Dread Murder
by Gwendoline Butler
Published by Thomas Dune Books
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Reviewed by Kathy Perschmann
This is the second of Major Mearns mysteries, the first being The King Cried Murder published in 2000.
Major Mearns and Sergeant Denny are old soldiers, veterans of the Napoleonic Wars, who have served as "watchers" in Windsor Castle during the reign of Mad King George III and King George IV, originally reporting to Sir William Pitt.
Charlie, a young boy just off the coach from London, arrives at their rooms in Windsor Castle with two long and heavy packages--which prove to be the legs of an unsavory acquaintance (they recognize them due to a scar). They hide these packages, and keep an eye on further deaths of a prostitute found strangled in the theatre, and a young actress.
Charlie lives in the theatre, helping with scene changes and errands, and also shadows Major Mearns' investigation, uncovering a mystery of his own. Mearns and Denny recognize Charlie's skills and come to rely on his assistance. A boy kept prisoner and his pet dog, a buried baby, a malodorous privy, and a cupboard with a dress kept in a house with no women--all play a part in unraveling this complicated tale.
Some of the characters in this fast-paced mystery are based on actual historical persons. I love the Coffin series, but was disappointed that this was not the same level of writing--rather choppy, too short, and easy to figure out.
NOTE: Butler is the author of over 25 Coffin mysteries, police procedurals set in present day London. She also writes under the name of Jennie Melville.
Armchair Interviews says: Easy and fun read for mystery fans, especially if you love historical mysteries.