Thanks to this this blog I found J.S. Savage‘s debut and it is a gem. The Mystery of Treefall Manor is the first Inspector Graves mystery and I hope that many will follow.
We are in 1926, in the UK. The prologue starts strong.
A maid, Jayne Brown, demands to see wealthy, successful business man, landowner, and employer Alexander Grimbourne. The latter, not used to demands but intrigued, sits fuming at his desk in his study. And with each word the maid says the fuming grows into an explosive anger.
Within a few days, the Manor will host the wedding of Grimbourne’s daughter Ruth to next door neighbor Lord Frederick Taylor M.C. (military cross) who does not look like a happy groom. According to the people in the village pub, he is a tad glum. A few wedding guests arrive including Grimbourne’s solicitor.
Before the wedding can take place Grimbourne has a few arguments with staff members, guests, and looks down more than ever upon his firstborn and son, John. John did not serve in the military as his left leg is deformed. He walks with a limp. To make his father’s disdain worse, he is a kind man who likes to write poetry.
Not long after, Alexander Grimbourne is found stabbed to death inside his study. The door and the windows were all locked. It took a few officers and a battering ram to break open the door. The Rockinghamshire constabulary, recognizing they need help, quickly call Scotland Yard.
Scotland Yard’s Superintendent Hill knows exactly who to send: Detective Inspector Graves and new to the Yard, Detective Constable James Carver. We also meet Graves’ border terrier Peggy.
We meet the people in the village, visit the pub, and pay our respects in the local cemetery to the late Mrs. Enid Grimbourne, Alexander’s wife. We learn more about her death from the Reverend Malcolm Thorpe who described a farmhouse fire in which a family of four and Mrs. Grimbourne died. From Grimbourne’s solicitor, Aldous Roberts, we learn that Grimbourne had plans to change his will.
To assume that the changing of the will could have been the catalyst for Grimbourne’s murder is too easy as shortly after the initial interviews, the dead body of the maid Jayne Brown is found on the estate. And if it had not been for almost inhuman strength, a fourth and fifth death would have been possible.
John Savage created a clever plot, subplots, keeps a good pace, and includes the reader in DI Graves’ train of thought when he discusses the case with DC Carver. Despite the multiple suspects, only a few motives make sense. Remember that we are in 1926, that’s all I give you.
Two points of critique.
After we learn the truth about the murder of Alexander Grimbourne, Savage makes a huge effort to show the reader what will happen to all the main characters now that the crime has been solved. He confirms what we guessed but one relationship feels unlikely as that change of heart does not feel convincing.
The other point is the serendipity of certain events that allow Grimbourne to act out his devilish plans. The paper, the visit to the Taylor estate, the letter, it all comes together for Grimbourne in a brief period of time to force his will on others. When you read the book, you will understand what I am talking about.
I love the relationship between Graves and Carver created by Savage. Graves really is a mentor. He does not come across as a know-it-all who belittles his new partner. He lets Carver figure things out for himself, compliments him, and includes him in his deductions. I look forward to more of their investigations and hope they include Peggy. I also want to read about Graves’ family. We briefly hear about his wife Rita. Obviously, something happened to their son maybe while serving in the military, maybe not. And as for Carver, I hope he grows into a great sergeant.
Highly recommended reading.
My other book reviews are here.