Thursday 18 September 2014

Sidney Chambers and the Problem of Evil by James Runcie

The third book of Sidney Chambers mystery stories has arrived just as ITV have announced filming 'The Grantchester Mysteries', starring James Norton as the rector with a nose for detection, and Robson Green as his backgammon friend, Inspector Keating. The two tackle a range of crimes in Cambridge during the 1950s and 60s, and the series if full of the post-war, tweedy atmosphere you’d expect, while society is on the brink of change to a new more permissive era.

In The Problem of Evil, James Runcie gets the book off to a serious start with a serial killer who is murdering vicars, and leaving behind a grisly memento. The next story is more light-hearted and concerns a painting stolen from the Fitzwilliam Museum, while Sidney is visiting with his posh friend Amanda. This story will take Sidney and Keating across the channel to France to chase down the bohemian young woman who provided an entertaining diversion as the heist took place.

In the third story Sidney helps out a film director friend from the war, taking the role of the vicar in a movie adaptation of the Dorothy Sayers classic, The Nine Tailors. There are plenty of humorous moments, but events take a grimmer turn when one of the cast drowns during filming. A final story is appropriate to the upcoming Christmas festival, when a baby is taken from a hospital ward and Sidney has to use his gentle priestly manner to bring about a happy ending.

The Grantchester series is a light, whimsical collection of cleverly plotted mysteries that are nicely written and full of terrific characters. Great Sunday afternoon reading - and, let's hope, coming soon to a TV near you.

Posted by JAM

Catalogue link: Sidney Chambers and the Problem of Evil


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