One of my favorites since it has the introduction of Polly - would have loved to seen more of her throughout the series. ( )

This was always a liked one, like em all series for me. Each installment feels similar, in a good way. This a "variation 2" so to speak - Jury and Melrose visiting elsewhere. Other variants being Jury in London with subplot in LP, or Melrose and the LP gang, with calls or subplot with Jury. Fun to revisit these from time to time. ( )

situational-humor, verbal-humor, law-enforcement, murder-investigation, friendship

Despite some of the aspects of the murders and attempted murder, some of the characters are the wackiest I've seen in a while! Of course there are dastardly ones, and the two coppers along with some of their friends, but it's the locals who will have you laughing yourself silly. Very enjoyable!
Steve West narrates it all without cracking up. ( )

Superintendent Richard Jury is called from London once again to investigate a crime in the country - an unidentified woman is found murdered with her fingers chopped off. Simultaneously, a young girl, Katie O'Brien, playing her violin for money in London's Wembly Cross is coshed in the skull, leaving her in a coma. Connection: the town Katie is from - Littlebourne - is the town that Cora Binns is murdered in. Richard Jury and Wiggins investigate while Melrose Plant gets to know the locals and aids in solving the case.

Each Grimes novel I've read features roles for small children, and this one is no exception. Miss Emily Perk is a 10 year old who sees and knows everything that occurs locally and aids both Melrose and Jury with Katie's "treasure map".

Another excellent, quick read. ( )

Not as good as the first two Jury novels--the ending doesn't make as much sense and the killer's identity really comes from nowhere. I actually didn't recognize his/her name (not going to spoil it for you!) and had to go back and reread so I could understand. ( )