Colin Watson (1) (1920–1983)

Although The Naked Nuns by Colin Watson is a mystery, it is also a very humorous story. We follow a feud that exists between two Flaxborough, England, businessmen, Harry Crispin and Arnold Hatch as they play out revenge scenarios on each other. As the revenge gets more creative we can see that their jealousy of each other could easily be leading toward murder.

Before the end of the book, we have anonymous letters arriving that speak of naked nuns and a murder, the deliberate sinking of a pleasure cruiser boat, an American Mafia gangster coming to the small town, and some elaborate mayhem during a Medieval Banquet, and finally, the discovery of a body. All that’s left is for the police to put all the pieces together and arrest the murderer.

Naked Nuns unfolds in a witty and funny manner. I didn’t mind that the murder didn’t happen until late in the book, I was enjoying the red herrings that the author set and being introduced to some strange and interesting characters. I have a feeling that I may have read this book many years ago as I knew pretty much from page one who the murderer was, nevertheless I found this book to be quite engaging and enjoyable.… (meer)