Description
Book Synopsis'Is it wise to evoke these memories—to raise these ghosts—after all these years?
After attending a burial in an old country churchyard, Superintendent Mallett and his friends are struck by the sight of two elderly ladies, regally dressed in black and accompanied by their uniformed chauffeur, placing an elaborate wreath on the graveyard's most imposing monument. The vicar confirms that the Misses de Boulter of Chetwode Lodge have placed a fresh wreath on their father’s and brother’s tomb every week for the last fifty years. In the opposite corner of the churchyard lies the small neglected grave of Mary Dazill. In flashbacks, we learn how everything goes wrong in the lives of two sisters when their father brings the enigmatic Mary Dazill home and proposes to marry her. Soon, murder ensues. A fatalistic mystery with the emotional echoes of a Greek tragedy.
Trade ReviewA nice variation on a mystery novel (no detection), dealing with a crime fifty years old, whose solution comes to light with the death of one of those involved. It is the story of the DeBoulter family, of the beautiful Mary Dazill who came as companion to the daughters, and whose fascination proved fatal to father and son. Gently sustained, as told by the vicar's wife, all in keeping with the period.
* Kirkus Reviews *
It is an unforgettable book, and its clear crisp and beautiful prose, as well as the unusal theme, raise it very high above the average thriller.
* Punch Magazine *
