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Richard Jury #2
The Old Fox Deceiv'd
It is a chilly and foggy Twelfth Night, wild with North Sea wind, when a bizarre murder disturbs the outward piece of Rackmoor, a tiny Yorkshire fishing village with a past that proves a tangled maze of unrequited loves, unrevenged wrongs, and even undiscovered murders.
Inspector Jury finds no easy answers in his investigation—not even the identity of the victim, a beautiful young woman. Was she Gemma Temple, an impostor, or was she really Dillys March, Colonel Titus Crael’s long-lost ward, returning after eight years to the Colonel’s country seat and to a share of his fortune? And who was her murderer?
Inspector Jury finds no easy answers in his investigation—not even the identity of the victim, a beautiful young woman. Was she Gemma Temple, an impostor, or was she really Dillys March, Colonel Titus Crael’s long-lost ward, returning after eight years to the Colonel’s country seat and to a share of his fortune? And who was her murderer?
310 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
748 people are currently reading
2016 people want to read
About the author
Martha Grimes
114 books1,454 followersMartha Grimes is an American author of detective fiction.
She was born May 2 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to D.W., a city solicitor, and to June, who owned the Mountain Lake Hotel in Western Maryland where Martha and her brother spent much of their childhood. Grimes earned her B.A. and M.A. at the University of Maryland. She has taught at the University of Iowa, Frostburg State University, and Montgomery College.
Grimes is best known for her series of novels featuring Richard Jury, an inspector with Scotland Yard, and his friend Melrose Plant, a British aristocrat who has given up his titles. Each of the Jury mysteries is named after a pub. Her page-turning, character-driven tales fall into the mystery subdivision of "cozies." In 1983, Grimes received the Nero Wolfe Award for best mystery of the year for The Anodyne Necklace.
The background to Hotel Paradise is drawn on the experiences she enjoyed spending summers at her mother's hotel in Mountain Lake Park, Maryland. One of the characters, Mr Britain, is drawn on Britten Leo Martin, Sr, who then ran Marti's Store which he owned with his father and brother. Martin's Store is accessible by a short walkway from Mountain Lake, the site of the former Hotel, which was torn down in 1967.
She splits her time between homes in Washington, D.C., and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
She was born May 2 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to D.W., a city solicitor, and to June, who owned the Mountain Lake Hotel in Western Maryland where Martha and her brother spent much of their childhood. Grimes earned her B.A. and M.A. at the University of Maryland. She has taught at the University of Iowa, Frostburg State University, and Montgomery College.
Grimes is best known for her series of novels featuring Richard Jury, an inspector with Scotland Yard, and his friend Melrose Plant, a British aristocrat who has given up his titles. Each of the Jury mysteries is named after a pub. Her page-turning, character-driven tales fall into the mystery subdivision of "cozies." In 1983, Grimes received the Nero Wolfe Award for best mystery of the year for The Anodyne Necklace.
The background to Hotel Paradise is drawn on the experiences she enjoyed spending summers at her mother's hotel in Mountain Lake Park, Maryland. One of the characters, Mr Britain, is drawn on Britten Leo Martin, Sr, who then ran Marti's Store which he owned with his father and brother. Martin's Store is accessible by a short walkway from Mountain Lake, the site of the former Hotel, which was torn down in 1967.
She splits her time between homes in Washington, D.C., and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 415 reviews
December 19, 2023
The Old Fox Deceiv'd is another nice cosy mystery from Richard Jury series. Each volume is named after a pub that has something to do with a murder, in case you were wondering about the odd title.
Richard jury is a Scotland Yard inspector who is assisted in solving murders by a bored lord called Merlose Plant. His aunt Agatha is a terrible woman but she is a good addition to the cast due to the banter between the two relatives. I also have to mention the hypochondriac agent Wiggins, although he is not that present in this volume. It was good fun but i think I preferred the 1st one. I will definitely read more from this series though.
Richard jury is a Scotland Yard inspector who is assisted in solving murders by a bored lord called Merlose Plant. His aunt Agatha is a terrible woman but she is a good addition to the cast due to the banter between the two relatives. I also have to mention the hypochondriac agent Wiggins, although he is not that present in this volume. It was good fun but i think I preferred the 1st one. I will definitely read more from this series though.
October 6, 2018
“Standard adult mystery” is the overlooked middle ground from which “cozy mysteries” and “suspense-thrillers” are measured: seriousness of plot, or sexuality or violence exhibited. The dividing line can be close, if a grim case and intelligent writing are diluted by banter. “The Man With A Load Of Mischief” showed enough promise for me to keep reading: if only Martha would remove her large tour of gossipy reactions that marred the first half. Melrose Plant’s aunt-by-marriage was a page-waster, in tedious superfluity that reduced the seriousness of the début.
“The Old Fox, Deceiv’d” sticks to the two key heroes, gives us an emotional dose of Richard Jury’s personal past and current home life, in which he keeps watch over neighbours who are nervous about crime. Melrose’s aunt only peeks into the novel and we plunge right into an unsettling mystery of the past, tying in a recent murder. The village patron’s ward disappeared years ago and a woman who returned is dead. Was it she, or a doppelganger? What became of the girl, herself? Every suspect is plausible enough to intrigue us and all do have secrets that it is enthralling to explore. This novel is firmly a “standard adult mystery” and hailing from 1982, does a fantastic job of discussing other moral topics. If a kid can do for himself at home and is monitored by neighbours: what constitutes child abandonment?
