Published by Severn House. ISBN 978 0 7278 6560 1
This is the second book in the Casey and Catt series which began with UP IN FLAMES which was an excellent introduction to the two detectives. This time DCI Will Casey and DS Thomas Catt - known affectionately as Thomcatt- have to solve two unconnected cases of murder - one of which is especially difficult and embarrassing for DCI Casey.
In the first,Will Casey is called in by his hippie pensioner parents, mother Moon and father Star, when they find themselves caught up in a case of two suspicious deaths in their fenland commune. A hippie man and a pregnant girl have both died but neither death has been reported to the police because the commune has a lucrative cannabis crop.Casey is horrified when he learns that the man died two months ago and has already been buried and the body of the recently dead pregnant girl has been moved from the murder scene into an outhouse.Casey wants to help his incorrigible but likeable parents but must do it unofficially as they are not on his patch. He also needs to conceal his connection with them from his police superiors to protect his police career. He confides discreetly in DS Catt who has contacts in the neighbouring force and promises to help but the bevy of diverse suspects on the commune make their task seem almost impossible.
At the same time, Casey and Catt have to begin an official murder enquiry on their own patch when a local rich business man and serial womaniser, is found knifed in an alleyway. The man met a particularly nasty end and it takes time to discover his identity. When they do, they also discover another varied bunch of suspects and proving which of the victim's many enemies, male and female, actually killed him, becomes a complicated but fascinating conundrum.
The plot of this novel twists and turns and keeps the reader guessing throughout. There are several surprises, some red herrings and more than a touch of humour but clever sleuthing by the two charismatic detectives provide a credible and very satisfying ending. This is crime fiction at its very best and is highly recommended.
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E. Jones