What do you think?
Rate this book
Flaxborough Chronicles #11
Plaster Sinners
Sergeant Love is a sucker for a picturesque country cottage.
But he finds himself quite literally knocked out by the little bas-relief plaster cottage that’s on display at Flaxborough’s antiques auction. This pretty but rather crudely painted trinket mysteriously sells for hundreds of pounds having sparked a heated bidding war, while the Sergeant gets floored by a would-be cottage thief.
So DI Purbright, teamed up with a world-weary brother officer down from London, must dig deep into the dubious past of the local gentry, the laconic Moldhams, in their crumbling stately pile, to find out how the little plaster picture leads to a tale of heirlooms and murder.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1980
65 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Colin Watson
64 books29 followersColin Watson was educated at the Whitgift School in South Croydon, London. During his career as a journalist he worked in London and Newcastle-on-Tyne, where he was a leader-writer for Kemsley Newspapers.
His book Hopjoy Was Here (1962) received the Silver Dagger Award. He was married, with three children, and lived in Lincolnshire. After retiring from journalism he designed silver jewellery.
As well as a series of humorous detective novels set in the imaginary town of Flaxborough, featuring Inspector Purbright, Watson also wrote and later revised a study of detective stories and thrillers called Snobbery with Violence.
His book Hopjoy Was Here (1962) received the Silver Dagger Award. He was married, with three children, and lived in Lincolnshire. After retiring from journalism he designed silver jewellery.
As well as a series of humorous detective novels set in the imaginary town of Flaxborough, featuring Inspector Purbright, Watson also wrote and later revised a study of detective stories and thrillers called Snobbery with Violence.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 15, 2018
*4.5 stars rounded up. I've really enjoyed these old British police procedurals from the 70s and 80s that Farrago UK has been republishing of late but I'd have to say, this is one of my favorites thus far.
The mystery is intriguing. It starts off with poor Sergeant Love getting coshed over the head with an antique doorknob while at a public auction. Then the box of junk he was interested in goes for an exorbitant amount of money during the auction. What gives? Is there a hidden treasure there?
Fingerprints on the doorknob used as a weapon point to a London robber who has recently gone missing so an inspector from London familiar with the criminal journeys to Flaxborough to aid Inspector Purbright in his investigation. When the trail of clues point to a wealthy squire and his family, police can't avoid stepping on a few toes if they want to do their job.
Number eleven in the series has the same delightful blend of wry humor and intelligent investigation I've come to expect in these mysteries. There's an interesting look at British society of that era too. I'm so sad that there's only one more book to go in the series as author Colin Watson passed away in 1983. I've really enjoyed this series--quick, absorbing reads!
Many thanks to Farrago UK for the opportunity to read the books in this series via NetGalley for an honest review.
The mystery is intriguing. It starts off with poor Sergeant Love getting coshed over the head with an antique doorknob while at a public auction. Then the box of junk he was interested in goes for an exorbitant amount of money during the auction. What gives? Is there a hidden treasure there?
Fingerprints on the doorknob used as a weapon point to a London robber who has recently gone missing so an inspector from London familiar with the criminal journeys to Flaxborough to aid Inspector Purbright in his investigation. When the trail of clues point to a wealthy squire and his family, police can't avoid stepping on a few toes if they want to do their job.
Number eleven in the series has the same delightful blend of wry humor and intelligent investigation I've come to expect in these mysteries. There's an interesting look at British society of that era too. I'm so sad that there's only one more book to go in the series as author Colin Watson passed away in 1983. I've really enjoyed this series--quick, absorbing reads!
Many thanks to Farrago UK for the opportunity to read the books in this series via NetGalley for an honest review.
June 22, 2018
A Very English Detective Series
The investigation of why Lot 34 at the local auction attracted such high bidding leads to revelations of old family scandals and hidden wills involving the inhabitants of Moldham Hall and Twilight Close Home for the elderly. This well-crafted tongue in cheek murder mystery pokes gentle fun at Golden Age crime fiction with its blend of cozy English gentility and sinister undercurrents. Watson’s dry humour, inventive turns of phrase and colourful characters are wonderfully entertaining, and having only just discovered this author I look forward to happily working my way through the whole of the Flaxborough series.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley
June 25, 2018
Another delightful mystery in the Flaxborough Chronicles series. It's almost 40 years since it was first published but these stories have a timeless quality that preceded the gritty noir and psychological drama of today's crime novels.
This time round, Detective Inspector Purbright is joined by a London detective, Inspector Bradley, to investigate the death of a ne'er do well more used to committing crimes in Britain's capital than in a sleepy English country town.
His death was preceded by the victim's earlier attack on Detective Sergeant Love who was perusing items in an auction room when he was knocked unconscious by means of a well-aimed metal doorknob.