I leaped from three stars to five for this novel! Solving the case requires pieces from lots of angles, which the team divides & conquers. I do love the intelligently-incorporated humour; like Albert Wiggins having a “tablecloth of a handkerchief”! These quips do not stem the suspenseful flow but create personal viewpoints that make policemen relatable. If “The Anodyne Necklace” is the award-winner: I cannot wait to read it!
“The Old Fox, Deceiv’d” sticks to the two key heroes, gives us an emotional dose of Richard Jury’s personal past and current home life, in which he keeps watch over neighbours who are nervous about crime. Melrose’s aunt only peeks into the novel and we plunge right into an unsettling mystery of the past, tying in a recent murder. The village patron’s ward disappeared years ago and a woman who returned is dead. Was it she, or a doppelganger? What became of the girl, herself? Every suspect is plausible enough to intrigue us and all do have secrets that it is enthralling to explore. This novel is firmly a “standard adult mystery” and hailing from 1982, does a fantastic job of discussing other moral topics. If a kid can do for himself at home and is monitored by neighbours: what constitutes child abandonment?
I leaped from three stars to five for this novel! Solving the case requires pieces from lots of angles, which the team divides & conquers. I do love the intelligently-incorporated humour; like Albert Wiggins having a “tablecloth of a handkerchief”! These quips do not stem the suspenseful flow but create personal viewpoints that make policemen relatable. If “The Anodyne Necklace” is the award-winner: I cannot wait to read it!
November 22, 2015
Now I get it! While I enjoyed the first Richard Jury book and rated it 4 stars, I didn't quite understand why it was a favorite of my niece and her Mom, two of my mystery book buddies. I liked this for all the reasons listed in my review of the first in the series, The Man With a Load of Mischief. Those things I love in a murder mystery were amplified in this book #2 with none of the things that drove me crazy in book #1. How much did I like this book? I'm declaring this a favorite series!
Steve West's narration is perfect for the classic Brit battle of the classes that plays out in in Grimes's cast of characters.
On to book #3!
Steve West's narration is perfect for the classic Brit battle of the classes that plays out in in Grimes's cast of characters.
On to book #3!
May 16, 2022
I gave the first book 4 stars, this one was even better. Had me guessing until the end. I hope to get to book 3 later this year.
January 6, 2013
The Old Fox Deceiv'd is the second in Richard Jury series written by Martha Grimes. The setting this time around is in Rackmoor. Many years ago, Dillys March disappeared . Dillys was Colonel Crael's niece. She stood to inherit quite nicely, but in all those years no one ever heard from her.
Now, a woman calling herself Gemma Temple has arrived in Rackmoor. This woman bears a striking resemblence to Dillys. So much so, the Colonel Crael appears to believe it is Dillys.
However, the woman is murdered before her identity can be established. Scotland Yard is called in to help get to the bottom of things.
If Dillys was back, family and friends may have been knocked out of the inheritance they were counting on. But, not only that, some people still harbored jealousies and resentment toward Dillys.
I enjoyed the first book in this series so much. I just feel in love with Richard Jury. The secondary characters added charm and wit to the story and are equally likeable. Happily, we find Alfred Wiggins is still partnered with Jury and still nursing his health. Melrose Plant is also back giving Jury a sounding board and a little advice here and there.
This second mystery has quite a few surprises and twist in it. A very solid, absorbing and even atmospheric mystery. Having basically established the characters in the first novel, this second installment focuses more on the mystery and the folks in Rackmoor. However, this one did take on a darker tone, which is fine, but I did miss the charm and banter that was so prominent in the first novel.
Richard Jury didn't feel quite as vulnerable in this one. We still saw glimpes of his soft side,but Jury was all business in this one. Wiggins role was also slightly diminished. He was there but not nearly as involved as I would have liked him to be. But, the most glaring ommission was the absence of Melrose's Aunt Agatha. The banter between those two in the first novel was hilarious. Aunt Agatha does make an appearance, but takes no part in the investigation.
The murder mystery though was more detailed and quite cleverly plotted.
Overall a B-
Now, a woman calling herself Gemma Temple has arrived in Rackmoor. This woman bears a striking resemblence to Dillys. So much so, the Colonel Crael appears to believe it is Dillys.
However, the woman is murdered before her identity can be established. Scotland Yard is called in to help get to the bottom of things.
If Dillys was back, family and friends may have been knocked out of the inheritance they were counting on. But, not only that, some people still harbored jealousies and resentment toward Dillys.
I enjoyed the first book in this series so much. I just feel in love with Richard Jury. The secondary characters added charm and wit to the story and are equally likeable. Happily, we find Alfred Wiggins is still partnered with Jury and still nursing his health. Melrose Plant is also back giving Jury a sounding board and a little advice here and there.
This second mystery has quite a few surprises and twist in it. A very solid, absorbing and even atmospheric mystery. Having basically established the characters in the first novel, this second installment focuses more on the mystery and the folks in Rackmoor. However, this one did take on a darker tone, which is fine, but I did miss the charm and banter that was so prominent in the first novel.
Richard Jury didn't feel quite as vulnerable in this one. We still saw glimpes of his soft side,but Jury was all business in this one. Wiggins role was also slightly diminished. He was there but not nearly as involved as I would have liked him to be. But, the most glaring ommission was the absence of Melrose's Aunt Agatha. The banter between those two in the first novel was hilarious. Aunt Agatha does make an appearance, but takes no part in the investigation.
The murder mystery though was more detailed and quite cleverly plotted.
