Solstice of Death

The Mindful Detective #3

by Laurence Anholt

A dazzling dawn breaks over the Stonehenge midwinter solstice, where the assembled new-age revellers are horrified to discover a green-painted human hand dangling from beneath a mound of snow, high on one of the stone lintels.

Leading the investigation into this peculiar death is DI Shanti Joyce and her partner, Vincent Caine. To Shanti's chagrin the pair have become known as 'the go-to team for weird stuff in the West Country' and this festive fatality is the mother and Father Christmas of odd and ritualistic crimes.

Amidst the swirling flurries of Salisbury Plain, the unlikely duo discover that the deceased is none other than Hector Lovell-Finch, the eccentric Earl of Lovell Court, known to all as 'Finch' - and who also happens to be the father of the notoriously right-wing MP, Quentin Lovell-Finch.

It is no secret that relations between father and son have become decidedly frosty since Finch's acrimonious divorce from Quentin's mother, his conversion to environmentalism, and second marriage to an indigenous Brazilian environmentalist half his age. Now there is the icy issue of who will inherit the ancient Lovell-Finch Estate.

To make things more complicated, single mum Shanti has faithfully promised her son, Paul a magical Christmas with all the trimmings. Can this most knotty of English murders be untwined in just five days? And will the unlikely detective duo celebrate the season with merriment, mindfulness and mistletoe?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2021

About the author

In a career spanning three decades, Laurence Anholt has produced over 200 children's books, which are published in more than 30 languages. Titles like the self-illustrated Anholt's Artists series have sold many millions of copies around the world. Laurence has also collaborated on numerous picture books with his wife, the artist, Catherine Anholt.

Laurence's first YA / Crossover novel THE HYPNOTIST was published by Penguin Random House on 6th October 2016.

The Hypnotist was described by The Bookseller as 'gripping, powerful storytelling with a powerful anti-racist message.' The book has been officially endorsed by Amnesty International, it was the winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award, shortlisted for the Southern Schools Book Award and four major book awards. It is currently longlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2018.

Born in 1959, Laurence Anholt was brought up mainly in Holland where he developed a lasting love of Art. He went on to study Painting for 8 years, culminating in a Master's Degree from the Royal Academy of Art in London. Catherine and Laurence live and work in a house on a hill with studios and wild flower meadows, overlooking the sea in Devon, southwest England.

Laurence's books have won many awards, including the UK's prestigious Nestlé Smarties Gold Award on two occasions. For more than a decade, Laurence has been amongst the top 200 Most Borrowed Authors from UK libraries across all genres. He was included in the Independent on Sunday's Top 10 Children's Authors in the UK and was described by William Watt as "one of the most versatile authors writing for children today".

Catherine and Laurence have been closely involved with a number of literacy schemes such as the UK Government funded Bookstart scheme. Their publication Babies Love Books (also a much-loved picture book) encourages parents to share books with babies from the earliest possible age. Their work has taken them inside Buckingham Palace and Downing Street on several occasions.

Laurence's self‐illustrated Anholt's Artists series, is an introduction to great artists for young children. These beautiful books are used as part of the national school curriculum in many countries and are sold in galleries and museums all over the world. The books, which include Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, Camille and the Sunflowers, Degas and the Little Dancer and The Magical Garden of Claude Monet have taken Laurence on many fascinating journeys of discovery. Each scrupulously researched story is based on an actual encounter between a real child and a great artist. In several instances, Laurence has been assisted by relatives of the artists or by the protagonists themselves - for example, Laurence developed a long-standing friendship with Sylvette David, Picasso's Girl With a Ponytail. This series currently includes 10 titles and it has been adapted in many forms, including Apps for iPads, stage and TV productions and a full scale van Gogh musical which Laurence launched in Korea. The Anholt's Artists books are renowned not only for their educational value, but also for their life-affirming themes of aspiration, tolerance and acceptance of those who are different.

Laurence Anholt is a much sought after public speaker, talking about literature and his own zany view of life at conferences all over the world.

The Anholts have three grown up children, Claire and twins, Tom and Maddy. Claire is an anthropologist who works for the UN in Geneva, Maddy is an actor living in London and Tom is a successful artist based in Berlin. They also have twin grandchildren, Felix and Nina.

Laurence Anholt's interests include art, literature, adventure travel and Buddhist meditation.

