Reviewed By: Ruth Jordan - RAM
Death in the Family
Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada HC
Jill McGown
Class/Genre: Mystery
Series: Inspector Lloyd and Judy Hill # 12
Feb. 2003, Ballantine, 320 pages/$22.95
Yup me again. And with another huge thumbs up for a book. Jill McGown’s latest Lloyd and Hill mystery isn’t a masterpiece of fiction but it is a great series read. Titled DEATH IN THE FAMILY U.S, and BIRTHS, DEATHS & MARRIAGES U.K. it’s one of those pleasant books that reminds me of why I really enjoy series mysteries when they are well done.
You see I know these people. Judy Hill and Lloyd have been through a lot and rather than “Evolve” they’ve simply reached the place where they are and the reader gets to be there too. What fun. For this is the book in which the little Lloyd-Hill is born. Her name is Charlotte. And while we ponder with Mum and Dad about child care, nappies (they’re better than autopsies but just), and the impending wedding the police department is restructured.
The mystery in the book? Lloyd is on the case of a wealthy cosmopolitan lady killed as she moves into a cottage with the new man in her life and her teenage daughter. Whodunnit? Everyone with even a slight motive was within distance of the cottage. However all seem to have an alibi save the poor sack who’s inappropriately fallen for the daughter. The mystery is a familiar one to those of us is mysteryland and will start ringing bells early on. It is well handled in McGown’s hands. She weaves the two parts of her book in an enchanting way that is vastly entertaining.
By all means spend a couple of hours catching up with one of the most readable series in fiction. Time with old friends is never wasted.
Ruth Jordan - RAM
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Ruth Jordan - RAM
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