When a second murder occurs in the area Chief Constable Rogers asks Scotland Yard for help, much against the views of his Chief Superintendent, Simpson. So Detective Chief Inspector with his Sergeant arrive to begin their investigation.
An enjoyable, well-written and easily read police procedural mystery set in the 1960's. ( )

Scotland Yard Chief Inspector John Crow is dispatched to the countryside town of Canthorpe to investigate the vicious murder of a local lawyer, Charles Lendon. Lendon was stabbed in the chest with a skewer at a deserted mill in the woods. It's a killing with plenty of emotion behind it.

Crow butts heads with the local Police Superintendent Hugh Simpson who is annoyed that his Chief Constable has not let him handle the case. However, Simpson has already got a murder investigation to deal with, one that is proving difficult to crack after several weeks of work. Simpson resents Crow's presence in Canthorpe and makes his feelings known. Friction between the two detectives increases as their two investigations begin to overlap.

Lendon, he victim in Crow's case, is a prosperous lawyer, but with low personal morals. He chases and beds most women he comes into contact with. As the opening sentence in the story says: "Most women were fascinated by Charles Lendon" Lendon plays on this fascination although things don't always work out well for the women. He is astute in his work, maybe even ruthless, but is successful. Crow sets about investigating the many people who may want Lendon dead and quickly finds several potential suspects. There is a bit of soap opera in Canthorpe which produces some activity for Crow to pursue. The story is told at a brisk pace without any dull moments, and several chase scenes keep suspense at a high level. There's an exciting conclusion and all the loose ends are tied up.

This book is one of a series but is easily read as a standalone. It is a recently revised edition of a book published in 1971 (with a different title) and it reflects the then current technology. There is for example no DNA testing and more prosaically, no email, mobile telephones or similar devices. It is not so dated as to be quaint and the storyline still works. It is easy to read: English slang may be interpreted by non-British readers using the glossary of terms appended to the book.

There's a curious fascination with Crow's physical appearance. As one witness remarks after her interview by the inspector: "'He's an ugly man, isn't he,' she said. "I mean, he's so tall, and his head is such a funny shape. He's like a skeleton". Comments similar to this one are numerous in the book.

"The Woods Murder" is a cleverly plotted police procedural murder mystery set in the English countryside and has a satisfying conclusion. It is recommended for fans of English police detective fiction.

Thanks to Joffe Books and Netgalley for my copy of the eBook. The views expressed are my own. ( )