For further information visit the Anholts' website: http://www.anholt.co.uk

Reviews

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an advance copy of Solstice of Death, the third novel to feature DIs Shanti Joyce and Vincent Caine of Wiltshire Police.

A group of worshippers at Stonehenge for the winter solstice are horrified to see a green arm dangling from one of the lintels. Shanti and Caine are immediately asked to investigate as they are known for solving the weird cases. Their hearts sink when the corpse is identified as well known activist Lord Lovell-Finch because his son Quintin is a right wing MP who doesn’t get on with his father.

I thoroughly enjoyed Solstice of Death, which is a highly entertaining read that made me laugh, mostly due to the contrast between Shanti and Caine’s personalities, with the imaginative denouement getting a special mention for effrontery. I was looking forward to reading it and I wasn’t disappointed, in fact it exceeded my expectations.

I must admit that the plot baffled me, not in the sense of lack of understanding, but in the way I couldn’t work out how Finch got on to the lintel without leaving footprints or tyre tracks in the snow or who hated him enough to kill him. It’s a real puzzle, only solved when Caine does his post denouement explaining, which itself is a masterclass in pushing the boundaries of how much a reader will swallow. Ok, it’s silly but it’s tremendous fun and I loved every minute of it.

The real fun in the novel, however, is the differences between Shanti and Caine. She is the practical disciplinarian, whereas he is a Buddhist with an alternative lifestyle and a different way of looking at life. Her attempts to whip him into shape are hilarious. Their on/off romance - he’s all in and she can’t date a colleague - add an extra frisson to proceedings.

Solstice of Death is a fun read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mysteries featuring Shanti and Caine are becoming a favorite. This is the second I read and it was a well plotted, compelling and entertaining read that I couldn't put down.
The force of this book is the relationship between the two detective: Shanty is no-nonsense woman who play by the book, Caine is more emotion driven and spiritual.
Their emotions and this differences make them a strong investigative couple.
The mystery is fascinating and there's a lot red herrings, suspects, and questions. It's a puzzle and a sort of locked room mystery even if the room is not locked
I hope there's going to be a lot of other books in this series, this one is strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I enjoyed it a lot but I wish I’d read the previous ones in the series in order to have a better understanding of Shanti and Vincent’s relationship. The contrast between them is so extreme, yet they make such a brilliant team. I particularly fell in love with Vincent and was really interested in his people skills and his Buddhism. The only thing I wasn’t keen on was the crime itself – it was a bit too weird and over the top for me. Up until 80% this was a 4 star for me but unfortunately the last 20% brought it down to a 3. I would like to read the next in the series though, and thank the publishers and NetGalley for the advanced electronic copy.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of two books that I borrowed from my book club's trolley. It's the third book in the Mindful Detective series.

I found the storyline a little bit odd and eerie, in an interesting sort of way. A dead body is discovered at Stonehenge during a midwinter solstice ritual. DIs Shanti Joyce and Vincent Caine are investigating the case.

I found some of the characters eccentric and interesting, and I liked the two detectives. I liked their dynamic and how they worked together. I read this in one sitting, and it did entertain me. I haven't read any of the author's other books, but I think I would be interested in reading another one.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this Trilogy set in lots of wonderful places in the West Country ..
This Stonehenge based crime didn't disappoint - well worked out and delivered ..
Really hope there will be more of this unique & fun Crime fighting duo - will be keeping my eye out ..

4 Stars for the read - extra star for taking me to one of my favourite locations

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ich habe das Jahr 2021 schon mit dem achtsamen Mr. Caine begonnen und es war eine gute Idee auch 2023 „achtsam“ zu starten. Auch der dritte Band ist spannend, lehrreich und gut geschrieben. Kann die Serie einfach nur empfehlen.

[L. J. Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've ever read by this author. And it was brilliant. I loved the character dynamics between Shanti and Vince. I really couldn't put this book down. The story grips you tight and doesn't let you go I can't wait to read the other books.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was very light reading and I finished it in one day. Not very challenging. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I see that most of his works are for children. I shan’t be rushing off to read any more in this series

[Rachel Wigg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled to get into this book initially and found the pace a little slow at times. I'm glad I kept going, though, as overall it was a good read. I liked the characters, and even if the plot was quite unrealistic, I would consider reading more of this author.

[SkyeWake · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars really. Very readable and interesting premise. Thought the end needed a little more explanation, seemed a bit rushed.