Two Feet Under

Two Feet Under (2018) Charlie Cochrane (Lindenshaw Mysteries)

Adam has just started as deputy headteacher at a new school when Robin is called out for a murder–this time at an archeology site.

“It’s not one of those routine ‘found a body; we’re pretty sure it’s from the time of Cromwell, but we have to call it in just in case’ things?”

“Looks unlikely. They’ve had the doctor in.” Pru’s eyebrows shot up. “To declare that this poor soul really is dead despite it being obvious she must have been there months.”

On this case, Robin takes Pru to work with him–she grew up with one of the administrators at the site.

“First murder, assuming it is a murder. Seen a couple of RTAs.” Thank God that was still the most likely way the local police came across dead bodies. “I imagined it would be the same.”

“But it isn’t?”

“No, and I can’t work out why.” She halted. “Ditch me if I’m being a sea anchor, sir. There must be some of the Abbotston team who’ve got more experience than I have.”

“There are. And they’ll have plenty to exercise that experience on, especially if there’s no ID on our victim. At least you didn’t puke all over your shoes, like Anderson did.”

I really like the low-key war between the two local clubs.

“So what soured things?” Robin spoke sympathetically, appealing to the “us males against the monstrous regiment of women” side that evidently lay in Tuckton’s nature.

“Not only did none of these ‘mythical’ opportunities come to anything, it turned out she was a mole. For the Cads and Scoundrels. Sent to infiltrate our ranks and report back.”

“Report back on what?”

Tuckton drew himself up again, gaining a whole quarter of an inch in height. “Have I not conveyed to you the tensions there are between the two societies?”

And again I love the Britishness of it.

“Brooding demeanour. The kind that people might describe as smouldering if it belonged to a Spaniard, and would probably call miserable if it belonged to a Scotsman.”

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Rating: 7.5/10

• Browse the archives:
  
• Old Sins » »
• « « Jury of One