Book
Review: The Embroidered Corpse, by Brian Kavanagh; Genre:
Contemporary Mystery
‘The
Embroidered Corpse’ part of a series of mysteries by Brian Kavanagh weaves
together a bit of history with the mystery. Belinda Lawrence, a most
definitely contemporary woman, is both clever and admirable. The conundrum she
stumbles into at the acquisition of what seems an archaic piece of tapestry
provides a puzzle that starts off seeming fun, then perhaps curious… and
maybe deadly. The first ‘threads’ that weave this tale together are in a
controversial tale reflected by a recreation of a medieval-era tapestry.
The tale threatens the very fabric of the history it depicts. Further,
the revelation of a present –day A murder makes Belinda realize that
while she was on a quest for the quaint, she and her best buddy, were perhaps
the last people to see the victim alive.
From William the Conqueror to good King Harold, uncovering the plot means figuring
out some historic details; details that might well be exposed as lies, by
the tapestry itself. Authentication of information is the cloth that
drapes a good piece of this puzzle, from William the Conqueror to good King
Harold, and on to quite an assortment of present-day characters, including a
group of monks…who most assuredly couldn’t be guilty of murder – could they?
The
British antique hunt kicks it all off with quaint flavor. Dialogue is
clever, believable, and occasionally has some fun with word choice. The
agreeable Mark seems the perfect guy for Belinda too, and you’ll find yourself
hoping for more in that realm, throughout.
The medieval connection is vital to the puzzle, and more detailed than than one
imagines at the outset – but interesting throughout. The Embroidered
Corpse features a most-definitely contemporary setting, history buffs will
especially enjoy this mystery. It’s as rich as the steaming
date pudding with chocolate sauce they mention … now where will I find a recipe
for that?
Mrs. Hudson declares Kavanagh’s ‘The Embroidered Corpse,’ a jolly good read.
The Baker
Street Clarion
http://bakerstreetclarion.com/
