The Killings at Badger’s Drift

The Killings at Badger’s Drift (1987) Caroline Graham (Chief Inspector Barnaby)

I’d initially forgotten just how messed up this story is. Then once we were introduced to all the characters, I clearly remembered who did the murdering and why.

The opening is actually sweet. An 80-year-old woman and her best friend have a long running contest: Each tries to be the first to find the rare and illusive ghost orchid in the woods outside where they live. It’s been about nine years since the last time they spotted one in the woods, so Miss Simpson thinks this is her year.

Their mock feud had developed from that day. Each summer they set out, sometimes separately, sometimes together, eager to find another specimen.

This is a police procedural, but much the focus is on the people and personalities rather than forensics.

But I do want to note there are some pretty awful things that happen in this story, but the murders and the behavior of many of the people.

Publisher : Felony & Mayhem Press
Rating: 7/10

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