Overall a B-
October 7, 2018
I am so glad, after having discovered the Richard Jury series in the middle range of the books currently published, that I went back to the beginning of the series. I enjoyed #1, but I particularly liked this book, the second in the series. It had everything I like in a mystery: intriguing setting, surprising characters, good character and story development, very well-written and sometimes amusing interactions between the primary characters, some plot twists, a satisfying conclusion yet one with not all of the loose ends so perfectly tied up as to be unbelievable. Great reading anytime, but especially for a moody, quiet, gray day.
August 11, 2011
Why is an American author trying to write mystery novels about a Scotland Yard detective? The whole thing is bizarrely derivative, like bad fanfiction ("bad" because any decent fanfic writer from the U.S. who penned a mystery set in England would get a beta reader to "Britpick" it, i.e., flag and help them edit out any stray Americanisms. Martha Grimes hasn't done that -- and her press hasn't bothered to either -- so that every once in a while, you get these supposedly very English people saying whlly un-English things like "You had a Twelfth Night party, right?" or using terms like "sidewalk" and "parking lot"). Grimes supposedly spends (or spent -- this book dates from the 1980s) six months a year in England doing research for her novels, and the "research" shows through in the form of unrelentingly detailed descriptions of the narrow streets and clammy fogs in the Yorkshire fishing village where what passes for a plot mostly unfolds. The ponderous accumulation of minute detail about locale, cuisine (I like a good Scotch egg myself, but it's hard to escape the feeling that it and the various kippers, fish paste sandwiches -- which one character improbably selects to eat at a party even though she knows in advance that they "always" disagree with her -- bacon rashers, etc., are being flashed at us by way of credentials, to "prove" that the author knows her stuff about England despite being an American), hunting etiquette, the English procedure for getting a driver's license, etc., weighs down the novel to no real purpose: it's there to provide an opportunity for purple prose (as in the descriptions of the weather) and to shore up the supposedly "English" atmosphere of the book (which fails miserably when all the characters talk like Americans putting on an accent). Similarly, the author has her detective, Richard Jury, quote Vergil inappositely and for no apparent reason. Here the purpose is clearly to make him appear erudite and the product of a proper old-fashioned English education, complete with Latin and poems to memorize, but it doesn't work because the author herself isn't that sort of person, and doesn't know enough Vergil -- or enough poetry in general -- to make it convincing.
Similarly irritating, because stupid and ridiculous, is the moment when a character says of her mother, "She died young," and Jury responds "_The Duchess of Malfi_?" Yes, "She died young" is a line (or part of a line) from that play, but surely no one in their right mind, however steeped in English literature they might be, would jump to the conclusion that a person was quoting _The Duchess of Malfi_ when talking about their ACTUAL mother who ACTUALLY died young (and in the context of answering a policeman's questions, to boot). No one this out of touch could ever rise to be an Inspector at Scotland Yard, surely? Here as elsewhere, the puppeteer's hand looms far too large and ungainly over her obviously-cardboard characters.
The reference to _The Duchess of Malfi_ is presumably a tip of the hat to Agatha Christie (_Sleeping Murder_, which like this book features a 15- or 20-year-old "cold case"), from whom the various components of the murder plot, such as it is, are assembled (for most of the book it's fairly easy to forget that there's been a murder; we're so busy being treated to seemingly irrelevant conversations and plot threads featuring extraneous characters that go nowhere, not to mention the seemingly-obligatory-these-days existential angst of the detective, who mostly seems like quite a sensible bloke but out of nowhere will get a moody fit on where he gazes at himself in the mirror and wonders if he's really cut out to be a policeman, etc. etc.). Basically, a lady in a very striking black-and-white fancy dress is found dead, she bears a puzzling resemblance to the long-lost heiress from the manor house, there's a hunting scene (blood on the snow), a dramtic cliffside rescue, etc. etc. In short, a collection of cliches that never quite cohere into an actual plot, and a "mystery" that one tends to forget about from page to page, as the author never actually succeeds in creating any suspense about the outcome. What are they investigating, again? Oh, right.
Similarly irritating, because stupid and ridiculous, is the moment when a character says of her mother, "She died young," and Jury responds "_The Duchess of Malfi_?" Yes, "She died young" is a line (or part of a line) from that play, but surely no one in their right mind, however steeped in English literature they might be, would jump to the conclusion that a person was quoting _The Duchess of Malfi_ when talking about their ACTUAL mother who ACTUALLY died young (and in the context of answering a policeman's questions, to boot). No one this out of touch could ever rise to be an Inspector at Scotland Yard, surely? Here as elsewhere, the puppeteer's hand looms far too large and ungainly over her obviously-cardboard characters.
The reference to _The Duchess of Malfi_ is presumably a tip of the hat to Agatha Christie (_Sleeping Murder_, which like this book features a 15- or 20-year-old "cold case"), from whom the various components of the murder plot, such as it is, are assembled (for most of the book it's fairly easy to forget that there's been a murder; we're so busy being treated to seemingly irrelevant conversations and plot threads featuring extraneous characters that go nowhere, not to mention the seemingly-obligatory-these-days existential angst of the detective, who mostly seems like quite a sensible bloke but out of nowhere will get a moody fit on where he gazes at himself in the mirror and wonders if he's really cut out to be a policeman, etc. etc.). Basically, a lady in a very striking black-and-white fancy dress is found dead, she bears a puzzling resemblance to the long-lost heiress from the manor house, there's a hunting scene (blood on the snow), a dramtic cliffside rescue, etc. etc. In short, a collection of cliches that never quite cohere into an actual plot, and a "mystery" that one tends to forget about from page to page, as the author never actually succeeds in creating any suspense about the outcome. What are they investigating, again? Oh, right.