DI Purbright discovers that a plaster bas-relief depicting a picturesque country cottage is at the centre of the investigation which takes him to the Twilight Close Home for the elderly and the crumbling stately home of the Moldham family who, along with their lawyer (the wonderfully named "Rich Dick" Loughborough) do their utmost to obstruct the police inquiries.
Despite the tragic death of the London villain, this book will make you smile as Purbright and his London sidekick gradually pick their way through the various strands of this mystery, all the while coping with Chief Constable Chubb's worries that they may be upsetting some of the town's upper class.
Inspector Bradley's humour is as dry as that of Purbright and the two make a fine team as they puncture the defences of the pompous Moldhams and the actions of various "upstanding" citizens of the town who also seem set on preventing the detectives from discovering the truth.
It's a long while since I've read any of the Flaxborough Mysteries, but this book has definitely rekindled my interest in the series. A joy to read.
My thanks go to the publisher Farrago and Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
This time round, Detective Inspector Purbright is joined by a London detective, Inspector Bradley, to investigate the death of a ne'er do well more used to committing crimes in Britain's capital than in a sleepy English country town.
His death was preceded by the victim's earlier attack on Detective Sergeant Love who was perusing items in an auction room when he was knocked unconscious by means of a well-aimed metal doorknob.
DI Purbright discovers that a plaster bas-relief depicting a picturesque country cottage is at the centre of the investigation which takes him to the Twilight Close Home for the elderly and the crumbling stately home of the Moldham family who, along with their lawyer (the wonderfully named "Rich Dick" Loughborough) do their utmost to obstruct the police inquiries.
Despite the tragic death of the London villain, this book will make you smile as Purbright and his London sidekick gradually pick their way through the various strands of this mystery, all the while coping with Chief Constable Chubb's worries that they may be upsetting some of the town's upper class.
Inspector Bradley's humour is as dry as that of Purbright and the two make a fine team as they puncture the defences of the pompous Moldhams and the actions of various "upstanding" citizens of the town who also seem set on preventing the detectives from discovering the truth.
It's a long while since I've read any of the Flaxborough Mysteries, but this book has definitely rekindled my interest in the series. A joy to read.
My thanks go to the publisher Farrago and Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 21, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Farrago for an advance copy of Plaster Sinners, the eleventh novel in the Flaxborough Chronicles series of police procedurals, originally published in 1980.
Sergeant Love is at the auction intent on buying a picture of a plaster cast cottage for his girlfriend when, taking a final look at it he his hit over the head and suffers a concussion. While investigating Inspector Purbright is astonished to see the picture become the subject of a bidding war, finally being sold for £370. He promptly impounds it to investigate. He is joined in his investigation by Inspector Bradley of North London who has an interest in and knowledge of the chief suspect.
I enjoyed Plaster Sinners which is a clever mystery and a fun read. It is not, perhaps, one of the better novels in the series as the humour is not as evident and the situation less absurd but it's still cleverly done and quite engrossing. Mr Watson tackles the class division in this one with much of it centred on the upper class Moldham family. He nails their sense of entitlement and imperiousness when faced with impertinent questions and Chief Constable Chubb's resistance to any suggestion of wrongdoing on their part. It seems rather old fashioned in these more egalitarian times. The final solution is, however, rather jaw-dropping and worth the read.
Inspector Purbright finds a like-minded investigator in Inspector Bradley and they work well together, two smart middle class men fighting against their "betters", with Purbright going as far as to admit that the "patrician" but not very bright Chief Constable thinks he is a"cad".
Plaster Sinners is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Sergeant Love is at the auction intent on buying a picture of a plaster cast cottage for his girlfriend when, taking a final look at it he his hit over the head and suffers a concussion. While investigating Inspector Purbright is astonished to see the picture become the subject of a bidding war, finally being sold for £370. He promptly impounds it to investigate. He is joined in his investigation by Inspector Bradley of North London who has an interest in and knowledge of the chief suspect.
I enjoyed Plaster Sinners which is a clever mystery and a fun read. It is not, perhaps, one of the better novels in the series as the humour is not as evident and the situation less absurd but it's still cleverly done and quite engrossing. Mr Watson tackles the class division in this one with much of it centred on the upper class Moldham family. He nails their sense of entitlement and imperiousness when faced with impertinent questions and Chief Constable Chubb's resistance to any suggestion of wrongdoing on their part. It seems rather old fashioned in these more egalitarian times. The final solution is, however, rather jaw-dropping and worth the read.
Inspector Purbright finds a like-minded investigator in Inspector Bradley and they work well together, two smart middle class men fighting against their "betters", with Purbright going as far as to admit that the "patrician" but not very bright Chief Constable thinks he is a"cad".
