The Wrong Man by Neil Richards, Matthew Costello Series: Mydworth Mysteries #7
Published by Lübbe Audio on August 13, 2021
Source: Purchased
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery
Length: 3 hrs 25 mins
Pages: 125
Format: Audiobook
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When young Ben Carter is found murdered in an alleyway one snowy night in Mydworth, all the evidence points to his best pal, Oliver. And though Oliver swears he is innocent, judge and jury are quick to convict the young man. But at the eleventh hour, Harry and Kat become involved, and aren't convinced. With just days left before Oliver is to hang for the crime, they investigate. With the clock ticking can they find the real culprit in time ... to save a life?
The Wrong Man is #7 in the Mydworth series. I don’t know that it can really stand alone. I think you’d miss too much about Kat and Harry’s place in the village, and honestly, they’re each short and fun so why not read them all? Actually, I listen to them. They are perfect for car rides, for walking the dog, for doing chores. The Wrong Man is interesting, has some twists and turns, but is light enough that doesn’t need your full attention.
It is almost Valentine’s day when Kat and Harry are asked to do whatever they can to save Oliver Brown who is set to be hung for murdering his lifelong friend Ben Carter. The problem is the evidence is overwhelming, and the execution is at dawn in just a couple of days. I really wish the wife would have talked to them earlier, but that would have taken away the tension the deadline provides.
Ben’s murder was a vicious one – obviously done by someone who had an issue with Ben. Also obvious was the fact that Ben and Oliver had been in an altercation earlier in the evening – one that would have come to blows had it not been for the police arriving. With no alibi, the murder weapon found at his home, and bloody clothing buried in his garden, Oliver is the only suspect. Kat and Harry, and several other townspeople, believe Oliver is innocent, but how will they prove it in such a short time?
This is a fast-paced, well-written story, with plenty of excitement and a bit of danger. I liked how “modern technology” helped solve the case. Kat and Harry are always a delightful pair. When I start listening to these, I kind of get on a role. You’ll notice I talked about one yesterday. I’ll also have #8 coming up tomorrow.
About Matthew Costello
Matthew Costello was born in 1948 and writes novels and nonfictional works as author and coauthor. Some of his books have been adapted into film versions and he wrote for some TV channels like the BBC. He also scripts and designs videogames.
About Neil Richards
Neil Richards has worked as a producer and writer in TV and film, creating scripts for BBC, Disney, and Channel 4, and earning numerous Bafta nominations along the way. He’s also written script and story for over 20 video games including The Da Vinci Code and Starship Titanic, co-written with Douglas Adams, and consults around the world on digital storytelling. His writing partnership with NYC-based Matt Costello goes back to the late 90’s and the two have written many hours of TV together and the best-selling mystery series Cherringham. Their latest series project is called Mydworth Mysteries.
I like plots where the sleuths have a deadline to solve the crime. It makes the author write tight.
I do think it can add to the tension.