First, I want to thank one of the readers here. It might have been Jeff? One of you mentioned that Cynthia Harrod-Eagles had a new book coming out in January. I ordered Cruel as the Grave immediately. But, I may have been reading too many mysteries. I hate it when I know the killer halfway through the book. Let’s face it, though. If you’ve read one of the Detective Inspector Bill Slider mysteries, the pleasure doesn’t really come in the discovery of whodunnit. These police procedurals are witty and well-plotted. The pleasure comes in trying to catch the references, and in following along with an appealing cast of police officers as they investigate.
Detective Chief Inspector Bill Slider and his team are called to a brutal murder scene when Erik Lingoss’ nineteen-year-old girlfriend finds him dead. While she has blood all over her, and, at first glance seems the likely suspect, something doesn’t feel right to Slider. Erik was a well-built personal trainer. Did his tiny girlfriend have the strength to bludgeon him to death? All they really know is it wasn’t robbery. The victim had thirteen thousand pounds in cash in his wardrobe, with another seven hundred pounds under a pillow.
It takes a great deal of talk with reluctant witnesses to learn that Erik did more than work at a fitness club. He also took on wealthy clients, many of them lonely women. He also had a history of dumping women. The circle of suspects widens to include other personal trainers, jealous women, and angry husbands. While some on the team take a dislike to Erik Lingoss, Slider and his Detective Sergeant Jim Atherton remind them that Erik is the victim even if they don’t like his lifestyle.
There’s so much to love about the Bill Slider mysteries. The best police procedurals, in my opinion, incorporate the personal lives of the officers. In this one, Bill’s wife is almost ready to deliver their second baby. His father, who lives in the granny suite with his new wife, has several important scenes with advice for his son. It’s obvious how much love is there. And, Harrod-Eagles is setting up the family scene for the next book with a brief appearance from Bill’s daughter, Kate, who wants to live with them while she goes to school.
It’s the wordplay, the humor, even the chapter titles, though, that make me laugh aloud. Atherton’s puns are just groaners at times. Atherton asks, “Did you know that A Tale of Two Cites was first serialized in two English regional newspapers?” “Really? Which ones?” “It was the Bicester Times, it was the Worcester Times.” There are quotes from Oscar Wilde, Jerome K. Jerome, E.M. Forster, Alice in Wonderland. I’m sure I missed dozens of literary allusions. Those chapter titles are wonderful. How about “Text and the Single Girl”, “He Stooped to Conk Her”, “Breakfast, with Stiffer Knees”, “Witness of the Persecution”? Actually, all the chapter titles fit the accompanying test. Someday, I’m going to have to go back and look at the previous books I own, looking at literary allusions.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles’ police officers are all interesting, but Bill Slider and Jim Atherton always take center stage. Once again, Slider’s empathy for people is on display when he questions suspects and witnesses. But, it’s his strong feelings when it comes to the people he loves that shines in this book. The hospital scene with Joanna, his memories of his mother, the love and understanding between this couple brings the humanity to Cruel as the Grave.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles’ website is http://www.cynthiaharrodeagles.com
Cruel as the Grave by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. Severn House, 2021. ISBN 9780727890856 (hardcover), 252p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book.
Yes, it was me (and maybe someone else). I really need to start catching up as I am about five books behind in this series, even before this one.
I thought it might be you. There are probably dodgy “Personal trainers” in quite a few books.
I agree, Atherton is always a favorite of mine too. And the chapter titles are always worth checking.
The thing about the personal trainer reminds me of the recent British mini-series Flesh and Blood, about three siblings who are upset about their widowed mother’s sudden remarriage to a dodgy-seeming doctor. The son of the woman is a “personal trainer” who (despite his marriage) makes money on the side by providing very personal service to one of his clients.
This is my first read in the Slider series and I am enjoying it. I will have to go back and start at the beginning. I have always read Harrod-Eagles historical fiction series .
And, Mary? I’ve only read the Slider mysteries, and haven’t tried the historical fiction. I’m glad you enjoying this one1
Lesa, I was the one who posted about the new Bill Slider book in January since I got a digital ARC from Severn House a few months ago. I also enjoy the Slider books since they are not like most other police procedurals (which tend to be darker/grittier). Like you, I enjoy the focus on the relationships within the Slider household and the police team, rather than the actual crime. The humour/quips also lightens the story.
Thank you, Grace, for the heads-up about the new book! I’m so glad you said something because I might not have caught it. And, I really liked the humor in this one.
Love the Slider books and have read them all, have this one on hold. One of the best things about the books is that she keeps you up to date with what is happening in their personal lives. The dogged determination of his crew to solve crimes is fun to watch. Would recommend these to anyone and it might be best to start at the beginning.
I agree, Jeannette. I didn’t start at the beginning because I was given the 21st to review. But, I went back in the series to read the earlier ones. I love them, too.
This is a series I need to get back to. I have read 12 of the 22 books, so it would not be too hard to catch up. I loved the first few in the series.
I’ve loved the last few in the series, Tracy.