Plaster Sinners is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
June 25, 2018
Sometimes I just want to read a "quiet" novel that I can relax with, maybe put down for a few hours without obsessing over getting back to it. Something I feel comfortable with. In fact, something like the books in this Flaxborough Chronicles series. This one has a surprising beginning where Detective Sergeant Love is just spending a little time checking out the items going up for sale at the local antiques auction when someone hits him on the head hard enough to knock him unconscious and put him in the hospital. Now that just ain't right! By the time Inspector Purbright knows what's happening there is a man being sent down from London to help with the investigation and the landed gentry has gotten all tight lipped about a burglary they never reported. What exactly are they trying to hide?
I thought for a long time this book would not even have a murder because it was doing such a slow simmer. Eventually a body does turn up but I will freely admit that I was totally at sea about what was really going on and didn't guess what the backstory was. This one is slow, relaxing and satisfying. Just the kind of book I wanted to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Farrago for a galley of this book.
I thought for a long time this book would not even have a murder because it was doing such a slow simmer. Eventually a body does turn up but I will freely admit that I was totally at sea about what was really going on and didn't guess what the backstory was. This one is slow, relaxing and satisfying. Just the kind of book I wanted to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Farrago for a galley of this book.
July 24, 2018
Forty years have passed from the first release of this story, yet it holds a timeless quality that harkens back to simpler days and times, fitting quite nicely into the mysteries favored by fans of classic British authors. Colin Watson’s facility with words combine with his sharp observations and wit and bring a story that is rich in character, twists and cleverness In this story, our intrepid DI Purbright is brought into a case due to his Detective Sergeant Love’s interest in a crudely constructed plaster bas-relief of a little country cottage, and his attack from behind when inspecting the trinket.
The trinket leads the investigation into the Twilight Close Home for the Elderly, and fingerprints on the doorknob that so aptly disabled DS Love lead to a well-known to authorities person of interest, and his death brings us Inspector Bradley from London to join in the mystery. Add to the mix of people and problems, the local gentry, the aging Moldham family and their solicitor, one “Rich Dick” Loughborough, all seeming to stall enquiries and a more than uptight Chief Constable Chubb, afraid of the upset caused the gentry, and the multitude of threads of inquiry, pointed observations and a few sharply delivered laugh out loud moments are a highlight here.
Characters come and go, full of subtleties (and some outright caricature-portrayals) with their own issues, opportunities and motives that lead our detectives on a merry set of enquiries, where everyone seems to hold one or more reasons to stall or steer the investigation into yet another direction. A bit of an us v them story, especially with Chubb and the Moldham’s as the clear adversaries in the detectives’ search for the truth, the story is classic Watson: twists, observations, sly asides and multiple threads and leads all coming together to form a clear picture of a murder – motivations included, as you enjoy every step of the unraveling.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
The trinket leads the investigation into the Twilight Close Home for the Elderly, and fingerprints on the doorknob that so aptly disabled DS Love lead to a well-known to authorities person of interest, and his death brings us Inspector Bradley from London to join in the mystery. Add to the mix of people and problems, the local gentry, the aging Moldham family and their solicitor, one “Rich Dick” Loughborough, all seeming to stall enquiries and a more than uptight Chief Constable Chubb, afraid of the upset caused the gentry, and the multitude of threads of inquiry, pointed observations and a few sharply delivered laugh out loud moments are a highlight here.
Characters come and go, full of subtleties (and some outright caricature-portrayals) with their own issues, opportunities and motives that lead our detectives on a merry set of enquiries, where everyone seems to hold one or more reasons to stall or steer the investigation into yet another direction. A bit of an us v them story, especially with Chubb and the Moldham’s as the clear adversaries in the detectives’ search for the truth, the story is classic Watson: twists, observations, sly asides and multiple threads and leads all coming together to form a clear picture of a murder – motivations included, as you enjoy every step of the unraveling.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
June 24, 2018
Plaster Sinners is another Colin Watson gem.
This time, after Sgt. Sidney Love is slugged at an antiques auction, a rather Golden Age plot emerges (and is slyly winked at by Watson) involving the local "squire" and his family, long-lost jewels, dodgy inheritances and so on. It's terrifically enjoyable, with Watson's trademark wry humour and penetratingly sharp characterisation.
This is perhaps more of a detective mystery and slightly less of a farcical comedy than some of Watson's others, but it's none the worse for that. There's an excellent visiting Inspector from London and even the almost total absence of Miss Lucilla Teatime doesn’t dim the book's charm. There's plenty of barbed social comment under the charm, too, with Watson having some very well-aimed swipes at the attitudes of the arrogant and privileged to others, including the police.
In short, this is a very good Colin Watson book, which is among the highest praise I can offer. Very warmly recommended.
(My thanks to Farrago for an ARC via NetGalley.)
