Recalled to Life (Dalziel and Pascoe)

"Recalled to Life" is one of the best and most challenging books of the Dalziel and Pascoe series and ultimately, one of the most enjoyable for the reader. The story revolves around the release from prison of a nanny involved in a 1960s sex/murder case involving A-list personalities in a manor house setting. The newly freed (and exonerated) woman creates a serious disturbance in the social and political equilibria which eventually leads to the entrance of the indomitable duo of Dalziel and Pascoe onto the scene. The story that follows is one of author Reginald Hill's most creative labyrinths yet. Another great strength of this Dalziel and Pascoe novel is its ongoing humor, which goes into high gear when Dalziel follows the crime trail to America and collides with American English and Southern cooking. Reginald Hill has no peer in mystery writing and his novels' characters are almost always flawlessly drawn and presented. He rarely insults or disappoints his readers, and with "Recalled to Life," he has only reinforced his reputation as one of the finest living authors of any genre practicing his trade today.

I think it's safe for me to say that this is my favourite Dalziel and Pascoe mystery since I began this series. That is saying a lot since I really have enjoyed each and every book up to this one. This one is a winner for me because of a number of reasons. The first is the humour that Hill displays throughout the book. It is actually "laugh-out-loud" funny. Some of the Dalzielisms are absolutely priceless. Secondly is Dalziel's trip to the States. This also crosses over to the humourous since Dalziel is really like a fish out of water in busy New York City. Thirdly, but certainly not the last reason, is that this is a really good story with lots of intrigue, mystery and a wonderfully tight plot. Dazliel has enlisted Pascoe's aid in attempting to prove beyond a doubt that Dalziel's old mentor was right with the way that he solved a case in 1963. So it is a Cold Case book, but it's different too since Dalziel and Pascoe are operating independently in trying to prove that the right person was hanged for a murder. And they have to do this while under the noses of what Dalziel calls the "silly buggers" or the spooks of the world who are so busy trying to protect ancient information that they will stop at almost nothing. As much as I loved this book, I wouldn't recommend reading it unless you've read at least some of the books written before this one since it would be difficult to follow and wouldn't put readers into the picture as the "world according to Andy" that is so wonderfully portayed in this book.

Reginald Hill's books on Dalziel/Pascoe make me laugh. One of the best things that can be said about any author is that they make you laugh! If they can do it while spinning a pretty good plot in the mystery genre, they have my admiration. Hill's cop-duet are an odd couple. I know the prevalence of 'odd couples' in mysteries has been done and overdone, but Hill brings a breath of fresh air to the genre with these two. I know I couldn't possibly stand either Dalziel or Pascoe alone through a whole book, hence they play off of one another to keep the reader interested and the plot interesting.Now granted, every once in a while Hill feels he has to authenticate his cops with language I would prefer not to read. But...having been around some military and a few cops, I would not be surprised if they do talk like this except around women and children. Hill's books have enough good writing to make up for the occasional lapse into raunchy language. This book combines not just a murder mystery but also incorporates a bit of the spy genre in here, as it involves both American CIA and British royalty in the murder. The plot becomes convoluted throughout the book since the people originally in the house at the time of the 'accidental' shooting not only do not stay in Britain, but they don't even stay married to the same people. It's a bit of a strain at times keeping people separated, but worth it.I got a huge kick out of Dalziel's visit to America, and much of the language. I always have wished I had the knack of someone like Dalziel, who is an older British curmudgeon, to administer dry, humorous put-downs...I am not sure if someone like him would make it in the 'real world' without more diplomatic abilities than he seems willing to be bothered with...so he really does need Pascoe to smooth things over and 'cover his rear'. A totally enjoyable reading...Karen SadlerUniversity of Pittsburgh

I love Reginald Hill's work and I think this is the best of the Dalziel-Pascoe series. The story centers around a woman convicted of the murder of her employer many years before, a murder for which her "accomplice" hung. The levels of mystery and the relationship of Dalziel to the murder kept me very interested, and Hill's humor comes through the sad and sordid plots and subplots.