Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
The Stargazey
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Martha Grimes
Class/Genre: Mystery Police Procedural
Series: Richard Jury & Melrose Plant # 15
Henry Holt, Nov 1998, $25.00, 333 pp.
In London, Richard Jury, being bored, rides a double decker bus to pass time. Things become a bit interesting when a woman enters, leaves, and reenters the bus. When she finally gets off for the last time, a whimsical Richard decides to follow her for the hell of it. He tracks behind her until she enters Fulham Palace.
The next day, Richard learns that a woman, fitting the description of his fellow passenger frrm the day before, has been found murdered at Fulham. He wonders if he could have done something different, like following her onto the grounds of the palace, in order to have saved her life. Feeling a bit guilty, he begins to investigate, with the help of his eccentric friends, what happened to this woman.
The story line is convoluted and the conclusion of some the sub-plots unacceptable. So why is THE STARGAZEY a fun to read mystery? This is simple. Like all the Jury novels that preceded this one, this who-done-it is loaded with warm, endearing eccentric beings who bring to life a London rarely depicted in fiction. Though not for anyone who loves a straight forward mystery, this novel will be enjoyed by those readers who want to take a whimsical trip to the nearest pub for this wintry brew.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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