Review of Jill Paterson’s The Fourth String…
(Jill Paterson, The Fourth String, J. Henderson, 2017, ASIN B07848BHT2)
When Crispin Fitzgerald, new conductor of the Sydney Symphony, is brutally murdered, DCI Alistair Fitzjohn is called back from leave to take charge of the case. He finds a crowd of persons of interest: all of Fitzgerald’s condo building, quite an artsy group.
We get a peek into book signings and other author woes, the stolen art trade, and apartments used for violin practice, sculpting, and vocal lessons, as the building’s inhabitants go about their businesses under the watchful eyes of the police. Oh, and the murderer leaves spoor—a violin string draped around the victim’s neck.
As the case progresses, Inspector Fitzjohn and his sidekick Betts delve deeper into the past of all the persons of interest. They turn up even more of them as they go. Meanwhile, Fitzjohn’s troubles with his irascible neighbor and snarky superintendent continue, although the latter is temporarily replaced by a woman. Will she become a romantic interest and someone to fill the loneliness in the Inspector’s life? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
A few copy editing errors remain, notably with the British-style single quotes, but there’s not enough to ruin the fun. The plotting is carefully done and the author continues to develop her main characters, which is the advantage of writing a series. But this novel can be read independently from the others, the mark of a good series. There’s not much local color here, though. In fact, the story could have taken place in England or Canada, and it reminds me of the P. D. James and Louise Penny mysteries—horrible happenings occurring amidst Commonwealth propriety.
I’m a fan of this series. Like all of the Fitzjohn books, nice twists and turns abound. This one is a pleasant mix of police procedural, with Fitzjohn’s traditional sleuthing, mystery—who did the deed?—and suspense, because there’s evil to be rooted out. In other words, this is the kind of novel I love to read. Fans of good mysteries will too.
(Note: I purchased this book for R&R reading. When I do so and like the book, I often write a review.)
***
Great Spring Thaw Sale? Still on at Smashwords! My author page there lists all my ebooks there, and you’ll find at least two on sale to the end of June. If you want more mysteries, I have them. My oeuvre contains both oldies (more current today than ever before) and new releases. Great late spring and summer reading.
In libris libertas!
