From death to danger and malice to mystery, Samson and Delilah have weathered many storms. Finally, things should be going smoothly. Except life’s never that simple in Bruncliffe, is it?
As the couple are beset with worries about their upcoming wedding, a charismatic celebrity comes knocking on the Dales Detective Agency’s door, seeking their services. Samson is initially reluctant to help, for many reasons. But things quickly escalate following a shocking murder at Fellside Court and, as a friend comes under suspicion, Samson and Delilah must set aside their personal problems to catch a killer.
In a case that will bring so many of Bruncliffe’s secrets out into the open, this final investigation for the Dales Detectives may be the one that breaks them for ever . . .
Review: This is the tenth, and final, book in the Dales Detective Series from this author. I have followed this series from the start and have loved watching a sometimes stormy relationship developing between detective Samson O’Brien and IT specialist and Dales Dating Agency proprietor Delilah Metcalfe. The stories in this series are set in the Yorkshire Dales, an area of the UK with stunning scenery. Each of the books in the series can be read as a standalone story, even though there are many recurring characters, most of whom I would love to meet, having learnt so much about them.
In this story, the little town of Bruncliffe is buzzing with the arrival of fashion designer and TV personality Tyke, once a local lad. In addition, his uncle Vinny, also well known on TV, has recently taken up residence in Fellside Court, the local retirement complex. When it seems that Tyke’s life is being threatened, he calls upon the Dales Detective Agency, and Samson in particular, to watch over him. However, the community is suddenly shocked by a murder at Fellside Court, and Samson and Delilah must turn their attention to helping police solve the crime. Secrets are coming out of the woodwork, casting suspicion on some locals. All of this with Samson and Delilah’s wedding day drawing ever closer, and it seems as though Delilah may be finding it all too stressful.
I really enjoyed this last tale in the series. I am certainly going to miss reading about Bruncliffe and its inhabitants. Julia Chapman writes so well about these local people that you feel you know each character, or someone very like them. This was a very exciting story in itself, keeping the reader guessing all the way through to the very end. As usual, one of my favourite characters was Tolpuddle, Delilah’s faithful Weimaraner who played a big part in the story from start to finish. I am also a fan of Ida, who has blossomed as the series has progressed to become a big part of the investigative team while still making the most heavenly sounding bacon sandwiches. Once again I can recommend this book and this entire series; they form so much more than just another series of cosy crime fiction books.
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