Troubled Waters

Pollard & Toye #13

by Elizabeth Lemarchand

Superintendent Pollard and Inspector Toye come late to the case of young Edward Tuke. It is only after an anonymous letter cries murder, not accident, that the yard is called in, but the 'cold' case rapidly heats up as the search for the young American's mysterious origins stirs ancient secrets and uncovers a years- old murder in sleepy Woodcombe.

Genres: Mystery

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1984

Reviews

[Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent village cozy start off with an American visiting the tiny English village of Woodcombe for the first time and last time on the day of his death, victim of an apparent accident. Only when anonymous letters are sent to the papers suggesting it was anything but "death by misadventure" is Scotland Yard called in. Superintendent Pollard and Inspector Toye must sift through cold clues and interview witnesses who all seem to have something to hide. As she does in her other mystery novels, Elizabeth Lemarchand includes a map of the area, which is helpful on one hand because it helps one to follow Pollard and Toye as they delve deeper into the mystery; on the other hand, it does cause the reader to focus a bit too much on the immediate crime, just as Pollard and Toye do themselves in the novel. The author is very good in the art of misdirection, and proves how good she is in providing a satisfactory and unexpected ending.

[Barry Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

The death of Edward Tuke in Woodcombe and some anonymous letters sent to the local police so they decide to call in Scotland Yard. Pollard and Toye arrive to find a very thorough investigation had been carried out but no solution, can they see the wood from the trees in what had already been done.

[Dr. Pj Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well Written

It is a pleasure to read a well written mystery without grammatical errors and misused words. Characters are interesting and engaging. The plot keeps you guessing. Very good mystery series.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

Another exciting murder with lots of suspects and confusing events and alibis galore! Chief Superintendent Pollard and Detective Inspector Toye perform mental and physical gymnastics as this case evolves. Terrific plot and enjoyable performance by our super sleuths.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young man takes his first night anticipated trip to England only to wind up dead. There are a handful of suspects but very little motive.

A rather slow moving mystery. Plenty of suspects, but the whodunnit and why was unsatisfying. I did like the characters and o will read more in the series.

[P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit better than the last few P&Ts. More time spent investigating, less time going back home to London for no real reason, other than they could. The cover is entirely deceptive, and yet another crazy person done it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1980. 28 year old American Edward Tuke arrived in the village of Woodcombe searching his family history but ends up dead. But why and by whom. Weeks later Detectives Pollard and Toye are called in to re investigate.
An entertaining mystery

[Cynthia Grove · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, solid, pleasant story of the 1970s era (actually set in 1980 but the characters and setting are more of the seventies).
Possibly the plot line was a bit contrived and the denouement contains a questionable reasoning. Some of the characters were almost caricatures of types.
Still, a relaxing read. Have read better in this series but it did give me enjoyment.