This is not really a cosy mystery, although it starts out that way, but Rhe Brewster, our heroine, turns into a police consultant, so I suppose it could be police procedural after all.  What it definitely is, is a well-toned and robust crime mystery with plenty of personal endangerment that makes the reader say “don’t be so stupid, you know it’ll go wrong!” And so it… might.

It all starts with the smell of something nasty on the football field.  We’re in New England, Maine, in fact, so forgive this Brit if she loses the plot at junior school football games.  But Mums everywhere sit on the sidelines watching their loved ones play sport, whatever the sport, so it comes as a little surprise to Rhe when she discovers that this godawful smell is coming from a woman who hasn’t moved out of her chair since half time.  Which is when she arrived.  The body, that is, not Rhe.

Rhe starts delving through the evidence (sorely lacking) to find out who she is and what she’s been up to that might have got her into this state, with the blessing of her friendly police captain (who is invited over to dinner most weeks) but not of her husband, who is understandably nervous of her endangering herself.  I think Hubby gets a raw deal in this book, since Rhe is narrating, more or less.  He’s got enough on his plate as it is, with all those gorgeous students he has to teach at college – and where do those girls get the money for all those designer accessories anyway?

Well, the clues come up thick and fast, and there’s really not much covering up of the essentials of the story from near the start.  The details, though – the details are amazing!  There are wonderful twists and turns, beautifully described dangerous adventures, and heart warming – and breaking – relationships going on.  The ‘How’ is the real mystery, rather than the ‘Who’.

It’s an exciting, pacey read, with great narrative and attention to detail, and the most awe-ful guide to how to combat hypothermia that I hope you never have to put into practice.

Thoroughly enjoyable, and I’m looking forward to more Rhe Brewster mysteries.

Death in a Red Canvas Chair by N A Granger

Definitely not a candidate for Gargoyle Bruce’s MG Lit challenge, even if it does fit the furniture classification.

I bought this from Amazon in August 2013.

Book Review: Death in a Red Canvas Chair by N A Granger
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5 thoughts on “Book Review: Death in a Red Canvas Chair by N A Granger

  • 20 September, 2014 at 12:52 pm
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    Dear Jemima, I had no idea you would review my book! Thank you so much and I’m delighted you enjoyed it. I hope you read it in the garden surrounded by your furry friends. Rhe comes back for more adventures in November. Thank you again!

    • 21 September, 2014 at 9:04 pm
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      Well, I read it in August when the weather was less than summery, so I may have read it in the sitting room, on my new kindle 🙂 But the furries were definitely around. Too scary for them, though 🙂

  • 22 September, 2014 at 1:44 am
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    Sounds like a character I’d love to follow through a series!

    • 22 September, 2014 at 11:13 am
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      I think it’ll be worth it, Damyanti!

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