Martin Edwards – Carol's Notebook

Author: Martin Edwards

Martin Edwards was born at Knutsford, Cheshire and educated in Northwich and at Balliol College, Oxford University, taking a first class honours degree in law before qualifying as a solicitor. He published his first legal article at the age of 25 and his first book, about legal aspects of buying a business computer at 27; after thirty years as as an equity partner of his firm, he is now a consultant. He is married to Helena with two children (Jonathan and Catherine) and lives in Lymm. A member of the Murder Squad collective of crime writers, Martin was the longest-serving Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association since its founder John Creasey. In 2015 he was elected eighth President of the Detection Club; his predecessors include G.K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Agatha Christie. He is Archivist of the CWA and of the Detection Club and consultant to the British Library’s Crime Classics.

Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife is a clever mystery that I enjoyed but probably won't work for everyone. Six not-quite stranger, all down on their luck, are invited to play a murder mystery game at the remote Midwinter retreat over Christmas. The rules are semi-clear and the prize is "life-changing." The book invites the reader to attempt to solve the murder puzzle, but whether you sit down with pencil and paper while reading or not, the story is enjoyable. We end up with two mysteries, the one in the puzzle and, as is to be expected, one of the guests is killed. Of course, a snowstorm has left the retreat cut off. The Midwinter Trust employees seem to have their own agenda, too. The is a book that's definitely heavier on plot than characters. While all the characters are interesting and have a bit of personality, i never actually cared about them. Yes, I wondered who would get...

The Puzzle of Blackstone Lodge is set in Yorkshire in the 1930's. Nell Fagan is somewhat desperately trying to find a great story to get back in the good graces of a good London newspaper. She's on the trail of something possibly big in the small town of Blackstone Fell, looking into historic and modern disappearances as well as the local sanatorium. When she realizes the extent of her possible case, she decides to consult Rachel Savernake, our "amateur" sleuth. She is not 100% honest about what's going on however and Rachel dismisses her. Nell returns to Yorkshire to continue her investigation alone and with difficulty. Meanwhile, Rachel enlists some associates to look into the matters, too. It's a good story with a lot going on. The disappearances are a locked room mystery, but more of a sidelight to the main plot. We've got seances, dangerous caves, and a spooky tower, and Nell was right to be suspicious of the...

Author: Martin Edwards

Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife by Martin Edwards

The Puzzle of Blackstone Lodge by Martin Edwards