Customer Reviews

Losing Ground (Detective Chief Inspector C.D. Sloan)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm a long time fan of Catherine Aird's police procedurals, and usually enjoy the subtle humor that leavens the scenes as Chief Inspection C.D. Sloan works his way through his cases. But I'm sorry I spent the time it took to read this short book. It brought to mind Hamlet's phrase: "weary, stale, flat and unprofitable."

In "Losing Ground," which I was eager to read as the latest in the series, Aird's subtle wit and humor is displayed. But the Inspector's sardonic thoughts during his conversations quickly became annoying because they aren't accompanied by the development of an engaging story. Not at all. The plot is negligible - literally not very much happens at all. Nor are the characters more than an inch deep.

Bottom line: a disappointment, did not meet my expectations for a book from such an accomplished author.

I am a big fan of Catherine Aird's detective fiction and would have given this book only one star if it were not by her. It is a disappointment to those who love her books and read them over and over again. It is flat; nothing seems to happen except for what we are to read as "cunning" dialogue (something Aird is usually so good with); the characters are shallow and not that funny or involved in the action. It is more a novella than novel and not worth the few hours you'd spend with it. Pass it by.

In Tolmie Park near Berebury, a thief stole the eighteenth century portrait of the 4th Baronet Sir Filligee from the wall; the artist Peter de Vesey was a local Calleshire aristocratic portrait painter still well known in the region. Soon after the theft, arson occurred to the somewhat dilapidated yet majestic country house; before the roof caved in bones were seen.

Detective Chief Inspector C.D. "Seedy" Sloan, assisted by Detective Constable Crosby, leads the investigation into what may be a homicide, but art theft and arson for sure. The two cops quickly learn that the historical house and property are part of a major dispute between developers and preservationists while a nouveau riche pop star Kevin Cowlick wants to buy the estate. Sloan wonders who would go so far as to commit arson.

This is a fabulous English police procedural as Seedy works the case by following clues that lead to dead ends. The cast is solid, but it is the lead detective, his junior partner, and the estate make for a fine tale as the audience will obtain a taste of what is happening to the English historical properties. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the latest Calleshire whodunit (see HOLE IN ONE).

Harriet Klausner

I enjoyed the book immensely. I found that I could not put it down once I had started. The characters are very well developed and the plot thrilling

very good service, did not expect the book to be in such great conditon...like brand new!