Book 7 of the Inspector Lynley Mysteries
When England’s star cricketer Kenneth Fleming is found dead in a burnt out cottage in Kent, DI Thomas Lynley and DS Barbara Havers investigate. Ken’s eldest son Jimmy soon becomes their most important suspect as they find proof that his motorcycle was near the cottage the night it burned down. Jimmy is not helping his case by acting suspiciously and even his mum Jeannie Cooper (Ken’s soon to be ex-wife) initially has her doubts.
We learn that Ken’s benefactor, Miriam Whitelaw, used to be his teacher. She had been meddling in Ken’s life ever since he was in school. Miriam is the owner of the cottage in Kent where Ken’s paramour Gabrielle Patten was staying.
Lynley also suspects Miriam’s daughter, Olivia Whitelaw, who lives on a barge with a friend called Chris. Liv had a falling out with her parents when she was young, and she worked as a prostitute for a while until her friend Chris rescued her from that life. Now, Olivia is suffering from the terminal neurodegenerative disease ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and cannot walk without the aid of a mobility aid. As a result, Lynley has to forget Olivia Whitelaw as a suspect, but he is certain she knows something…
Next to the investigation, we learn more about Lynley’s relationship with Lady Helen Clyde – he’s intent on marrying her, and she has cold feet, as well as Barbara Havers’ relationship with her mother who suffers from dementia. She’s struggling with her conscience after placing her mum in a nursing home even the situation of having her mum at home was no longer possible.
Yet another excellent instalment in the Inspector Lynley series!
Read for The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge 2026
Prompt 28: From a series at least eight books long
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