This time, after Sgt. Sidney Love is slugged at an antiques auction, a rather Golden Age plot emerges (and is slyly winked at by Watson) involving the local "squire" and his family, long-lost jewels, dodgy inheritances and so on. It's terrifically enjoyable, with Watson's trademark wry humour and penetratingly sharp characterisation.
This is perhaps more of a detective mystery and slightly less of a farcical comedy than some of Watson's others, but it's none the worse for that. There's an excellent visiting Inspector from London and even the almost total absence of Miss Lucilla Teatime doesn’t dim the book's charm. There's plenty of barbed social comment under the charm, too, with Watson having some very well-aimed swipes at the attitudes of the arrogant and privileged to others, including the police.
In short, this is a very good Colin Watson book, which is among the highest praise I can offer. Very warmly recommended.
(My thanks to Farrago for an ARC via NetGalley.)
November 10, 2021
Fabulous.
A smile on every page.
A smile on every page.
July 2, 2008
Wandering around in Wormhole Books in Belgrave South last Saturday, you have no idea how pleased I was to find a copy of Plaster Sinners by Colin Watson. This is the last of his 13 Flaxborough novels that I've been looking for for such a long time.
Colin Watson is one of the great under-appreciated and discussed British Writers as far as I'm concerned. His Flaxborough Series, written between the late 1950's and 1980 (he died in 1982) are a magnificent example of the slightly cheeky, irreverant but never scorning, school of the ever so slightly absurb Crime Fiction.
The entire set is:
Coffin, Scarcely Used (1958)
Bump in the Night (1960)
Hopjoy Was Here (1962)
Lonelyheart 4122 (1967)
Charity Ends at Home (1968)
Flaxborough Chronicle (1969)
The Flaxborough Crab aka Just What the Doctor Ordered (1969)
Broomsticks Over Flaxborough aka Kissing Covens (1972)
The Naked Nuns aka Six Nuns and a Shotgun (1975)
One Man's Meat aka It Shouldn't Happen to a Dog (1975)
Blue Murder (1979)
Plaster Sinners (1980)
Whatever's Been Going on at Mumblesby? (1982)
All of them are fantastic, witty, slightly silly, but ultimately sound mysteries with a strong plot and engaging characters.
Plaster Sinners is the tale of poor Detective Sargeant Sidney Love, an amiable sort of a policeman, and the mystery of why, when all he was doing was attending the local antique auction, somebody should take it upon themselves to hit him over the head with a doorknob. At the time he was simply appraising Lot Thirty-Four - comprising two golf balls, an LMS railway tumbler, an old meat mincer, two decanter stoppers, a soap dish and a moulded relief of a cottage entitled "At the End of Life's Lane". Enquiring minds, in the shape of Inspector Purbright, are also somewhat exercised when the same lot is keenly pursued at the auction by the local Gentry, a solicitor and a stranger who promptly take the bidding to the princely sum of 400 pounds.
For a marvellous essay on Colin Watson's books have a look at: http://lifeloom.com/I4EwenerWatsonR.htm
And if you've never read any of his wonderful novels, well, rectify that as soon as you possibly can.
Colin Watson is one of the great under-appreciated and discussed British Writers as far as I'm concerned. His Flaxborough Series, written between the late 1950's and 1980 (he died in 1982) are a magnificent example of the slightly cheeky, irreverant but never scorning, school of the ever so slightly absurb Crime Fiction.
The entire set is:
Coffin, Scarcely Used (1958)
Bump in the Night (1960)
Hopjoy Was Here (1962)
Lonelyheart 4122 (1967)
Charity Ends at Home (1968)
Flaxborough Chronicle (1969)
The Flaxborough Crab aka Just What the Doctor Ordered (1969)
Broomsticks Over Flaxborough aka Kissing Covens (1972)
The Naked Nuns aka Six Nuns and a Shotgun (1975)
One Man's Meat aka It Shouldn't Happen to a Dog (1975)
Blue Murder (1979)
Plaster Sinners (1980)
Whatever's Been Going on at Mumblesby? (1982)
All of them are fantastic, witty, slightly silly, but ultimately sound mysteries with a strong plot and engaging characters.
Plaster Sinners is the tale of poor Detective Sargeant Sidney Love, an amiable sort of a policeman, and the mystery of why, when all he was doing was attending the local antique auction, somebody should take it upon themselves to hit him over the head with a doorknob. At the time he was simply appraising Lot Thirty-Four - comprising two golf balls, an LMS railway tumbler, an old meat mincer, two decanter stoppers, a soap dish and a moulded relief of a cottage entitled "At the End of Life's Lane". Enquiring minds, in the shape of Inspector Purbright, are also somewhat exercised when the same lot is keenly pursued at the auction by the local Gentry, a solicitor and a stranger who promptly take the bidding to the princely sum of 400 pounds.
