Malice in London (Erskine Powell Mysteries)

Rating:
Summary: Malice Strikes Again!
Review: A Scotland Yard inspector with malice towards growing things (while his wife is out of the country) is presented with two seemingly unrelated murders. The characterization and interaction is interesting and sometimes fun (like the superior we love to hate). The settings are wonderful - set out in technicolor - and the reader will be hungry for curry (why, there is even a recipe thrown in!) Not quite as delightful and charming as M.C. Beaton's Hamish MacBeth or Rhys Bowen's Constable Evan Evans books, but a clever cozy nonetheless.

Rating:
Summary: Malice Strikes Again!
Review: A Scotland Yard inspector with malice towards growing things (while his wife is out of the country) is presented with two seemingly unrelated murders. The characterization and interaction is interesting and sometimes fun (like the superior we love to hate). The settings are wonderful - set out in technicolor - and the reader will be hungry for curry (why, there is even a recipe thrown in!) Not quite as delightful and charming as M.C. Beaton's Hamish MacBeth or Rhys Bowen's Constable Evan Evans books, but a clever cozy nonetheless.

Rating:
Summary: Intersting though not all-inclusive
Review: I have read the four books by Graham Thomas and while I find them somewhat lacking, they are interesting nevertheless. My main complaint is the lack of development with the characters. Yes, we seem to get to know Erskine Powell to some extent, but never fully. Since characterization is important to this reader, I find this to be somewhat of a detriment.

However, the settings and explanations of them are interesting. Having never been to the Highlands or Cornwall, I enjoyed that aspect immesnsely. If you are a reader looking for great forensic detail you will also be disappointed in this series.

All in all, these books are a quick and easy read. Unfortunately, I have been spoiled by the writings of Peter Robinson and these do not compare. That does not mean they are not worth reading though. They are enjoyable in their own right.

Rating:
Summary: Intersting though not all-inclusive
Review: I have read the four books by Graham Thomas and while I find them somewhat lacking, they are interesting nevertheless. My main complaint is the lack of development with the characters. Yes, we seem to get to know Erskine Powell to some extent, but never fully. Since characterization is important to this reader, I find this to be somewhat of a detriment.

However, the settings and explanations of them are interesting. Having never been to the Highlands or Cornwall, I enjoyed that aspect immesnsely. If you are a reader looking for great forensic detail you will also be disappointed in this series.

All in all, these books are a quick and easy read. Unfortunately, I have been spoiled by the writings of Peter Robinson and these do not compare. That does not mean they are not worth reading though. They are enjoyable in their own right.

Rating:
Summary: A good cerebral read
Review: New Scotland Yard's Detective-Chief Superintendent Erskine Powell feels lonely with his wife on a one-year sabbatical in Canada and their two sons attending an overseas university. To pass the time, Erskine wants to get involved in a juicy investigation.

However, his superior and nemesis Sir Henry Merriman assigns to a less than thrilled Erskine the month old case involving the murder of Richard Brighton, a Southwark politician. The corpse was found floating in the Thames with his head bashed to a pulp. The local police have no viable suspect. Erskine thinks this case is a dead end loser. He feels he received the assignment as a form of punishment and his boss is retaliating because Erskine did not support Sir Henry when he tried to become the new commissioner. Although feeling hopeless from the onset, Erskine begins his inquiries into who murdered Richard.

Anyone who enjoys a well-written British police procedural will want to read MALICE IN LONDON (as well as the previous three "Malice" tales). The story line captures the essence and atmosphere of London in a way not often seen in a mystery. The likable protagonist is an ordinary person feeling a bit lonely in a pre empty nest syndrome sort of way. The secondary charcaters play a major role in the investigation, which, in turn, allows the audience to feel as if they too are involved in the investigation. Some cast members return from the well-designed previous novels and that provides a sense of homecoming to fans of the series. Those who demand a first class reading experience must purchase Mr. Thomas's latest mystery.

Harriet Klausner