This is the third book in the series featuring actress come amateur sleuth Libby Sarjeant, with a ‘J’. Libby is of mature years with three grown-up children, and has settled in a small village in Kent.
This is the third book in the series featuring actress come amateur sleuth Libby Sarjeant, with a ‘J’. Libby is of mature years with three grown-up children, and has settled in a small village in Kent.
Currently her student son Adam has moved in with her whilst he is helping with the renovation of the garden at Creekmarsh Place owned by television personality Lewis Osbourne.
When during the course of the renovations a skeleton is uncovered, Lewis calls on Libby, now a minor celebrity owing to her previous sleuthing. And Libby calls on her friend Fran, who has physic powers. Fran however, is in the course of organising her wedding to Guy. But immediately rallies to the cause. When the police turn up they are less than pleased to find Libby in situ. Particularly Superintendent Bertram otherwise know as Big Bertha,
Lewis appears to have obtained the house in less than clear circumstances and the story abounds with devious dealings, hidden passages and secret rooms. But a second murder throws all their theories out the window and the reader is kept on their toes as they try to work out who did what to whom and above all why?
Throughout the mystery is the continuing saga of Libby’s relationship with Ben, a man she met when first she got involved with a murder at the Laurels nursing home. Both of mature years, their relationship is fraught with the pitfalls of a new relationship in later life. With the news of Fran and Guy’s impeding nuptials Ben becomes unsettled which in turn unsettles Libby, who is not certain that she is ready to take the next step. The matter is handled delicately and with sensitivity and I found both the mystery and the personal relationship intriguing. Very highly recommended.
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Lizzie Hayes