Although this is a cosy novel, the wit and sharpness in the author’s writing give it a vibrant, modern feel. The plot thickens as various well portrayed suspects are introduced, right up to the final denouement of this closely plotted novel. As he conducts his enquiries, he brings his expertise as a retired spook, to the aid of the young DCI Cotton, who is officially there to solve the case on behalf of the local constabulary. Max has a dark past as an ex MI5 operative. Wading in on the side of justice is local Anglican clergyman, Max Tudor, vicar of St. Set in the mythical village of Nether Monkslip, the suspicious death of the unpopular head of the local branch of the Women’s Institute starts a confusing trail of suspicion among the many well drawn villagers who abound throughout.Įveryone is under suspicion, adding to the growing paranoia of the local folk. Wicked Autumn is the debut novel in the Max Tudor series and a winning entry in the quiet English village mystery genre.Although the timeline is set in more recent times, the novel feels redolent of the 1970's in its portrayal of English village life. And despite what I thought I knew about Nether Monkslip and its inhabitants, I was surprised by the ending. As a result, the reading is a bit slower, but we get to know the people and places better. While Christie's plots moved swiftly thanks to her spare language and brief descriptions of character, Malliet describes people and places with more specificity. Where she differs is in her writing style. Just Mystery series novel Death of a Cozy Writer, and like Christie, she knows how to establish characters and setting, develop a fiendish plot, an unusual method of murder, and sprinkle the lot with red herrings among the real clues. Malliet is an Agatha Award winner for her St. Moreover, although the victim was not well liked, no one in the village seemed to have a strong enough motive for the murder. Unfortunately, since the victim was killed in the Village Hall which was open and not far from the Fayre grounds, anyone could have had access to the murder scene. Because of his background and his familiarity with the villagers, Max is asked to help the police with their investigation. While looking for peace after a traumatizing experience in MI5, his calm existence in the village of Nether Monkslip is interrupted by a suspicious death during the annual Harvest Fayre. As a former MI5 agent turned Anglican priest, he has a professional background that makes his investigative skills quite believable. While no one recognizes hidden evil as well as Christie's Miss Marple, Malliet's Max Tudor is no slouch.
That murderous intent exists in such a bucolic setting somehow makes the evil even more intense.
First, a confession: As an incurable Agatha Christie fan, I am immediately prone to liking a murder mystery that takes place in a small English village.
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