Caroline Fawley has retired from her life as an actress (predominantly in English drawing room comedies) and moved to the manor house of Alderly. Twice married, and twice divorced, who's happy with her arrangement with married lover Marius Fleetwood, owner of a change of up-market supermarkets. Marius' wife and he have, he says, an understanding - she's not interested in sex, and is happy for him to have his relatively discreet relationship. For Caroline it's the truest love she's known.
Caroline's eldest daughter Olivia is an up and coming opera star - Marius and Caroline attend her opening night performance as Leonora in Forza. As is his habit, Marius leaves after the first act, but uncharacteristically fails to reappear at the end of the performance, After waiting and worrying, Caroline reports him missing and heads home. His body is found the following morning.
Barnard writes beautifully crafted British murder mysteries, and The Mistress of Alderly is one of his best in recent years. Detective Charlie Peace has evolved since my last review (Bodies) and now has a able assistant. The characters are interesting and well drawn, and the who-dunnit aspect is equalled by the rest of the story. This was thoroughly enjoyable. - Alex
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