August 28, 2018
An enjoyable, entertaining, easy book.
April 11, 2025
Another excellent installment in the Richard Jury novels (though I much prefer the old covers to the new editions by far). This was a tricky who dun it, wherein they aren't sure who the victim is supposed to be, and there's numerous possible suspects for the killer. Jury and Melrose work together again, and I'm enjoying this pairing. I've already placed book three one hold at the library.
As such, the dog was the real hero of this book. 5 ⭐
As such, the dog was the real hero of this book. 5 ⭐
June 11, 2018
'"Sounds a right muddle", said Superintendent Racer after Jury had filled him in on the Rackmoor case' features on page 194 of this book. Never a truer word was spoken and the muddle continues right through to page 308 (the end).
Rackmoor is a north Yorkshire village where a murder takes place on Twelfth Night. The partygoers are all in fancy dress and it eventually turns out that the clue to the murder lies in the costumes and make-up that are worn. But it is a long and weary road to that conclusion with all sorts of seemingly unrelated incidents and pretty boring characters along the way. All of which make this a tedious and uninteresting read - I finished it just to see what was going to happen ... I needn't have bothered.
Sorry Martha Grimes but it was not for me.
Rackmoor is a north Yorkshire village where a murder takes place on Twelfth Night. The partygoers are all in fancy dress and it eventually turns out that the clue to the murder lies in the costumes and make-up that are worn. But it is a long and weary road to that conclusion with all sorts of seemingly unrelated incidents and pretty boring characters along the way. All of which make this a tedious and uninteresting read - I finished it just to see what was going to happen ... I needn't have bothered.
Sorry Martha Grimes but it was not for me.
May 10, 2025
I know I've rated this before, but my review seems gone? I'll just say this is a good sequel, better than I thought it would be and I will be continuing the Richard Jury series. 4.5 ⭐
December 15, 2018
The Old Fox Deceiv'd is the 2nd book in the Inspector Richard Jury mystery series by American author Martha Grimes. I have read 3 or 4 others in the series already but had decided in the past couple of years to start the series in order, hence now finishing #2.
Points about the series - Inspector Jury works for the Murder Squad in Scotland Yard and finds himself sent around the UK to work on cases; his boss Superintendent Racer is a bit of a flash and doesn't like Jury; Jury regularly gets assistance from his friend, Lord Melrose Plant which adds a nice twist; and the story titles all are based on a pub in the locale of the mystery.
So there you go. A young woman is murdered in the town of Rackmoor on the North Sea coast. Jury is sent to assist the local constabulary, in the person of Detective Inspector Harkins who is somewhat upset by having London assist. Jury is assigned Sgt Wiggins, a hypochondriac but who actually is quite helpful to Jury. Melrose Plant happens to be visiting the local Lord and instigates himself into the investigation.
The woman is purported to be a long lost ward of the Crails (the Lord) and showed up maybe to claim an inheritance. This puts Lord Crails' son in the frame as a suspect. Gemma (the victim) was dressed in costume for the annual party of the Crails, a costume loaned her by Lucy Siddon, who thinks that she might have been the intended victim.
Into this scenario arrives Jury and Wiggins. They find themselves in an interesting town peopled with fascinating characters; Lucy Siddon for one, young 12-year old Bertie and his dog Arnold, who lives on his own, seemingly abandoned by his mother and others who might have an involvement in the murder. (Grimes does have a way with child characters; they are intelligent, independent and interact fantastically with Jury).
The case is a slow burn, with Jury, Wiggins, Harkins and Plant interviewing witnesses and suspects. The case brings Jury back to London to find out more about Gemma Plant and also to find out more about young Bertie. It moves along nicely and then finishes with a splash of well-crafted excitement as the story reaches its climax. All in all, I love the humor, the relationships, the characters and the overall story. Grimes is a great story-teller and mystery crafter. (4 stars)
Points about the series - Inspector Jury works for the Murder Squad in Scotland Yard and finds himself sent around the UK to work on cases; his boss Superintendent Racer is a bit of a flash and doesn't like Jury; Jury regularly gets assistance from his friend, Lord Melrose Plant which adds a nice twist; and the story titles all are based on a pub in the locale of the mystery.
So there you go. A young woman is murdered in the town of Rackmoor on the North Sea coast. Jury is sent to assist the local constabulary, in the person of Detective Inspector Harkins who is somewhat upset by having London assist. Jury is assigned Sgt Wiggins, a hypochondriac but who actually is quite helpful to Jury. Melrose Plant happens to be visiting the local Lord and instigates himself into the investigation.
The woman is purported to be a long lost ward of the Crails (the Lord) and showed up maybe to claim an inheritance. This puts Lord Crails' son in the frame as a suspect. Gemma (the victim) was dressed in costume for the annual party of the Crails, a costume loaned her by Lucy Siddon, who thinks that she might have been the intended victim.
Into this scenario arrives Jury and Wiggins. They find themselves in an interesting town peopled with fascinating characters; Lucy Siddon for one, young 12-year old Bertie and his dog Arnold, who lives on his own, seemingly abandoned by his mother and others who might have an involvement in the murder. (Grimes does have a way with child characters; they are intelligent, independent and interact fantastically with Jury).
