Elizabeth Lemarchand (1906–2000)

A skeleton is discovered in an ancient Celtic site at a small village. How and why is it there? When it is found to be a recent skeleton, the questions of who is it and who did it come into play.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Pollard of New Scotland yard is given the case. Recently home from a vacation in the area, he is once again there.

Getting solid clues and straight answers isn’t easy, as the site is adjacent to property owned by a man who insists on being left alone. He is uncooperative and evasive. The police and locals think the skeleton is a prank by students.

The site is a section of vacant land with an historical background. The historical society has fought to keep it open to the public, while the neighbouring property owner makes it difficult for them.

As Pollard investigates, he has to navigate the conflict between the two parties and also get straight answers. He has the impression that people aren’t willing to tell all that they know. Is this a singular murder or are there more in the offing.

Written in the classic British style, it is an enjoyable read.… (más)

At the annual festival at Meldon School for girls how does a person get killed without witnesses and without the prerequisite time. What could be the possible motive to kill old Meldon girl Beatrice Baynes. Chief Detective Inspector Pollard and Detective Sergeant Toye are send from Scotland Yard to find the answer.
This is the first book (published in 1967) of this police procedural series.
I enjoyed this somewhat slow paced old-fashioned story, with its lack of reliance on modern forensics. So it becomes a matter of discerning the liars with opportunity and motive.
I look forward to the next in the series to see how the main characters develop
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

… (más)