G.M. Malliet
MacMillan/Minotaur Books
October 2013
Max Tudor, vicar of St. Edwold's (and ex MI5 agent), is enjoying his life in the picturesque village of Nether Monkslip. Church attendance is up and even better, his relationship with Awena Owen, proprietress of the new-age shop in the village, is prospering. At long last the attractive Max has met his soul mate in Awena. His only real problems are getting his Easter sermon written and the murderous streak which has cropped up in the village since his arrival. Max has been involved in the investigation of two murders in rapid succession.
All seems to be going well until Max's invitation to a village dinner party attended by several newcomers to the village. They are the odious Thaddeus Bottom and his downtrodden wife, Melinda; and Gabby Crewe, a popular hairdresser in the village salon. When one of the attendees is murdered with an exotic poison, Max is once again plunged into the investigation. We learn that the roots of the murder extend as far back as WWII France. The "victim" has a long history of victimizing others and the killer has a motive that I think any one could sympathize with.
Pagan Spring is, in my opinion, the best of the series so far. As always, the characterization is excellent and the mystery well-plotted. I did know "whodunnit" well before the end, but hoped that I was wrong. There is quite a surprise at the end for Max and Awena; one that will no doubt give Max's Bishop fits, but I am confident all will be well. I recommend Pagan Spring highly for fans of the traditional British "village" mystery.
RATING- 4 Stars
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