The case is a slow burn, with Jury, Wiggins, Harkins and Plant interviewing witnesses and suspects. The case brings Jury back to London to find out more about Gemma Plant and also to find out more about young Bertie. It moves along nicely and then finishes with a splash of well-crafted excitement as the story reaches its climax. All in all, I love the humor, the relationships, the characters and the overall story. Grimes is a great story-teller and mystery crafter. (4 stars)
November 9, 2008
i couldn't find a copy of this book at any of my local libraries so i ended up listening to it on tape (read by tim curry who did a FANTASTIC job and caused me to seek out other books read by him...i'm excited because he apparently did a lot of the richard jury books and his voice suits these wry brittish mysteries so well). anyway, i thoroughly enjoyed the reading, but it was abridged so i feel like i might have missed some further dialogue that would have made me enjoy the book even more. i love the relationship between plant and jury and there was very little time for interaction between them on the audio version. hopefully there would be more in the actual book. my mind also has a tendency to wander when i am listening to audio books so i end up zoning out and missing things. i am very much a visual learner :). regardless, the story was good and made all the more enjoyable by tim's great accents.
May 14, 2015
I loved Martha Grimes's The Man With A Load of Mischief and decided to try the second of her mysteries, The Old Fox Deceiv'd, which employs some of the same likeable characters in a similar English setting. Unfortunately, there were many, many new characters introduced so I suggest keeping a character list if your memory is poor like mine. I ran out of paper and patience after jotting down 21 bios without knowing who was to be important to the plot (turns out half my list were unimportant characters and some whom I neglected to list were important). There were lots of twists and turns, mistaken identities and humor to keep the plot moving but it never quite equaled her first book for me…and all that writing made my hand ache. Still it was good enough for me to try another, which I am about to do. So glad these witty little mysteries are still floating around used book sales!
March 5, 2025
A good mystery but not a great one. I like Richard Jury but Melrose Plant is a bit annoying. And the ending was completely satisfactory to me. I’m not sure I will continue this series since I have other similar mystery series I enjoy more.
April 11, 2020
This series grows on me - as well as the British vocabulary. I've never read books that needed an open dictionary by my side, as this series does. Since I'm more used to American English, idioms of the Brits are like another planet for me.
That said, I really enjoy this series. The plot is intriguing enough to make you want to keep on turning the pages, but what really grows on me are the characters: inspector Richard Jury, Melrose Plant, Sergeant Wiggins and of course, aunt Agatha. They simply liven up this series and make it a fun read.
That said, I really enjoy this series. The plot is intriguing enough to make you want to keep on turning the pages, but what really grows on me are the characters: inspector Richard Jury, Melrose Plant, Sergeant Wiggins and of course, aunt Agatha. They simply liven up this series and make it a fun read.
January 17, 2014
This British police procedural, the second in Martha Grimes’ Richard Jury series, is not only written in the early 1980’s, it takes place in that time frame also. Therefore, no cell phones, no computers, no Internet, and no DNA testing exist to speed things up or save the day. Our protagonist and his compatriots must solve the murder the old-fashioned way with paper and pencil, personal interviews, attentive visual observation, open-mindedness, logic and cunning.
The novel begins in a rather unique way. In the first 15 pages are 5 separate scenes. The first scene details the events a few minutes prior to the murder and the murder itself from the victim’s point of view. The second and third scenes detail the exact same time frame from the viewpoints of two other residents of the village as their time lines momentarily intersect with the victim. The fourth scene is the finding of the body and a nasty, bloody find it is. The fifth scene details the arrival of the local detective inspector who will have to, unwillingly, cede control of the investigation to Scotland Yard and Detective Chief Inspector (soon to be Superintendent) Richard Jury.
While the opening scenes may be quite dramatic, the remainder of the book is quite deliberate and convoluted. It is a cerebral walk through innuendoes, lies, secrets and past lives. Late in the book, finally picking up on one discrepancy in a minor character’s story, I got my first feel toward the murderer’s identity. And while I did get that correct, I missed the motivation completely.
This novel is also a walk through a northern seacoast village whose culture and language are a far cry from those of London, not only for the reader but for Jury himself. Both the dialect and the colloquialisms of the village culture gave me a rough time throughout the book. I finally gave up on the dictionary and simply read for general effect in those areas. While the dialect was somewhat capable of being decoded, the many references tied specifically to the sport of fox hunting and the thatching of roofs were practically impenetrable. It’s almost as if the author was being deliberately heavy handed, trying to show off to the reader and/or prove the depth of her research.
Locale aside, Grimes writes novels that are character-driven. Jury is not the stereotypical cop who bullies his witnesses and suspects; he is the cop who uses patience and research to quietly trip them up. He treats his coworkers with respect and knows how to shut up and turn the other cheek when respect is not an option. He is a man who surreptitiously helps those abused by power or neglect. And he is a man who hovers just on the edge of clinical depression. Wiggins, while a hypochondriac, has a penchant for detail and organization and is thus a useful sergeant for Jury. And Plant, the earl who renounced his title and who wants to be a detective, seems destined to become Jury’s best friend.
Grimes also writes novels that are character-based, rather than situational. The major characters of Jury, Plant and Wiggins have traveled from the first novel to this one. They are written in three-dimension, clearly drawn physically and intellectually, with more and more hints to their emotional makeup provided. Their experiences in the past novel significantly flavor their responses and interpretations in this tale, and they are appearing to become something of a team.
What Grimes does not write is action-adventure. However, this novel is not a cozy or a beach read either. The murder is violent and intricately motivated even if it is solved by brains rather than brawn. And Grimes makes the murder part of this novel a standalone situation – begun, processed and solved in one book with no major plot threads hanging on to fuel a future plot line.
However, even when cliffhangers are not involved, novels in a series are always best read in order. This series is no exception since previous situations are referenced but not explained. And, oh, by the way, when you have finished the last page of the book, go back and read those first 5 scenes again.
