Detective Jackson Brodie has retired from the police force and moved to a quiet town in Yorkshire, taking on the occasional private matter to keep things interesting. His current case is centered around a missing painting. “Woman with a Weasel,” a valuable old portrait, hangs over the bed of the matriarch, but it disappears after she dies — and the in-home carer has likewise dematerialized.
On his way out, he noticed something he hadn’t seen on the way in — a small patch of ground at the side that had been fenced off and contained headstones, all in different styles. It took Jackson a moment to realize this was a display rather than a graveyard — Jessop’s offered the full service, right down to the stonemason. It was rather like exiting through the gift shop. ~Loc. 1446
Meanwhile, at the local manorhouse of Burton Makepeace, the current inhabitants are struggling to keep the roof fixed and the heating bill paid. Despite the distaste the family has for rank commercialism, they recognize the necessity of allowing the public in for various events. Especially since their priceless Turner was stolen before they could sell it and raise any funds.
Lady Milton wasn’t particularly fond of any of her children, preferring her dogs, two black Labradors, Tommy and Tuppence — a brother and sister — reasonable creatures compared to her own. ~ Loc. 359
Lady Milton and her family have been reduced to opening the stately home for a murder mystery weekend, complete with out-of-town guest players, community theatre actors, and an amateur script. Of course, just as the unsophisticated guests come tromping in, a massive blizzard traps them all inside, perhaps with a murderer.
‘Lady Milton’, who was herself probably one of the Murder Mystery company pretending to be the real Lady milton. Perhaps the entire house was just one big theatrical set. And here he was on stage, a solitary man with his prop, an empty wheelbarrow, like a character in a farce, or a play by Brecht — both equally unappetizing theatrical experiences in Ben’s view. ~Loc. 2856
Brodie’s inner monologue is always cranky, sharp, and amusing, and this book is no different. He remains the reluctant hero, by dint of being the one who shows up, not because he has any magnificent altruism.
The novel itself takes on a “Noises Off” or “Murder by Death” slapstick quality once the murder mystery party gets into the swing. Random people answering the doorbell or being asked to show people to their rooms. A body (maybe?) appears then disappears. It’s mayhem and no one knows who is in charge.
I really enjoyed Case Histories (and the TV adaptation with Jason Issacs) and I am excited to see the Jackson Brodie has returned.
My thanks to Doubleday for the review e-galley. Read via NetGalley.
Publisher: Doubleday (September 3, 2024)
Language: English
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 0385547994
