Death of an Avid Reader by Frances Brody

My Chronicle Book Box Review:

I have been planning to read a Kate Shackleton mystery by Frances Brody, all of which are based in Yorkshire, my home county, for a while now. While this is the 6^th Kate Shackleton mystery it is not necessary to have read any of the previous books as it successfully stands alone; nor is it necessary to be familiar with Yorkshire, although, it does add an additional layer of interest for those that are.

I decided to begin with this particular novel because it is set in Leeds, the city in which I work, and surrounding The Leeds Library in particular. The Leeds Library is a unique library in the city centre which I had a tour of a few years ago during an open day. It is one of the oldest (founded in 1768) and last subscription libraries in the UK and is now a charity. The library itself (purpose built and opened in 1808) is an architectural gem as well as holding many amazing books in its collection. Visit their website for further information here.

The book is set in the 1920’s an era I am particularly enjoying reading about at the moment. As you will see from my earlier reviews of The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King and In the Market for Murder by T.E Kinsey (not quite the 20’s but just before in the 1910’s). Kate is a female private detective, ably assisted by former Policeman Jim Sykes, and is a member of the apparently haunted Leeds Library. The book begins when Kate takes on a very delicate case for the well-to-do Lady Coulton but events at the Leeds Library soon overtake her. Kate happens to be present at the discovery of a crime scene in the library basement and she feels she has no choice but to investigate the murder of fellow library member, the mathematician Dr Potter, when the police seem to be pursuing the wrong suspect.

It took me a little while to really get into this novel because real life kept interrupting, but I really became hooked at the point when we learn more about Kate’s back story and her emotions threaten to overwhelm her at the hospital. At this point, she became real to me and I was fully engaged.

This is a well-plotted and intricate mystery novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. Frances Brody’s great story telling draws you in a certain direction, then, just as you believe it is the correct one, another piece of information or evidence appears in contradiction and sets things asunder once more.  The various sub-plots are woven together masterfully and they all come to satisfying conclusions. As an Agatha Christie fan, I would agree that admirers of hers may well enjoy this book as there is also a subtle humour in it, which also reminded me of Ms Christie’ works.

I will definitely be reading more Kate Shackleton mysteries.

Hi, I'm Louise the founder of My Chronicle Book Box and I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog post.

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