Murder Repeated - Book Twenty in the Libby Sarjeant Murder Mysteries
Ten years ago, an unfortunately none-too-rare story causes a furore in Kent, and indeed, the national media. A beautiful young woman with a promising career as a singer walks home alone from a party and is never seen again. There is no evidence, forensic or otherwise, and no-one is ever arrested.
Ten years later, Libby Sarjeant is talked into inspecting a derelict hotel in her home village of Steeple Martin. The body of a young boy is discovered - but is it anything to do with the mysterious disappearance from over a decade ago?
This is the 20th Libby Sarjeant adventure and once again is doesn’t disappoint. Reading this book is like meeting up with old friends and having a catch up on what has been happening. If you’re a regular reader then you’ll love it. If you’re new to the series you’ll enjoy it but I’d suggest starting at the beginning of the series as the characters do develop and each successive book adds to their characters. It’s obvious that a lot of meticulous research has gone into the book and I can thoroughly recommend it.
Plot was quite good but pacing all over the place. The characters do not speak with believable or distinctive voices. I have a suspicion that the author is preaching her pet opinions to me in the text too. Never attractive. MC Beaton, though no literary giant, does this genre so much better.
I've read and enjoyed a few books in this series before, but reading this one was hard work. The title of 'Murder Repeated' seemed appropriate, since most of the book seemed to consist of the characters repeatedly doing or saying the same things. And Libby and Co's 'detecting' skills seriously need brushing up...they decide that a local guy can't have murdered a woman simply because he's gay. Apparently, same-sex-attracted people never murder members of the opposite sex...who knew?!
The ending was also fairly unbelievable. But by that time, I'd really stopped caring. I seem to be in a minority in disliking this one, but if you're new to this series, I'd really recommend NOT making this your starting point! Some of her earlier books are far better.
I seem to have lost my original review. I've read the whole series, mostly with pleasure. In this book Libby was frequently too annoying. The plot was entertaining, covered some unpleasant matters and was suitably resolved. Many returning characters plus a few new ones to keep interest and offer red herrings. I was not convinced by some of the detail. In particular that a nosy, community involved character like Libby would not know her immediate and elderly neighbour. Also that she would have been unaware of the old pub and other geographical references. The hours she has spent pounding the streets and driving around the countryside with her very curious nature just made me doubt the credibility of these sections. However, for a reader new to the series this is an irrelevance. My purchase was worth it.
Another cracking tale concerning that most dangerous of places, Steeple Martin. Libby and Fran are faced with two old murders and don't stop asking questions until the truth is revealed.
I never tire of reading a Lesley Cookman book. I've read them all! This is a particularly good one and Lesley, I ask you to keep going!!! As I LOVE dipping into the lives of Libby, Fran, Ben et al....
Great bedtime reads in this lengthy cozy crime series. Nothing unusual in them, just lovely characters, and a charming setting. They could have done with a little more rigorous editing, but it doesn't detract from the enjoyment. Recommended.
FANTASTIC read could not put it down. love this series. Have not been to Kent (live in Hampshire) but reading this series I feel as if I have. as to the charters think they would all be my friends as well. Can not wait for the next one.