For a marvellous essay on Colin Watson's books have a look at: http://lifeloom.com/I4EwenerWatsonR.htm
And if you've never read any of his wonderful novels, well, rectify that as soon as you possibly can.
June 20, 2018
Sergeant Sidney Love has some time before he's scheduled to go to work, so he stops at an auction. While there he sees a box of supposed junk items, and among them is a plaster cast of a little cottage. Sergeant Love thinks his young lady would enjoy this, and he's decided to bid on the lot. But while standing there he doesn't notice the man right behind him, the one who has a heavy doorknob in his hand. He also doesn't notice when the man hits him in the back of the head with the knob, sending him straight to the floor.
While unconscious, the man attempts to remove the plaster picture from Sid's hands, which are underneath his body, but is unable to do so. Upon waking, he realizes that no one has seen anyone about. An ambulance is sent for, and they don't take him seriously when he tells him he's a police officer nor that some unknown person hit him.
While at the hospital, he is visited by Detective Inspector Purbright, who takes the matter very seriously. After getting the details from Sergeant Love, he decides to visit the auction himself and tells someone there that they are not to release the contents of this lot, regardless of the purchaser. He is surprised when the bidding tops nearly 400 pounds.
Once he discovers who the fingerprints on the knob belong to, things get even more interesting. And when a detective inspector from London arrives because he knows of the attacker, the story becomes even more bizarre as they start digging into the origins of the box of rubbish. When a body turns up in the river that is connected to the case, Purbright finds that he now has a murder on his hands as well...
This book is another delightful entry in the Flaxborough Chronicles written by Colin Watson. It is quite as involved as all the others, and we are given bits and pieces throughout the story that all eventually connect to each other. Purbright is always enjoyable to read about and I love the methods he uses while solving a case.
We follow Purbright and crew as they dig into the reasons why anyone would be interested in a cheap plaster cast of a cottage. What we come away with is the fact that all is not what it seems, and someone was - and still is - willing to do whatever it takes to keep the cottage in the hands it was intentionally meant for.
The mystery itself was a tight one, with all the threads weaving together nicely at the end. It is always fascinating to see the means people will go to in order to keep their secrets hidden, and makes me grateful that I will never know any like this group of miscreants. Recommended.
While unconscious, the man attempts to remove the plaster picture from Sid's hands, which are underneath his body, but is unable to do so. Upon waking, he realizes that no one has seen anyone about. An ambulance is sent for, and they don't take him seriously when he tells him he's a police officer nor that some unknown person hit him.
While at the hospital, he is visited by Detective Inspector Purbright, who takes the matter very seriously. After getting the details from Sergeant Love, he decides to visit the auction himself and tells someone there that they are not to release the contents of this lot, regardless of the purchaser. He is surprised when the bidding tops nearly 400 pounds.
Once he discovers who the fingerprints on the knob belong to, things get even more interesting. And when a detective inspector from London arrives because he knows of the attacker, the story becomes even more bizarre as they start digging into the origins of the box of rubbish. When a body turns up in the river that is connected to the case, Purbright finds that he now has a murder on his hands as well...
This book is another delightful entry in the Flaxborough Chronicles written by Colin Watson. It is quite as involved as all the others, and we are given bits and pieces throughout the story that all eventually connect to each other. Purbright is always enjoyable to read about and I love the methods he uses while solving a case.
We follow Purbright and crew as they dig into the reasons why anyone would be interested in a cheap plaster cast of a cottage. What we come away with is the fact that all is not what it seems, and someone was - and still is - willing to do whatever it takes to keep the cottage in the hands it was intentionally meant for.
The mystery itself was a tight one, with all the threads weaving together nicely at the end. It is always fascinating to see the means people will go to in order to keep their secrets hidden, and makes me grateful that I will never know any like this group of miscreants. Recommended.
October 9, 2018
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Plaster Sinners is the 11th Flaxborough mystery by Colin Watson. Released 12th July, 2018 by Farrago, it's 160 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats. This edition is a reformatting and re-release of Watson's original from 1980. For a book which is almost 40 years old, the wordplay is still droll and quite amusing.
As in all of the (highly recommended) books in this series, Colin Watson manages to skewer English village life. His characters are well drawn and humorous. And yes, this book is ridiculous, none of it would fly in real life, but it really works as a funny mystery/procedural. As with the other books in the series, puns and wordplay get a starring role. It's well worth reading and savoring this series slowly to enjoy the masterful writing. Colin Watson had a rare talent, and it's a joy to be able to revisit Flaxborough.
Five stars. I'm a bit sad that there's just one more book in the series.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Plaster Sinners is the 11th Flaxborough mystery by Colin Watson. Released 12th July, 2018 by Farrago, it's 160 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats. This edition is a reformatting and re-release of Watson's original from 1980. For a book which is almost 40 years old, the wordplay is still droll and quite amusing.
As in all of the (highly recommended) books in this series, Colin Watson manages to skewer English village life. His characters are well drawn and humorous. And yes, this book is ridiculous, none of it would fly in real life, but it really works as a funny mystery/procedural. As with the other books in the series, puns and wordplay get a starring role. It's well worth reading and savoring this series slowly to enjoy the masterful writing. Colin Watson had a rare talent, and it's a joy to be able to revisit Flaxborough.
Five stars. I'm a bit sad that there's just one more book in the series.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
July 1, 2018
Sid Love, faithful constable, is perusing items at a local auction when he is hit from behind and no one sees his assailant. While poor Sid is rushed to the hospital, the auction goes on without him and the lot he was interested in sells for an incredible amount. What is it about the last few belongings of a recently deceased resident of the local retirement home that can cause such interest and violence?
Inspector Purbright must delve into the affairs of some of the local gentry, which always makes his Chief a bit anxious. Chief Constable Chubb has a great respect for tradition and treating the landed folk of the area with kid gloves, which makes it more difficult for Purbright and the rest of the force to investigate.
It seems that the plaster scene painted during therapy at the retirement home holds some sort of secret. Why are the folks up at the hall hiding the fact of a break-in? How did a stranger who was at the auction wind up dead in the lock? And how could a retiree, the local gentry, and a petty thief have anything in common? Purbright will have to delve back into Flaxborough history to find the roots of this mystery and the identity of the mysterious thief.
As usual, the characters of Flaxborough all play various parts in solving the mystery. Sergeant Malley's knowledge of the local residents and village history is very helpful. Miss Teatime shows up briefly at the auction. And loyal retainer Benton, up at the hall, provides a few tidbits, too.
These mysteries are carefully constructed so that everything dovetails neatly in the end, but readers must be patient with the slower speed of investigations set in a time before internet, CCTV, and other modern conveniences. Recommended for lovers of cozy mysteries in historical settings. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Inspector Purbright must delve into the affairs of some of the local gentry, which always makes his Chief a bit anxious. Chief Constable Chubb has a great respect for tradition and treating the landed folk of the area with kid gloves, which makes it more difficult for Purbright and the rest of the force to investigate.
It seems that the plaster scene painted during therapy at the retirement home holds some sort of secret. Why are the folks up at the hall hiding the fact of a break-in? How did a stranger who was at the auction wind up dead in the lock? And how could a retiree, the local gentry, and a petty thief have anything in common? Purbright will have to delve back into Flaxborough history to find the roots of this mystery and the identity of the mysterious thief.
As usual, the characters of Flaxborough all play various parts in solving the mystery. Sergeant Malley's knowledge of the local residents and village history is very helpful. Miss Teatime shows up briefly at the auction. And loyal retainer Benton, up at the hall, provides a few tidbits, too.
These mysteries are carefully constructed so that everything dovetails neatly in the end, but readers must be patient with the slower speed of investigations set in a time before internet, CCTV, and other modern conveniences. Recommended for lovers of cozy mysteries in historical settings. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
July 28, 2018
I am quite fond of this charming and humorous British constable in a village mysteries. They are intelligently written and great fun. I have read several and they all do fine as standalones.
This adventure begins innocently enough when a local policeman takes a liking to a small plaster cottage at an antique sale. But then things begin to be odd: someone bashes the cop on the head hard enough to knock him out and then the worthless tray of geegaws he was looking at inexplicably sells at auction for several hundred pounds. What is going on?
Soon local Detective Inspector Purbright is joined by a London detective, Inspector Bradley. They are both very bright and very funny and make an entertaining team as they try and sort through old secrets, nursing home shenanigans, attempted burglary, and some very unique characters -- and of course, a murder.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I am happy to see these books in print.
This adventure begins innocently enough when a local policeman takes a liking to a small plaster cottage at an antique sale. But then things begin to be odd: someone bashes the cop on the head hard enough to knock him out and then the worthless tray of geegaws he was looking at inexplicably sells at auction for several hundred pounds. What is going on?
Soon local Detective Inspector Purbright is joined by a London detective, Inspector Bradley. They are both very bright and very funny and make an entertaining team as they try and sort through old secrets, nursing home shenanigans, attempted burglary, and some very unique characters -- and of course, a murder.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I am happy to see these books in print.
July 13, 2018
Plaster Sinners is another fun Flaxborough romp!
Detective Sergeant Love is coshed on the head while inspecting a plaster cottage bas-relief. Later, the item is sold for an astonishingly high 370 pounds. Suspecting something shady, Inspector Purbright investigates.
