Customer Reviews

Tragedy at Two (Lois Meade Mysteries 9)

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Unlike Purser's "Warning at One" she does a wonderful job of sticking to the plot of "Tragedy at Two" and not leaving any loose ends (with the exception of I'd still like to know what happened with Mark Brown and the Tollervey-Jones girl). I was thoroughly entertained with this book and enjoyed the twists and turns that kept me guessing!

When Josie Meade's partner Rob is beaten to death, all eyes in the town of Long Farnden turn toward a traveling group of Gypsies. Not wanted in the town, except by one resident who claims to have Gypsy ancestry, everyone is anxious to pin the death on them. However, there is the question of motive and opportunity. Purser weaves a complicated tale involving adultery, death and betrayal that leads to a surprising ending and leaves Lois Meade, her daughter Josie and Inspector Cowgill guessing as to who might have killed Rob, up until the very end of the book. I enjoyed learning more about the residents of Tresham and Long Farnden in this installment of the Lois Meade series and there certainly is more to be told in future novels.

I would recommend this series to anyone who likes M.C. Beaton, Agatha Christie and other British cozy series.

In Long Farden Josie Meade is considering ending her relationship with her partner Rob. When they have fight leading to his accusing her of an affair with a cop, he runs out and goes to the pub where he gets drunk and acts violently out of character. That night he is found on the road severely battered. He is rushed to the hospital where he lingers for a few days before dying. Josie feels guilty.

Detective Chief Inspector Cowgill leads the investigation in which many of the townsfolk believe gypsies camped nearby killed Rob. Josie's mom Lois, owner of New Brooms cleaning firm and amateur sleuth consultant to Cowgill thinks otherwise having met the group's matriarch Athalia Lee. Although this case is personal and her husband Derek the electrician wants her to stay out of the inquiry, Lois assists the DCI by "ferretin".

This is an entertaining English village whodunit that is very personal for the heroine; so much so Cowgill is hesitant to use Lois as a resource. Much of the first half of the story line focuses on family dynamics inside a small village in which everyone knows everyone so secrets are difficult to conceal, but if the hidden is achieved it becomes more shocking when revealed. Fans of the Lois Meade amateur sleuths will enjoy a deep look at the heroine, her friends and neighbors when a Tragedy at Two occurs.

Harriet Klausner

TRAGEDY AT TWO provides a fine Lois Meade mystery and the second in a series revolving around a working-class wife and mother who is also part amateur sleuth in a small English village. A fatal beating, a murder investigation, and Lois' involvement in clearing her own daughter makes for a fine survey packed with satisfying twists and turns of plot and perfect for any mystery library.

The main character in this series, Lois Meade, is a no nonsense business woman. Through her cleaning business she becomes involved in the murders of a wide variety of individuals. I love the way her family gets caught up in her adventures. A good read in the "cozy" mystery category.