Book Review: The Embroidered Corpse

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

The Embroidered Corpse     Amazon US TPB Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada TPB
Brian Kavanagh
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Belinda Lawrence # 2
Bewrite Books, 2006, 196 pps.

Belinda Lawrence has settled into her cottage in Milford that she inherited from her Aunt Jane. Belinda enjoys a relationship with real estate agent Mark Sallinger. Belinda was suspicious of Mark in the first book in this series but the two have come to terms and enjoy each other’s company. Belinda has forged a partnership with Hazel Whitby. Belinda has her garden completed. Since the original design was by Capability Brown, a very famous man, visitors come regularly to view the garden.

Belinda spotted a tapestry at Kidbrooke House, a place Hazel and Belinda, decided to tour on one of their antiquing expeditions. Belinda immediately became fascinated by the tapestry. As the two left Kidbrooke house they noticed a couple of monks approaching William de Montfort, owner of Kidbrooke House and the last of his line.

The next news they heard about Kidbrooke House was that William de Montfort had been murdered. Since there were no descendants all of his possessions were put into a sale. Belinda and Hazel attended the sale but many of the items exceeded amounts that they were in a position to spend. Belinda was puzzled because the tapestry that she was interested in did not appear in the catalogue.

Belinda does eventually get her hands on the tapestry but she is not the only one seeking to find the mystery behind the tapestry. Others interested in the tapestry include Belinda's vicar, his friend Sir Gerald Taylor, as well as the Godwin’s who run a religious cult.

Hazel Whitby is a real hoot with a zest for life. She describes herself as “Mutton dressed as lamb”. Mark is patient with Belinda’s determination to delve into mysteries but all will be in danger before all the facts are uncovered.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM