Delve into the world of timeless criminal intrigue this month: Sally Smith's A Case of Life and Limb, Philip Gwynne Jones's The Magus of Sicily, and Martin Edwards's The Golden Age of Murder await your investigation.
In the realm of crime fiction, the upcoming season promises a captivating selection of novels that delve into the darker corners of society, while also offering a glimpse into the past. Here's a closer look at three intriguing titles: "A Case of Life and Limb" by Sally Smith, "The Golden Age of Murder" by Martin Edwards, and "The Magus of Sicily" by Philip Gwynne Jones.
"A Case of Life and Limb", set in winter 1901 London, revolves around Gabriel Ward KC, a barrister at the Inner Temple. Gabriel is embroiled in a high-profile libel case, defending Topsy Tillotson, a popular music hall actress. Amidst this legal drama, the novel takes a chilling turn as bizarre parcels containing mummified body parts start appearing at the Inner Temple. As the threats escalate, Gabriel teams up with Constable Wright of the City of London Police to uncover the identity of the perpetrator.
The story explores themes of social class, prejudice against the gay community, women's societal roles, and the changing legal landscape of the Edwardian era. It masterfully weaves scandal, jealousy, and greed into a richly historical setting while navigating the complexities of justice.
Meanwhile, "The Golden Age of Murder" by Martin Edwards offers an insightful exploration of the inter-war period. Edwards, a member of the prestigious Detection Club, draws on his encyclopaedic knowledge of the Golden Age to provide a captivating account of this era. The book, published by Collins Crime Club, spans 528 pages and is now available from the Mail Bookshop.
"The Magus of Sicily" by Philip Gwynne Jones presents a different setting, with the story unfolding in a small town in Sicily. The protagonist, a gambler and showman known as the Magus, finds himself entangled in a mystery when a man's body is discovered in the sea. Believing there's more to the case than an accidental drowning, the Magus delves into the town's secrets to uncover the truth.
Lastly, Dorothy L. Sayers, a vicar's daughter whose erratic career started in advertising, is a central figure in "The Golden Age of Murder". Sayers, whose detective character, Lord Peter Wimsey, found crime fiction to be an escape from a dismal present, is profiled in the book. Her life and works, including her extended leave to give birth to an illegitimate child, are discussed in the context of the Golden Age of Murder.
Each of these novels offers a unique perspective on crime fiction, from the courtroom drama and dark mystery of "A Case of Life and Limb" to the historical exploration of "The Golden Age of Murder" and the exotic setting of "The Magus of Sicily". All three are now available from the Mail Bookshop, providing readers with a compelling lineup of mystery novels to enjoy.
In these books, a captivating lineup of mystery novels offers an exploration of various aspects. "A Case of Life and Limb" dives into the darker corners of society during winter 1901 London, while "The Golden Age of Murder" provides an enlightening insight into the inter-war period. On the other hand, "The Magus of Sicily" transports readers to a small town in Sicily, offering a unique perspective on crime fiction. These books, now available from the Mail Bookshop, provide an intriguing blend of news, entertainment, and general-news, making them a must-read for fans of crime-and-justice.
