Witch's Sabbath

Inspector Peach #10

by J.M. Gregson

Percy Peach and Lucy Blake find themselves bewitched . . . - In an area famous for the Lancashire Witches four centuries earlier, it seems that witchcraft still flourishes. A body is discovered in a derelict farmhouse, partly mummified and dreadfully damaged. But why did no one close to the murdered girl report her missing? Why was her flatmate so sure she was never coming back? And what was her connection to a modern day coven of both male and female witches?

Genres: Mystery, Crime

348 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2006

About the author

James Michael Gregson taught for twenty-seven years in schools, colleges and universities before concentrating on full-time writing. He has written books on subjects as diverse as golf and Shakespeare.

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the mummified body of a young woman is found on Pendle Hill, Percy Peach and his team are called in. Things get a little awkward when it's discovered that the victim is a later day witch.

Well written, nicely plotted, AND I worked out who the killer was from the clues. For the first time.

Highly recommended.

[mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stumbled on this previously-unknown-to-me author and was very entertained by the investigative methods of Peach and his delightful torture of his pompous superior officer.

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. This was such a fun read by a previously unknown-to-me author. The whodunnit was not obvious — there were 6 suspects and I LOVED Peach & Blake’s investigative techniques. Also adored Peach’s verbal “torture” of his boss... I laughed so many times with the witty banter, dialogue, and the descriptions of how lost his boss was.

Definitely will be seeking out more books in this series!

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really into this story.... who did it.... I was getting to the last few chapters and I was waiting for the climax... 6 different sole All wrapped up in this mess... I figured in the last 2nd or 3rd chapter we would find out... nope not until the last chapter... it was the most predictable person... no twist...no turn disappointed ending

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly short British police procedural which was pretty good to start with...decent characters and storyline, but........after about halfway, the same parts of the story were rehashed, and rehashed. It could have been much shorter, or have more 'meat' added.

[Damaskcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A decomposed body is found in a derelict farm building on the side of Pendle Hill - that quintessential Lancashire haunt of witches. Eleanor and Dermot are out walking in the snow when the lace of her boot breaks and she needs to re-thread it so that they can get home. But why doesn't Dermot want her to go into the deserted building and what is he hiding from her?

When the identity of the body is discovered DCI Percy Peach also finds out that the dead woman was part of a coven of witches, but does this actually have anything to do with her death? Everyone he questions seems to have secrets to hide. He and DS Lucy Blake are going to have their work cut out to solve this crime and bring the murderer to justice.

I enjoyed this well written and well plotted crime story. The relationship between Percy and Lucy is as ever amusing and entertaining. I like the other police characters too and I think the tension of the relationship between Percy and 'Tommy' Tucker - his superior - is very well done. It never quite tips over into insubordination on Percy's side and of course Tucker can never quite work out whether he's joking or not but they complement each other nicely.

I recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys well written police procedurals with little bad language or graphic violence. The series can be read in any order.

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, it does keep you guessing until the end, and I don't think the dialogue really points out the culprit but maybe I'm just not that great at solving. I did not care for the banter between Peach and his boss; not a very likely scenario in real life. I found myself skipping that after the first one. But I do love the Brits so would probably read another.

[Lawrence]

A book that has inspector Peach looking for a murderer and among his suspects are a coven of witches and everyone has secrets. Interesting main characters and atwisted plot make for good reading.