Book Review: The Devil In Bellminster

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Devil In Bellminster     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
David Holland
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Reverend Tuckworth # 1
St. Martin's, Mar 2002, $22.95, 240 pp.

In 1833 Bellminster, England, Vicar Tuckworth finds the beheaded corpse of the local sexton Will. Lord Granby sends to Bow St. to assign a cop to investigate the repugnant murder. Detective Inspector Myles arrives and almost immediately interrogates Tuckworth leaving the soon to retire vicar with the impression that he is a suspect.

Not long after Granby offers Tuckworth the job of caretaker to the renovated Bellminster Cathedral, a second homicide occurs. However, the medical evidence leads to the conclusion that this killing occurred before the Will murder, confusing the previous data collected while struggling with uncovering the identity of the wrongdoer. Tuckworth accompanies Myles as they investigate two murders in a town not used to any violent crime.

THE DEVIL IN BELLMINSTER is an engaging nineteenth century English village mystery that provides the audience with an insightful look at the times outside of London. The story line is cleverly developed so that the reader feels fully engaged, especially with Tuckworth, a likable lead protagonist. Fans will understand his doubts enhanced by his wife's death a few years earlier, his pending retirement, and what is best for his beloved adult daughter. David Holland furnishes an interesting historical so cozy that those readers who enjoy a well-written Regency - Victorian bridge era tale will want to peruse it.

Harriet Klausner

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