Perry.

Catherine Thompson - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Catherine Thompson - RAM