In this modest but pleasing prequel to Charles's mystery debut, I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass
, Irish-born Det. Inspector Christy Kennedy of Camden CID investigates the death of an upstanding young doctor found drowned in London's Regent's Canal. At first Kennedy can't rule out suicide, but he soon feels that "foul play was involved." Dr. Edmund Berry's demise appears linked in some way to the sudden death of a young teacher, Susanna Collins, who had come into his hospital complaining of leg pains. Could Dr. Berry have been guilty of negligence in her case? Providing guidance is ann rea (always lowercase), a reporter for the local Camden Town newspaper, to whom the bashful Kennedy is attracted. The slow evolution of their idyllic romance takes up a lot of Kennedy's time, as does making and drinking tea and listening to Beatles songs. Since suspects are few, in the end it is the ingenious method that the killer uses to do in the victim that provides the most interest. With no graphic violence or sex, this cozy police procedural will also appeal to fans of traditional whodunits. (Nov. 17)
FYI:
Charles is also a music agent and promoter, whose clients include Jackson Browne and Tom Waits. Other titles in the series are available from D0-Not Press.
