AD* | An ordinary Monday morning in an ordinary Cambridgeshire village. What isn’t ordinary is the dead body in Calli Nelson’s village library. It is no one she knows, but her friend Gideon Frost has lived in Fencross Parva all his life and views any unpleasant goings-on within its boundaries as a personal challenge. Perhaps together they can solve the mystery of who killed the man, and why?
Jan Jones introduces readers to the picturesque village of Fencross Parva in the first instalment of the Fencross Parva Mystery series, A Body in the Library. Set against an ordinary Cambridgeshire village backdrop, the story unfolds on a seemingly mundane Monday morning. Main character Calli Nelson's morning takes a chilling turn when a dead body is discovered in her local library!
The book's highlight is its setting. Jones crafts a vivid and charming portrayal of Fencross Parva, offering readers a delightful escape into the heart of rural England. The village comes alive with its idyllic landscapes and quaint charm, providing a strong sense of place that enhances the reading experience.
However, despite the promising setting, the novel falls short in various aspects. The plot, unfortunately, follows a formulaic trajectory that may leave mystery enthusiasts craving more depth and complexity. The narrative lacks surprises, and the resolution feels predictable, robbing the story of the suspense crucial to a gripping whodunit.
The characters also fail to inspire. While the protagonist, Calli Nelson, is a relatable widowed librarian turned amateur sleuth, the supporting cast lacks diversity and depth. The characters feel forced and fail to establish a genuine connection with the reader. The dialogue, too, comes across as stilted, hindering the natural flow of interactions and diminishing overall engagement.
One of the novel's notable characteristics is its blend of plot-driven and character-driven elements. Unfortunately, the execution leaves much to be desired. The lack of strong character development hampers the reader's investment in the individuals populating Fencross Parva. The book feels somewhat twee, with its attempts at charm and quaintness occasionally coming across as forced.
A prominent theme throughout the narrative is grief, a prevalent aspect of Calli Nelson's character. Navigating her personal loss and sorrow, Calli simultaneously takes on the role of an amateur sleuth to unravel the mystery at the heart of the novel.
A Body in the Library by Jan Jones is a mixed bag. Its strengths lie in the evocative setting that brings the village of Fencross Parva to life. However, the formulaic plot, uninspired characters, and stilted dialogue detract from the overall reading experience.
Rating: 2 stars
The Body in the Library is available to buy now.
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* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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