When Adele Morrison’s body is found floating in a hotel pool, DI Ian Preston, recently transferred to Yarmouth after the break-up of his marriage, is called in to investigate. At first glance it is assumed to be a suicide, but closer examination turns up irregularities that bring this verdict into question. For Adele Morrison appeared to have no problems, a good income, a healthy bank balance and a nice lifestyle.
Further investigations reveal an estranged husband, who stands to inherit, while her half sister Sylvie, flies from Canada for answers as to why her sister is dead.
There are some great characters in this book, I particularly enjoyed Miss Moffatt, retired Headmistress, who on retirement cycled through Pakistan on a custom-built bicycle, a present from her girls. I could instantly see her. Also Kenzo who, so infatuated with the local moggies, was refusing to get to grips with his real work, that of clearing Ian Preston’s outbuildings of vermin. And I loved Kevin, the reluctant cross-dresser.
As Ian Preston continues to be intrigued with the mystery surrounding Adel Morrison, a second murder occurs. The victim links directly to Adele, and who at the time of death, was also found to be in possession of a bouquet of white heather. There are many twists and turns in this mystery and at every twist, it is peopled with an array of fascinating characters.
There is much in this book to recommend, a good mystery, some marvellous characterisation
and humour.
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Lizzie Hayes June 2001
Vivien Armstrong is the author of Close Call, Dead in the Water, Fool’s Gold,
Fly in Amber and The Wrong Road.