Graham Thomas (1) (1950–2008)

From the book jacket: Detective Chief Superintendent Erskine Powell of New Scotland Yard [is] a member of the New Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad in London. Now, seeking distance from criminal concerns, Powell embarks on a salmon-fishing competition in the Scottish Highlands. But there, in the castle-dotted countryside along the picturesque River Spey, a cold-blooded murderer soon turns Powell’s haven into a busman’s holiday – and a quiet anglers’ paradise becomes just as deadly as the mean streets of London.

My reactions
Thank heavens the author’s writing is NOT so overwrought as the book jacket blurb!

This is a police-procedural mystery with a likeable lead character. It’s clear that Powell needs a vacation and really wants nothing more than to enjoy his holiday in peace. But he’s drawn in when the wealthy Canadian owner of an estate next to the resort is fished out of the river by one of the tourists, and the local coroner determines that his death was NOT an accidental drowning. The laird’s daughter and servants aren’t very forthcoming or cooperative, the resort lodge’s staff and owner are similarly tight-lipped, and Powell gets drawn into the case however reluctantly.

There are plenty of suspects, and a mishmash of clues and subplots to keep things interesting. I did not solve the case ahead of Powell and was happy to be surprised by how things turned out. At least as far as whodunit is concerned. What happened after the reveal was a little less satisfying, as I didn’t feel it showed how a true Yard detective would have behaved.

Still, it was a thoroughly satisfying mystery, and I would read more of this series.… (más)