The novel begins in a rather unique way. In the first 15 pages are 5 separate scenes. The first scene details the events a few minutes prior to the murder and the murder itself from the victim’s point of view. The second and third scenes detail the exact same time frame from the viewpoints of two other residents of the village as their time lines momentarily intersect with the victim. The fourth scene is the finding of the body and a nasty, bloody find it is. The fifth scene details the arrival of the local detective inspector who will have to, unwillingly, cede control of the investigation to Scotland Yard and Detective Chief Inspector (soon to be Superintendent) Richard Jury.
While the opening scenes may be quite dramatic, the remainder of the book is quite deliberate and convoluted. It is a cerebral walk through innuendoes, lies, secrets and past lives. Late in the book, finally picking up on one discrepancy in a minor character’s story, I got my first feel toward the murderer’s identity. And while I did get that correct, I missed the motivation completely.
This novel is also a walk through a northern seacoast village whose culture and language are a far cry from those of London, not only for the reader but for Jury himself. Both the dialect and the colloquialisms of the village culture gave me a rough time throughout the book. I finally gave up on the dictionary and simply read for general effect in those areas. While the dialect was somewhat capable of being decoded, the many references tied specifically to the sport of fox hunting and the thatching of roofs were practically impenetrable. It’s almost as if the author was being deliberately heavy handed, trying to show off to the reader and/or prove the depth of her research.
Locale aside, Grimes writes novels that are character-driven. Jury is not the stereotypical cop who bullies his witnesses and suspects; he is the cop who uses patience and research to quietly trip them up. He treats his coworkers with respect and knows how to shut up and turn the other cheek when respect is not an option. He is a man who surreptitiously helps those abused by power or neglect. And he is a man who hovers just on the edge of clinical depression. Wiggins, while a hypochondriac, has a penchant for detail and organization and is thus a useful sergeant for Jury. And Plant, the earl who renounced his title and who wants to be a detective, seems destined to become Jury’s best friend.
Grimes also writes novels that are character-based, rather than situational. The major characters of Jury, Plant and Wiggins have traveled from the first novel to this one. They are written in three-dimension, clearly drawn physically and intellectually, with more and more hints to their emotional makeup provided. Their experiences in the past novel significantly flavor their responses and interpretations in this tale, and they are appearing to become something of a team.
What Grimes does not write is action-adventure. However, this novel is not a cozy or a beach read either. The murder is violent and intricately motivated even if it is solved by brains rather than brawn. And Grimes makes the murder part of this novel a standalone situation – begun, processed and solved in one book with no major plot threads hanging on to fuel a future plot line.
However, even when cliffhangers are not involved, novels in a series are always best read in order. This series is no exception since previous situations are referenced but not explained. And, oh, by the way, when you have finished the last page of the book, go back and read those first 5 scenes again.
December 21, 2022
I low-key loved this entry in the series simply because of the foggy coastal setting, with bonus ancestral manse with ancestral family posing decoratively on heavy wooden ancestral furniture. The plot however...
January 19, 2021
Major characters:
The deceased: either Gemma Temple or Dillys March
Colonel Titus Crael
Julian Craeal, his idler son
Olice Manning, housekeeper to the Craels
Adrian Rees, a painter
Kitty Meecham, the Irish bartender
Lily Siddons, seamstress, former 'cook's girl'
Bertie Makepeace, a 12 year old on his own
Percy Blythe, eccentric roof thatcher
Richard Jury
Melrose Plant
Sgt. Wiggins
Locale: Rackmoor, England, a coastal fishing village
Synopsis: Rackmoor is an isolated fishing village clinging to some steep cliffs. It feaures two pubs (The Old Fox Deceiv'd and The Bell), a church, and not much else. A woman has arrived in town claiming to be Dillys March, a long lost ward of wealthy Col. Titus Crael; and potential heir. Titus' son, Julian Crael, doesn't want anyone to share his future inheritence, and claims she is an imposter. There is some evidence - she seems to have a real identity of Gemma Temple of London; and some believe she has been coached to impersonate Dillys March.
Titus Crael hosts an annual Twelfth Night (eve of Epiphany) costume party. Gemma/Dillys lacks a costume, and borrows a mummer's costume from Lily Siddons. On her way to the party, she is stabbed to death as she ascends the steep Angel Steps. Lily claims that she was the intended victim, and the murderer mistook Gemma/Dillys as her, due to the costume.
Richard Jury and Wiggins arrive to investigate, and meet up with Melrose Plant. They find there is a history of tragic, accidental deaths in the village - Col. Crael's wife and other son, Lily Siddons' mother, etc.)
Review: Oh, this book just screams for a street map of Rackmoor. I tried to follow the layout in my head - no go - tried sketching it out, usually I can do that, but no. All those tiny streets and who lives where?
The setting of the foggy fishing village is well described, and seems very realistic and similar to those here in Maine.
I had been advised to read this series in order, and I see why. The characters from Book #1 are here and some more arrive. Aunt Agatha makes a short appearance.
An amusing episode is when Melrose Plant attempts to interview a prostitute, but she thinks he is a customer and continues to undress despite all his efforts to stop her.
Bertie Makepeace is a fun 12-year old, running the household on his own, and perfectly. Percy Blythe is an amusing old roof thatcher who ignores Plant but opens up wide to Jury.
I am glad my challenger friends turned me on to this series!
