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KILLED IN CORNWALL

janie Bolitho

Alison & Busby, £17.99hbk


Reviewed by Ayo Onatade




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Killed in Cornwall is the latest book featuring Miss Marple clone photographer Rose Trevelyan. Even though she is trying to organise a new exhibition, photographer Rose Trevelyan is never too busy to help her friends. All of a sudden all of them appear to be in need of her help and advice. On top of all this Rose's occasional boyfriend DI Jack Pearce finds himself investigating not only an outbreak of ferocious attacks on young women in the area but also a string of burglaries. Soon the incidents become even more brutal and as the two of them discuss what is going on Rose begins to wonder whether or not she should say anything to Jack Pearce or would she be accused of being intrusive. Rose soon realises that she is becoming far too involved with her friend's troubles but she soon become conscious that she too is in need of some sort of support.
Bolitho is very good at the traditional mystery and Rose Trevelyan is very reminiscent of Miss Marple, some way, or the other managing to ferret out information. For me, this series featuring Rose Trevelyan is written much tighter than the DC I Roper series and while I much prefer darker novels I found Killed in Cornwall to be quite a good if somewhat emotional read.
Bolitho is extremely good at plotting and all the threads seem to tie up neatly at the end. Rape is always a touchy subject, but it has been dealt with extreme sensitivity. The relationship between Rose and her friends is also crucial to the story line. I would certainly read another one in this series even if it is just to see how Rose's relationship with Jack Pearce progresses. If you prefer traditional whodunits, then Killed in Cornwall is an excellent read. It will certainly take you back to the era of Agatha Christie and Miss Marple, with a slight modern feel to it.