Chapter and Hearse: And Other Mysteries

Catherine Aird is one of my favorite authors; I've read all of her books at least once. However, I've been having a hard time finding this particular book that is a group of short stories by la Aird. Some of these stories have just a very few pages and some are longer. Some are about the 16th century and others are of more recent vintage. Detective Inspector Sloan and his loyal partner, DC Crosby, are alive-and-well in some of these stories. One of my favorite quips, when Sloan decides not to contradict his boss, he reminds the readers that 'he's having a care for his pension.' These stories show just how extraordinary the author's knowledge of Anglican Church history, Shakespeare, the Bible, ancient English history really is. She's often witty and always intelligent in the cases she persues with the reader.

I have read a considerable number of Catherine Airds books and this is one that can be dipped into with ease. I have recently slated a fluffy unbelievable crime fiction book that has 26 reviews mostly good yet this far superior writer has as yet only 2. Just proves that life is not fair or is that discerning readers a too busy reading to write reviews? not sure what that makes me... If you value quality writing from an educated mind you cant go wrong with Catherine Aird

Most of the stories herein feature Aird's regulars: - Inspector C.D. Sloan (present-day policeman in the fictional county of Calleshire) - Henry Tyler (Foreign Office man, pre/post-WWII) - Rhuaraidh Mcmillan (Sheriff of Fearnshire in Mary Queen of Scots' day) All these characters are in roughly the same universe, just not the same timeframe. Fearnshire has figured in the background of a few Sloan stories, while Tyler's sister lives in Berebury. In short stories, Aird tends to use "how/why" rather than "who" plots. She's tricky, though; as with Sayers, a story may not involve a death, a death may not be murder, and a criminal may get away with it. I've arranged my discussion for my own convenience rather than to reflect publication order. 10 Sloan stories: An elderly patient supposedly had "A Change of Heart" about resuscitation; can Sloan uncover the truth? (Some of the same cast and issues as AFTER EFFECTS.) "Chapter and Hearse" The Assistant Chief Constable preparing a talk to the local historical society. Usual format: ACC requests Sloan's professional reaction, as though for a live case. "Dummy Run" A local petty thief, suspected of raiding the Horticultural Society secretary's vegetable patch, wants to press assault charges. Nobody on the Force - especially confirmed gardener Sloan - wants *this* case to go anywhere, so Crosby gets it. (Mostly exposition, via the sergeant's initial summary and Crosby's after the fact.) After Crosby mucks up a court case over confusion about what is and isn't evidence, Sloan gives him "Examination Results" in investigating an ongoing petty theft case at the Ornum Arms, on the very day they've had a bout of food poisoning. "Like to Die" (Sloan) Resembles the Christie story "The Herb of Death". Contaminated food was served at a birthday party at the expensive Berebury Nursing Home, and everyone got sick, but only the birthday boy died. How? (Lady Alice appears, but without any reference to the events of THE COMPLETE STEEL or her sister Maude, more's the pity.) "Preyed in Aid" Another academic problem: Leeyes' pastor has him debating sin and responsibility with a suspected criminal. "Time, Gentlemen, Please" Post-Cold-War, the secret services have been instructed to work more closely with the police (with a view to justifying their own survival). Now *they're* asking for *police* help in figuring out how the bad guys are passing encrypted messages. "Touch Not the Cat" - the only witness to the robbery and murder of old Mrs. Doughty (and whom her nervous relatives suspect might be her heir). "The Trouble and Strife" (rhyming slang for 'wife') A woman accuses her soon-to-be-ex-son-in-law of murdering her daughter, who abruptly dropped out of touch and quit her job, sight unseen as it were. Trouble is, the ex has vanished too, the house has been sold, and Sloan doesn't know where to start... "The Wild Card" Several credit card thefts have been reported to Sloan by local dignitaries, only to be hushed

This twenty-two story collection showcases one of the best classic English mystery writers Catherine Aird, whose skill in providing her audience with a somewhat witty, intelligent who-done-it shines throughout the anthology. The tales include ten great Detective Inspector Sloan stories with the usual help from Constable Crosby and guidance from Superintendent Leeyes (see AMENDMENT OF LIFE for a strong novel starring the unflappable English detective). Also there are three strong stories starring Henry Tyler of the Foreign Office and three sixteenth century Scottish police procedurals investigated by Sheriff Rhuaraidh Macmillan. The remaining six contributions display Ms. Aird's talent in various subgenres whether it is Foreign Service, historical or a contemporary police procedural. Title aside, CHAPTER AND HEARSE AND OTHER MYSTERIES is a superb anthology that fans of the author will appreciate and send newcomers seeking Ms. Aird's backlist.Harriet Klausner