The deceased: either Gemma Temple or Dillys March
Colonel Titus Crael
Julian Craeal, his idler son
Olice Manning, housekeeper to the Craels
Adrian Rees, a painter
Kitty Meecham, the Irish bartender
Lily Siddons, seamstress, former 'cook's girl'
Bertie Makepeace, a 12 year old on his own
Percy Blythe, eccentric roof thatcher
Richard Jury
Melrose Plant
Sgt. Wiggins
Locale: Rackmoor, England, a coastal fishing village
Synopsis: Rackmoor is an isolated fishing village clinging to some steep cliffs. It feaures two pubs (The Old Fox Deceiv'd and The Bell), a church, and not much else. A woman has arrived in town claiming to be Dillys March, a long lost ward of wealthy Col. Titus Crael; and potential heir. Titus' son, Julian Crael, doesn't want anyone to share his future inheritence, and claims she is an imposter. There is some evidence - she seems to have a real identity of Gemma Temple of London; and some believe she has been coached to impersonate Dillys March.
Titus Crael hosts an annual Twelfth Night (eve of Epiphany) costume party. Gemma/Dillys lacks a costume, and borrows a mummer's costume from Lily Siddons. On her way to the party, she is stabbed to death as she ascends the steep Angel Steps. Lily claims that she was the intended victim, and the murderer mistook Gemma/Dillys as her, due to the costume.
Richard Jury and Wiggins arrive to investigate, and meet up with Melrose Plant. They find there is a history of tragic, accidental deaths in the village - Col. Crael's wife and other son, Lily Siddons' mother, etc.)
Review: Oh, this book just screams for a street map of Rackmoor. I tried to follow the layout in my head - no go - tried sketching it out, usually I can do that, but no. All those tiny streets and who lives where?
The setting of the foggy fishing village is well described, and seems very realistic and similar to those here in Maine.
I had been advised to read this series in order, and I see why. The characters from Book #1 are here and some more arrive. Aunt Agatha makes a short appearance.
An amusing episode is when Melrose Plant attempts to interview a prostitute, but she thinks he is a customer and continues to undress despite all his efforts to stop her.
Bertie Makepeace is a fun 12-year old, running the household on his own, and perfectly. Percy Blythe is an amusing old roof thatcher who ignores Plant but opens up wide to Jury.
I am glad my challenger friends turned me on to this series!
June 12, 2025
This is the second book in Martha Grimes, Richard Jury series.
I loved the wonderful descriptions of this location. It is once again winter, the following year, and Jury is being sent to Rackmoor, to discover a murderer.
He is accompanied by the wonderful Wiggins, a favorite character of mine. They must discover who killed a young woman, who's identity is unknown.
Melrose Plant is also there, visiting a friend of his father's. I must say the only part of this book i did not care for is the coincidence of Melrose Plant being in the same location as the murder. In further book's i hope this is not continued, it just seems to contrived.
The murder and their justification for their crimes was very well done.
I can't wait to continue through her Richard Jury series.
I loved the wonderful descriptions of this location. It is once again winter, the following year, and Jury is being sent to Rackmoor, to discover a murderer.
He is accompanied by the wonderful Wiggins, a favorite character of mine. They must discover who killed a young woman, who's identity is unknown.
Melrose Plant is also there, visiting a friend of his father's. I must say the only part of this book i did not care for is the coincidence of Melrose Plant being in the same location as the murder. In further book's i hope this is not continued, it just seems to contrived.
The murder and their justification for their crimes was very well done.
I can't wait to continue through her Richard Jury series.
April 3, 2018
Martha Grimes' Richard Jury detective stories can be read as stand-alones without missing a beat, but if you enjoy watching the characters grow and change with time and experience, I recommend starting at the beginning and following the series.
Richard Jury is one of the few fictional police detectives who isn't an alcoholic, given to tantrums or has shown any other serious character flaws. Jury is not perfect, either, just human enough to be interesting and, at times, inspiring.
Richard Jury is one of the few fictional police detectives who isn't an alcoholic, given to tantrums or has shown any other serious character flaws. Jury is not perfect, either, just human enough to be interesting and, at times, inspiring.
February 1, 2014
Not sure how much of it is too blame on the attrocious German translation but I didn't really connect with this book despite the engaging mystery and the interesting characters. I also was a bit confused because parts of it were quite light-hearted and others were quite dark, including most of the characters backs-tories.
Might give this series another try but not very soon.
Might give this series another try but not very soon.
September 5, 2020
A solid read.
Her second book and you see the books ahead. (Not too hard as I’ve already read most of them.) A child. An animal. A doppelgänger. A writer. An artist. Love lost. All the makings of an excellent story. Every time.
Her second book and you see the books ahead. (Not too hard as I’ve already read most of them.) A child. An animal. A doppelgänger. A writer. An artist. Love lost. All the makings of an excellent story. Every time.
May 11, 2019
This was a much better mystery than The Man With a Load of Mischief, although it is a very slowly developing police procedural. The author seems to want to show that, most of the time, the life of a detective is extremely routine and boring, collecting facts, interviewing people, many of whom didn't exactly see or hear what they report that they saw or heard, not to mention those who lie to conceal something that may or may not be related to the crime.
DCI Richard Jury seems to have great patience as he goes about his work, aided in part by the aristocrat Melrose Plant who happens to be visiting Colonel Crael of Rackmoor in , who owns most of the land that constitutes the village and its surroundings. (Thank goodness, Planck's irritating Aunt Agatha only appears for a short time early in the story.) He is also assisted by the amusing Constable Wiggins, whose allergies and colds never cease to plague him but whose insights and actions invariably surprise Jury. The village's characters are well-developed, and there are several plausible suspects among them. Jury's careful attention to detail gradually provides the necessary insight into the motive and means for several murders that take place in this remote little backwater in Yorkshire.
I listened to the audiobook; Steve West gives an excellent narration, giving distinctive voices and accents to the characters.
I needn't review the story in detail, which has been ably summarized by other reviewers, such as Julie. I look forward to reading The Anodyne Necklace, the next in the series.
DCI Richard Jury seems to have great patience as he goes about his work, aided in part by the aristocrat Melrose Plant who happens to be visiting Colonel Crael of Rackmoor in , who owns most of the land that constitutes the village and its surroundings. (Thank goodness, Planck's irritating Aunt Agatha only appears for a short time early in the story.) He is also assisted by the amusing Constable Wiggins, whose allergies and colds never cease to plague him but whose insights and actions invariably surprise Jury. The village's characters are well-developed, and there are several plausible suspects among them. Jury's careful attention to detail gradually provides the necessary insight into the motive and means for several murders that take place in this remote little backwater in Yorkshire.
I listened to the audiobook; Steve West gives an excellent narration, giving distinctive voices and accents to the characters.
I needn't review the story in detail, which has been ably summarized by other reviewers, such as Julie. I look forward to reading The Anodyne Necklace, the next in the series.
November 15, 2019
This is the second Inspector Jury book. I have read a few in this series, but this is the earliest I have read. I enjoyed it more than some of the later ones I have read. Richard Jury is from Scotland Yard. He is sent to a small village built into cliffs to help with a murder inquiry. It just so happens that his friend Melrose Plant is there visiting a colonel who owns an estate and hosts a fox hunt. Years ago a young girl came to live at the home and became the colonel’s ward. She suddenly disappeared, had been seen driving off and never came back. 15 years have gone by and she comes back, much to the colonel’s delight. But no one else seems happy about it. When she is found murdered it is also revealed that she was an impostor. Who was she and who could have killed her? - the colonel’s son, who may have seen the imposter as a threat, the housekeeper who blames the girl for mental problems in her son, the lady friend of the colonel who may see the girl as an impediment? The investigation takes Jury all around the tiny town collecting gossip about the real girl, and to London to track down information about the imposter. Melrose Plant, who I find to be entertaining as well as humorously insightful, helps Jury dig into the secrets in the little hamlet. Colorful local characters add flavor to the story.
November 28, 2018
A chill, foggy late Twelfth Night becomes infinitely scarier after a body is discovered in a most unusual spot in a tiny Yorkshire fishing village near the sea. And what a tangled web is woven! For instance, who is the murder victim, really? The cast of potential murderers is rather broad for such a tiny town. We get to know, and love, some delightful characters, and as the tangled web branches out we learn much of village secrets and odd goings on, some of which trace back through the years. And Melrose Plant is so charming, his charm exudes from the pages. He is also very clever, wise, and resourceful, and it's a joy to follow his trail of large tips through the streets of London and he pieces together his part of the puzzle. I had to practically hold my eyelids open to finish this one in the wee small hours, but it was well worth it!
July 18, 2018
Another interesting mystery with Jury and Plant with crisp writing and vivid scenes, with a spot of wit thrown it as well.
First Melrose had made quite sure that Julian would be going for his morning walk by offering to accompany him. Julian had given him the same look he might have used had Melrose offered to share his bath water. Walking for an hour on the moors (as Julian said he intended to do) when one could be sitting by a warm fire drinking Cockburn's Very Superior Port seemed to Melrose the act of a madman, but it would give him an opportunity to undertake his search.
First Melrose had made quite sure that Julian would be going for his morning walk by offering to accompany him. Julian had given him the same look he might have used had Melrose offered to share his bath water. Walking for an hour on the moors (as Julian said he intended to do) when one could be sitting by a warm fire drinking Cockburn's Very Superior Port seemed to Melrose the act of a madman, but it would give him an opportunity to undertake his search.
October 18, 2018
As he followed Wood, Jury thought: one disappearance, two auto accident victims, one in a mental institution, one drowned. One murdered. Rackmoor, for all its bracing sea air, didn’t seem the healthiest place in the British Isles.”
This is the kind of book you read while curled up on the couch under a cozy blanket with a steaming cup of tea. Just burrow down and enjoy the ride. Love this series. I think Plant outshines Jury! A great, atmospheric mystery!
This is the kind of book you read while curled up on the couch under a cozy blanket with a steaming cup of tea. Just burrow down and enjoy the ride. Love this series. I think Plant outshines Jury! A great, atmospheric mystery!
December 4, 2020
I´m really getting into this strange world. Very British in an "Ye Olde worldly" feeling. Infused with supporting characters that equally annoy me and then make me laugh out loud, so as to draw strange looks from passersby.
I´m a big fan of Wilkins to be Honest but almost all the characters are relateble and not just scenery to ignore. I have obviously found this series quite late, although it seems that the Pandemic of 2020 will end before Superintendent Richard Jury.
I´m a big fan of Wilkins to be Honest but almost all the characters are relateble and not just scenery to ignore. I have obviously found this series quite late, although it seems that the Pandemic of 2020 will end before Superintendent Richard Jury.
April 7, 2018
This is a difficult book to rate. It never really caught me like some mysteries. You know the type, the books that by chapter two you're committed to staying up all night to finish the book even though you have a job interview the next morning at 8 am.
The mystery was appropriately twisty. The characters interesting. It was overall good but a bit plodding.
The mystery was appropriately twisty. The characters interesting. It was overall good but a bit plodding.
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