Book Review: The Winds Of Change

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Winds Of Change     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Martha Grimes
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Series: Richard Jury & Melrose Plant # 19
Viking, Aug 2004, $25.95, 407 pp.

Superintendent Richard Jury had thought nothing could be worse than his last case as he almost died (see THE BLUE LAST). However, looking down at the murdered little girl lying in the London streets makes him realize he was too optimistic.

At about the same time, Police Commander Brian Macalvie investigates the case of a Jane Doe found murdered in the gardens of Declan Scott's estate. Three years ago Brian failed to resolve the abduction of Declan's stepdaughter, four years old at the time Flora. Her mother Mary died not long afterward and Declan still mourns thoselosses.

The girl’s autopsy reveals the five year old had sexual activity. Richard talks with pedophile unit Chief DI Johnny Blakeley who says the victim was abused by a ring owned by financier Viktor Baumann. The other killing also connects to Viktor as Flora was his child and Mary his first wife. The three coppers work together to prove that Viktor is a murderer and pedophile ring owner. However, the dots fail to connect instead seem to twist away from the prime suspect.

The latest Richard Jury police procedural is an entertaining tale due to the usual crowd of eccentrics including a Plant on Scott’s estate that assists the Superintendent on his inquiries. The story line seems a bit convoluted as the three cases appear to tie together through the odious Baumann, but takes a long time to actually begin to fit as one coherent plot. Still Martha Grimes provides a fine entry in her wonderful long running series in which the jury of readers will appreciate the aptly named WINDS OF CHANGE.

Harriet Klausner

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