Shadow Over Southwold: The wonderfully witty classic mystery

Felix Smythe and Professor Cedric Dillworthy are Suffolk-bound, but their hopes of a trouble-free visit are dashed by the gruesome murder of a highly respected resident. Along with Professor Aldous Phipps and Inspector Jennings, they must sift truth from falsehood in a collection of local eccentrics, including Horace Dagwood, Reverend Furblow, and the Goodhart twins.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Allison & Busby

Felix Smythe, a London florist, and his close friend, Professor Cedric Dillworthy, return to Suffolk, but their hopes of a trouble-free visit are dashed when a respected resident is gruesomely murdered, seemingly connected to the bizarre killing of a cleric in Cambridge. Accompanied by Professor Aldous Phipps, a nosy Cambridge don, and Inspector Jennings of Southwold, the task of sifting truth from falsehood becomes increasingly complicated due to a collection of local eccentrics. Among them are Horace Dagwood, a hectoring property tycoon; Reverend Furblow, an earnest clergyman; and the cranky Goodhart twins, whose brand of moral crusading may not be as harmless as it seems. The shadow over Southwold looms large, menacing both visitors and residents, leading to an alarming outcome.

Synopsis:
In 1961, Felix Smythe and Professor Cedric Dillworthy return to Suffolk, hoping for a peaceful visit. However, their plans are shattered when a respected resident is brutally murdered, seemingly linked to the bizarre killing of a cleric in Cambridge. Accompanied by Professor Aldous Phipps, a nosy Cambridge don, and Inspector Jennings of Southwold, the task of sifting truth from falsehood becomes increasingly complex due to a collection of local eccentrics. Among them are Horace Dagwood, a hectoring property tycoon; Reverend Furblow, an earnest clergyman; and the cranky Goodhart twins, whose brand of moral crusading may not be as harmless as it seems. The shadow over Southwold looms large, menacing both visitors and residents, leading to an alarming outcome.

Characters:
Felix Smythe: A London florist and close friend of Professor Cedric Dillworthy.
Professor Cedric Dillworthy: A respected resident of Suffolk and a close friend of Felix Smythe.
Professor Aldous Phipps: A nosy Cambridge don and a companion of Felix Smythe and Professor Dillworthy.
Inspector Jennings: A Southwold Inspector and a companion of Felix Smythe and Professor Dillworthy.
Horace Dagwood: A hectoring property tycoon and a local eccentric.
Reverend Furblow: An earnest clergyman and a local eccentric.
Goodhart Twins: Cranky twin brothers and local eccentrics.

Plot:
Felix Smythe and Professor Dillworthy return to Suffolk, hoping for a peaceful visit. However, their hopes are dashed when a respected resident is brutally murdered, seemingly connected to the bizarre killing of a cleric in Cambridge. Accompanied by Professor Aldous Phipps, a nosy Cambridge don, and Inspector Jennings of Southwold, the task of sifting truth from falsehood becomes increasingly complex due to a collection of local eccentrics. Among them are Horace Dagwood, a hectoring property tycoon; Reverend Furblow, an earnest clergyman; and the cranky Goodhart twins, whose brand of moral crusading may not be as harmless as it seems. The shadow over Southwold looms large, menacing both visitors and residents, leading to an alarming outcome.

Theme:
The novel explores the complexities of human relationships, the power of greed and corruption, and the consequences of moral ambiguity. It also delves into the themes of small-town life, social hierarchy, and the impact of external forces on individuals and communities.

Conclusion:
"The Shadow Over Southwold" is a gripping and suspenseful novel that takes readers on a journey through the dark underbelly of small-town life. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, it is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the ability of literature to shed light on the human condition.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780749027315