The death looks like an accident, but Max's training as a former agent kicks in, and before long he suspects foul play. But this new-found serenity is quickly shattered when the highly vocal and unpopular president of the Women's Institute turns up dead at the Harvest Fayre. Now he has found a measure of peace among urban escapees and yoga practitioners, artists and crafters and New Agers. The quiet village seems the perfect home for Max, who has fled a harrowing past as an MI5 agent.

Edwold's in the idyllic village of Nether Monkslip. Max Tudor has adapted well to his post as vicar of St. The Publisher Says: What could be more dangerous than cozy village life in the English countryside? One is kept guessing to the end of a journey made all the more interesting by the words of the late American President Abe Lincoln, ‘Those that like this kind of thing, will like this kind of thing’ and that applies especially to those that like a murder mystery yarn. Although this is a cosy novel, the wit and sharpness in the author’s writing give it a vibrant, modern feel. The plot thickens as various well portrayed suspects are introduced, right up to the final denouement of this closely plotted novel. As he conducts his enquiries, he brings his expertise as a retired spook, to the aid of the young DCI Cotton, who is officially there to solve the case on behalf of the local constabulary.

Max has a dark past as an ex MI5 operative. Wading in on the side of justice is local Anglican clergyman, Max Tudor, vicar of St. Set in the mythical village of Nether Monkslip, the suspicious death of the unpopular head of the local branch of the Women’s Institute starts a confusing trail of suspicion among the many well drawn villagers who abound throughout.Įveryone is under suspicion, adding to the growing paranoia of the local folk. Although the timeline is set in more recent times, the novel feels redolent of the 1970's in its portrayal of English village life.

Wicked Autumn by G.M. Malliet