Losing Ground

A reader can tell that this Catherine Aird book will be fun when the Berebury Preservation Society's motto is, "Rebel With a Cause." Catherine Aird has the best sense of humor and I've read her book repeatedly because I always get a chuckle from Detective Chief Inspector C D Sloan and pitiful Constable Crosby. They always get their man (or woman) but do it in such a way that much fun is had by all. First, an 18th-century painting is purloined and then, empty Tolmie Park goes up in flames. Since Sloan hasn't joined the fire department, we find out that the reason he was called was that a pile of bones was found in the fire. Readers will find red herrings flapping around on most pages -- just to keep the plot stirring. It isn't until the very end that a solution to the wild variety of petty (and not so petty) crimes becomes clear. Another winner for Catherine Aird.

very good service, did not expect the book to be in such great conditon...like brand new!

I enjoyed the book immensely. I found that I could not put it down once I had started. The characters are very well developed and the plot thrilling

In Tolmie Park near Berebury, a thief stole the eighteenth century portrait of the 4th Baronet Sir Filligee from the wall; the artist Peter de Vesey was a local Calleshire aristocratic portrait painter still well known in the region. Soon after the theft, arson occurred to the somewhat dilapidated yet majestic country house; before the roof caved in bones were seen. Detective Chief Inspector C.D. "Seedy" Sloan, assisted by Detective Constable Crosby, leads the investigation into what may be a homicide, but art theft and arson for sure. The two cops quickly learn that the historical house and property are part of a major dispute between developers and preservationists while a nouveau riche pop star Kevin Cowlick wants to buy the estate. Sloan wonders who would go so far as to commit arson. This is a fabulous English police procedural as Seedy works the case by following clues that lead to dead ends. The cast is solid, but it is the lead detective, his junior partner, and the estate make for a fine tale as the audience will obtain a taste of what is happening to the English historical properties. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the latest Calleshire whodunit (see HOLE IN ONE). Harriet Klausner