Three compelling new book releases are now available from the Mail Bookshop, offering readers a diverse selection of mystery and thriller genres. From post-war espionage to classic whodunits and intricate locked-room puzzles, these titles provide engaging narratives for enthusiasts of suspenseful fiction.
Beattie Cavendish and the Highland Hideaway
Beattie Cavendish and the Highland Hideaway by Mary-Jane Riley (Allison & Busby, £22, 352 pages) transports readers to the aftermath of World War II. The protagonist, Beattie Cavendish, is a former wartime heroine who served with the French Resistance, finding that peace brings no respite from danger. She is assigned as an undercover agent, posing as an administrative adviser at an intelligence outpost in the Scottish Highlands.
Her mission involves investigating a suspected spy ring that is compromising state secrets. With the support of a tough private detective who develops more than a professional interest in her well-being, Beattie confronts raw and uncomfortable memories that hit too close to home. The story maintains a cracking pace, which helps to gloss over some of the more implausible plot twists and occasional clichés that may grate on readers.
Despite these minor flaws, Beattie emerges as an intriguing character with significant staying power, suggesting potential for a captivating series. Her resilience and depth make this a promising start for fans of historical thrillers.
The Pale Horse
The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie (HarperCollins, £14.99, 272 pages) highlights one of the author's lesser-known standalone mysteries, often overshadowed by her famous detectives Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. This novel centers on Mark Easterbrook, a young writer with a keen eye for adventure.
Mark's curiosity is piqued after witnessing a cafe altercation between two female dropouts. Later, he discovers that one of the women, a spoiled rich girl, has died under seemingly natural circumstances. However, when her name appears on a list of individuals who have met premature deaths, Mark is drawn into a confrontation with a criminal mastermind. This villain operates under the guise of black magic and witchcraft, offering death on demand.
With her customary skill, Christie weaves an intricate pattern of false trails for Mark to navigate. Assisted by an astute policeman, he eventually uncovers the truth. This novel is a testament to Christie's vintage storytelling, delivering a clever and engaging mystery that stands out in her extensive oeuvre.
As If By Magic
As If By Magic, edited by Martin Edwards (British Library, £10.99, 288 pages), presents a mixed collection of stories focused on locked-room mysteries. These tales involve murders with no obvious perpetrators or explanations, challenging readers with seemingly impossible crimes.
The anthology opens with a contribution from John Dickson Carr, widely regarded as the foremost exponent of this subgenre, who sets the tone through his sonorous alter ego, Dr. Gideon Fell. As a general rule, the shorter stories in this collection offer the best value, delivering concise and impactful narratives.
Michael Gilbert provides a brilliant piece demonstrating how police perseverance can yield unexpected consequences. A personal favorite among the selections is The Last Meeting Of The Butlers Club, where elderly retainers reminisce about famous murders committed during their service. This story adds a unique and nostalgic twist to the genre, making the collection a must-read for aficionados of classic mystery fiction.
