Faithful Unto Death

Faithful Unto Death (1996) Caroline Graham

I picked up a later book in this series somewhere, and being the way I am, decided to go back and start at the beginning of the series. Too bad for me. This isn’t the first book in the series, it’s simply the first book published by St. Martin’s Press.

Although Faithful Unto Death introduces us to Chief Inspector Barnaby, is primarily about Chief Inspector Barnaby, the first character we meet is Mrs Molfrey, a somewhat batty old woman who lives in the village of Fawcett Green. I was initially disturbed at this, as I wondered if this woman was supposed to be a Miss Marple character, but seemed to lack most of Miss Marple’s virtues. Luckily, Mrs Molfrey wasn’t the main character of the story, and became less annoying as the story continued.

What I found most interesting about Faithful Unto Death were the many vivid characters that filled the story–some likable and some rather distasteful, but all interesting and realistic. Sargent Troy was probably the worst of the lot, but as much as I found his attitude annoying and unpleasant, I found it quite realistic, in that I have met plenty of people like Sargent Troy–shallow and self-centered and destined never to succeed because they can’t see past their own desires and prejudices.

I found the story fascinating, and the mystery was both good and enjoyable, as the plot twisted on way and then another. But the ending was perhaps the best part, as it was both unexpected and realistic.

Do I think she’s one of the best detective writers since Agatha Christie? Not really (or at least not yet, this is only the first book I’ve read). But this book was very good, and I highly recommend it to anyone with an open mind who enjoys unexpected twists.
Rating: 7/10

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