This is the eleventh book in the series of twelve. The characters are well-defined and the plots just keep getting better. The humor is more apparent in this series entry. It is a good choice for readers looking for a village cozy mystery that moves at a rather slow pace. The characters are the star here. 4 stars!
Plaster Sinners is set in rural England in the 1970s. If you’re not British, I would recommend reading this on an eReader to make it easy to look up unusual words.
Thanks to the publisher, Farrago, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
Detective Sergeant Love is coshed on the head while inspecting a plaster cottage bas-relief. Later, the item is sold for an astonishingly high 370 pounds. Suspecting something shady, Inspector Purbright investigates.
This is the eleventh book in the series of twelve. The characters are well-defined and the plots just keep getting better. The humor is more apparent in this series entry. It is a good choice for readers looking for a village cozy mystery that moves at a rather slow pace. The characters are the star here. 4 stars!
Plaster Sinners is set in rural England in the 1970s. If you’re not British, I would recommend reading this on an eReader to make it easy to look up unusual words.
Thanks to the publisher, Farrago, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
June 20, 2018
Whiffs of melancholy and faded grandeur hang about this penultimate novel in the Flaxborough series.
There are secrets to be uncovered both in Twilight Close, a home for the elderly, and at Moldham Hall, the home of the local squire. Secrets so important that they lead to murder.
Why was there such interest at the local auction in an uninspired plaster plaque of a country cottage? How is a very incompetent London burglar involved in it all?
With the aid of Inspector Bradley from London, and despite the attempts of various seemingly
respectable local worthies to impede him, Purbright works it all out.
This was not laugh-out-loud funny, but did have its wry and tongue-in-cheek moments.
3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Farrago for the digital ARC.
There are secrets to be uncovered both in Twilight Close, a home for the elderly, and at Moldham Hall, the home of the local squire. Secrets so important that they lead to murder.
Why was there such interest at the local auction in an uninspired plaster plaque of a country cottage? How is a very incompetent London burglar involved in it all?
With the aid of Inspector Bradley from London, and despite the attempts of various seemingly
respectable local worthies to impede him, Purbright works it all out.
This was not laugh-out-loud funny, but did have its wry and tongue-in-cheek moments.
3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Farrago for the digital ARC.
July 10, 2018
I’m a big fan of the series, but not of this particular installment. The characters and dialog are wonderful as always. Watson writes with a dry wit and if you read too fast, you’ll miss some great lines. “Returning” to Flaxborough and the quirky citizens who reside there is always a joy.
The plot of this book, however, I found to be very slow and not very engaging. An inexplicable murder, a jewelry theft, family secrets within an established Flaxborough family all come together, but for me, at a much different pace than the other books. It’s not a bad book by any means, and I see that a good number of people liked this much more than I did, but for me, there are others in the series that were more enjoyable.
The plot of this book, however, I found to be very slow and not very engaging. An inexplicable murder, a jewelry theft, family secrets within an established Flaxborough family all come together, but for me, at a much different pace than the other books. It’s not a bad book by any means, and I see that a good number of people liked this much more than I did, but for me, there are others in the series that were more enjoyable.
July 12, 2018
For me, this was one of the best books in the Flaxborough Mystery series. Murder of a villain always left some sort of dilemma. A villain is a villain, but a murder is also a murder. Like it or not, murder to anybody needs to be investigated. Ideally, police could not choose which one to be investigated. Understandably, people tend to don’t care, or even unsupportive, to a villain’s murder investigation. Following DI Purbright and his partner from London in their attempt to solve the case was enlightening and humorous at times.
It really was a very enjoyable read. Hope the next (and last) book in the series would be at least as good as this one.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher through NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
It really was a very enjoyable read. Hope the next (and last) book in the series would be at least as good as this one.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher through NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
July 19, 2019
I enjoyed the subtle change in the Plaster Sinners instalment of the delightful Flaxborough Chronicles. It's much less of a romp than some of the others - perhaps even a sad book - but still the same wry humour and painstaking investigative and diplomatic work by Inspector Purbright and his team. On this occasion he is visited by Bradley, a London detective of equal rank and there is a meeting of minds.
Some aspects of the story were particularly sad - I'd wondered before in the series about Twilight Close and here it is revealed as a pretty miserable complex for geriatric 'care'
It always pays to give close attention to all Watson's details and was especially necessary here, as the explanation at the end of cause and effect proceeds at some speed.
Some aspects of the story were particularly sad - I'd wondered before in the series about Twilight Close and here it is revealed as a pretty miserable complex for geriatric 'care'
It always pays to give close attention to all Watson's details and was especially necessary here, as the explanation at the end of cause and effect proceeds at some speed.
