Customer Reviews

Murdering Ministers: An Oliver Swithin Mystery

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

 

 

Scotland Yard Detective Sergeant Effie Strongitharm is temporarily reassigned to the sprawling London suburb of Plumley. The brass forces Detective Superintendent Timothy Mallard to take an extended vacation leading to a retirement. Mallard was Effie's mentor and his nephew fellow officer Oliver Swithin is her boy friend.

In Plumley, Oliver and Effie work on two different cases that intersect. Effie seeks a missing teen whose parents belong to the Plumley Diaconilist Church. Oliver investigates the Church's leader, Paul Piltdown who was arrested for murdering one of the church members. As they work on their respective cases, Timothy tries to help even if his beloved force wants him retired (but he has a plan that will stop that notion.)

Following on the heels of the well designed first Swithin mystery (AN EMBARASSMENT OF CORPSES) author Alan Beechey provides another novel sure to receive fan and critic acclaim. MURDERING MINISTERS includes returning characters that imbue the story line with a feeling of welcome to the village of Plumley. Mr. Beachey uses misdirection to trick the reader into looking down the wrong path. The interaction between the characters feels genuine and filled with wit that turns this book into an entertaining, complex mystery.

Harriet Klausner

Even better than the first - A compelling plot, well crafted with entertaining twists and turns. Clever repartee combined during the Christmas season make this a perfect antidote to holiday stress.

Alan Beechey is one of the fastest, funniest writers in mysteries today. His witty plots and his original characters never fail to make for a great read. I'd suggest his books to anyone looking for a screwball comedy approach to the genre. Dying, said Richard Brinsley Sheridan is easy; comedy is hard. Yet Beechey makes it look effortless.

After I laughed my way through An Embarrassment of Corpses, I quickly sought out this, Beechey's other book. I'm happy to report that we have no sophomore slump here. You can expect funny characters, patient and sure-handed plot development, clever twists, last-minute revelations and lots of fun. Beechey packs so much into the book, between the well-developed mystery and equally crafted world of characters, that it must take him YEARS to produce such density and depth. Sadly then, I must report that there is not yet a third installment. His web site indicates that he has begun the writing, but still seeks a publisher. Crossing my fingers that he finds one!