Where Death Delights (A Richard Pryor Mystery) [Hardcover]

Bernard Knight (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Richard Pryor Mystery | Publication Date: May 1, 2010

The first in a new series from author of the ‘Crowner John’ books - 1955. Forensic pathologist Richard Pryor uses his ‘golden handshake’ to set up in private practice with scientist Angela Bray. A friendly coroner gives them a start, and when two women both claim that human remains found near a reservoir are their relatives, the dilemma is given to them to investigate. Written by a former Home Office pathologist, the story carries the stamp of forensic authenticity.

 

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Knight brings his own experience as a Home Office pathologist to this absorbing first in a new series set in Britain's Wye Valley. When pathologist Richard Pryor and Angela Bray, a young biologist on the rebound from a broken engagement, go into business offering forensic expertise, they expect paternity tests and postmortems to be their bread and butter, but one of their first cases involves bones that two women each claim prove the death of a loved one. Later, what is first dismissed as an accidental drowning takes on a sinister dimension as a result of their testing. Knight (Crowner Royal and 12 other mysteries in his medieval Crowner John series) describes the arcana of autopsy without going into overly graphic detail. While the testing processes considered state of the art in 1955 are crude by today's standards, he succeeds in making them just as interesting. A couple of great plot twists at the end will leave readers eager for a sequel. (June)
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From Booklist

This entertaining slice of nostalgia for life in 1950s Britain should please Anglophiles and will also appeal to fans of forensically detailed crime fiction. Dr. Richard Pryor, recently returned from Singapore, has joined forces with biologist Angela Bray, a former Home Office scientist, to form a private forensic practice in the Wye Valley. The pair are at first worried about making ends meet, but word of their expertise spreads, and they quickly have their hands full with everything from settling paternity cases to identifying dead bodies to proving that a young woman found drowned off the coast was murdered by her husband. Knight, a former Home Office pathologist, shows off his detailed knowledge of forensics, especially as the science was practiced in the 1950s. The appeal of this story lies very much in the engaging cast of characters, the interplay between Pryor and Bray, and the intriguing forensic details. Although the story may be too gentle for fans of taut, suspenseful police procedurals, it will engage those with either a more scientific mind-set or an interest in the period. --Emily Melton

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Severn House Publishers (May 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0727868748
• ISBN-13: 978-0727868749
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,456,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Start of a New Series in Post WWII (1955) U.K., August 17, 2010

By 

P. Schaum "prussblue" (St. Louis area, MO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Where Death Delights (A Richard Pryor Mystery) (Hardcover)

I have read the "Crowner (Coroner) John" series with much enjoyment not to mention other titles by Dr. Bernard Knight which include non-fiction (I wish I could find his 1960's titles). I saw one detractor speak of confusion and such. I can not address that, it is not my problem. However, I can say that this title is the first in a new series that takes place in Post WWII U.K. It is essential that the author, in the best interests of the reader, to set the stage, so to speak, for the time and circumstances in which events take place (a socio-cultural context). The younger U.K. reader, as well as the American reader, might not appreciate that it took a while for the U.K. to rebound from the WWII experience. Rationing was still practiced, if not officially, in need by many. The main character, and others, served in the war and their lives were still adjusting about a decade later (I won't give specifics because that would take away from a good read). In the first title of a series, I believe it is important for the author to "flesh out" the characters and provide details of life so that one can be in tune with the setting(s) as well as better understand future titles in the series. I may not always agree with Dr. Knight, but I can say that despite that I find his writing worth reading and most enjoyable. He wrote in such a way that I could not only associate with many things spoken of in the book, but better appreciate the characters and their trials and tribulations. I certainly hope that the good Doctor will be able to provide us with more titles in this new series. I was even surprised at how many things I was familiar with from my past associations with the British military and U.K. friends. I think you will find it satisfying if you like socio-cultural history mixed with your murder mystery. Knight still can pull off surprises for some in the last few pages and make the journey to the end of the book well worth it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best I've read all year. I read two - three books a week., May 23, 2010

By 

Carol Cassidy (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Where Death Delights (A Richard Pryor Mystery) (Hardcover)

There are several different stories presented, the threads carried through and well resolved. The main character are well presented and I certainly hope that this will be an on-going series about a 1950's pathology team.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Start to a Series, October 16, 2011

By 

C. L. Smith (Baton Rouge, La United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Where Death Delights (A Richard Pryor Mystery) (Hardcover)

I enjoyed this book, especially the setting in the 1950's. It is a mystery will a taste of the past and a much more simplier lifestyle. Having lived in the UK for 2 years, I can appreciate the setting and the details. The use of local slang can be irritating if not for a dictionary available via the Internet. All in all, a keeper and I look forward to the next book.