June 27, 2018
With his previous books, Colin Watson seemed to include a secondary theme in his writings. I thought he may have used the Wind in the Willows idea when he described his characters and the inhabitants of Moldham Hall but he didn’t follow through completely. He did base his story on a ” thirities’ detective story” as commented by Purbright’s London counterpart. Plaster Sinners was a simple Golden Age detective story not like his previous ones with many characters and complexing plots. Still an excellent read and to think he accomplish all his story lines in an uncommon number of pages as compared to the present detective book which requires 100s of pages.
August 6, 2018
A v.v. enjoyable Flaxborough mystery (although we do get Purbright in the Old Smoke for some of the mystery) that focuses more on our Inspectors and constables than the townspeople, which is all to the good. The actual death and detecting are neatly done - my one complaint is that Mr. Watson lays it on a bit too thick with take downs of institutionalized deference to the gentry. A strong recommend still, however.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2018
I've yet to be disappointed by a Colin Watson Flaxborough book. This one has very few of the usual characters and introduces us to some of the local aristocracy and happenings from before the second world war. Our aristocratic lady was known to be a 'bit of a thruster' in her day and now as an old lady she's not changed all that much.
An enjoyable read that brings in a detective from London, and an old folks home called 'Twilight Court' - enough to make you shudder
An enjoyable read that brings in a detective from London, and an old folks home called 'Twilight Court' - enough to make you shudder
June 22, 2018
These books are just fabulous, they may seem unassuming, but the have twists and turns you done see coming whilst meandering through the puzzle. The story just takes you along, and you really don't want to put it down but you really don't want to finish it.
Maybe a little slow for a first time reader of Colin Watson, but it does get under your skin.
Maybe a little slow for a first time reader of Colin Watson, but it does get under your skin.
July 5, 2018
I love the Flaxborough Mystery series: these books are very enjoyable, well witten and full of great humour.
This book was no exeception and I really liked it.
A solid mystery, with a cast of old and new characters. All of them are enjoyable and interesting.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Farrago and Netgalley for this ARC
This book was no exeception and I really liked it.
A solid mystery, with a cast of old and new characters. All of them are enjoyable and interesting.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Farrago and Netgalley for this ARC
July 18, 2018
***Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review*****
I raced through this again - it's not my favourite in the series, but I liked the ideas and I love the regular characters and the setting. The plot is interesting too - different from the normal run on cozy crime type plots. I liked it - and I'm sad that I'm coming to the end of this series.
I raced through this again - it's not my favourite in the series, but I liked the ideas and I love the regular characters and the setting. The plot is interesting too - different from the normal run on cozy crime type plots. I liked it - and I'm sad that I'm coming to the end of this series.
September 23, 2018
Another fun entry
This series is welcome, and the plots are fantastic. In this entry, the town is all bidding on a lot of cheap items. Why?
This series is welcome, and the plots are fantastic. In this entry, the town is all bidding on a lot of cheap items. Why?
September 19, 2019
A little more Purbright, a little less Flaxborough in this late entry in the series. The ending is typically untidy, but this is a return to top form.
September 14, 2021
I need to find more Colin Watson books! So funny!!
September 30, 2024
one of my favorite series.
What the gentry do get up to. Poor woman. A life of blackmail and then a murder charge. Hard times.
What the gentry do get up to. Poor woman. A life of blackmail and then a murder charge. Hard times.
September 7, 2023
4.25 stars in cut Alexandrite and a good cup of tea
This was the first Flaxborough novel I read. Borrowed from the library, way back in the mists.
(all right: the 90s) I picked it up after reading Watson's Snobbery with Violence.
It seems that I didn't recall much of the plot, and could enjoy it again as though I'd never read it.
A delightful skewering of the tropes and traditions of the Golden Age style of mystery, with the Quality dragged painfully into the 1980s and exposed by the relentlessly calm, decent, perspicacious and occasionally sarcastic Inspector Purbright.
This one has an additional Inspector. Any lesser humourist would have made Bradley somehow ridiculous, incompetent or a comic foil for Purbright, but we have none of that obvious nonsense, here. Instead we have the treat of seeing Purbright working with an equal. I'd have welcomed him in a few more books.
This was the first Flaxborough novel I read. Borrowed from the library, way back in the mists.
(all right: the 90s) I picked it up after reading Watson's Snobbery with Violence.
It seems that I didn't recall much of the plot, and could enjoy it again as though I'd never read it.
A delightful skewering of the tropes and traditions of the Golden Age style of mystery, with the Quality dragged painfully into the 1980s and exposed by the relentlessly calm, decent, perspicacious and occasionally sarcastic Inspector Purbright.
This one has an additional Inspector. Any lesser humourist would have made Bradley somehow ridiculous, incompetent or a comic foil for Purbright, but we have none of that obvious nonsense, here. Instead we have the treat of seeing Purbright working with an equal. I'd have welcomed him in a few more books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews