Sky High

by Michael Gilbert, Unknown Author

For the villagers of Brimberley, the worst thing looming on the horizon is the chance of being outshone by the rival village choir of Bramshott—that is, until Brimberley’s lead tenor is blown up in his home by an explosion that rocks the whole community. While the police muster their forces, the motorcycling choir leader Liz enlists her ex-commando son and a retired general to help investigate the shocking murder. Together, they step into a case swirling with dark revelations from the Second World War, lurking parochial grudges, the local mystery of a burglar with a mythical reputation—and the identity of a volatile killer poised to strike again.

First published in 1955, this classic village mystery with lashings of spy fiction showcases Gilbert’s ingenious plotting, sharp humour, and ability to blow the reader’s expectations sky high through taut pacing and explosive twists.

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 10, 2026

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest installment from the British Libraries Classic Crime series and I have to say that I would hooked.

Now partly was due to how the author Michael Gilbert has captured the air of the sleepy English village and partly due to the dramatic way one of the victims is despatched (there are no spoilers here - he was blown up in his house).

I would say that I grew up in a shall English village in the 70s and there are so many familiar voices I recognise here - all the way down to the fact everyone knows not only each other but also their business too. This story captures a way of life that sadly no longer exists for so many reasons but which I look back with fond memories.

Then you throw in a fun mystery (and I love the snappy dialogue and the fact that all the characters have their strengths and avoid so many stereotypes as they) you have a fast paced story in a sleepy village - I applaud who found this story and bringing it to the collection.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable setting, nice characters and a nice build of tension towards the end.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly enjoyable read.

Gilbert is one of the post-War generation of writers whose more modern writing style make their books somewhat more accessible to today's younger readers.

A cast of largely likeable and more recognisable characters adds to the readability.

The plot line eeks out clues, in a timely fashion, and all combined these elements come together to form an engaging and engrossing story that keeps you guessing right to the end.

[Lady D · Rating 3 out of 5]

one of the better ones I've read

[Adam Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Michael Gilbert and I very much enjoyed. Good English village setting, so good well developed characters and a plot that kept me guessing.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Gilbert never disappoints!