Not a Clue by Janet Brons and published by TouchWood Editions. This second book in the Forsyth and Hay mystery series is being released today. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, A Quiet Kill, and was looking forward to this next installment.
In London, Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Hay of Scotland Yard has been called to lead the investigation into the murder of an 18-year-old Canadian tourist. She was found naked and dead on the grounds of the Holiday Council Estates. Meanwhile, Inspector Liz Forsyth of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has returned to a powerful ice storm in Ottawa. She is asked to investigate the shooting of a demonstrator at the Russian Embassy. The young Chechen woman was killed by a highly skilled gunman as he shot across the street hitting her in the back, killing her instantly.
This story moves from London to Canada between the two murder cases. Hay and the case in London at a standstill until another murder occurs. While Forsyth is uncovering more about the Russians and Chechen relations. Because Stephen and Liz worked together to solve the recent murders at the Canadian High Commission in London, they have started to develop a friendship. They call each other often to discuss their respective cases with each of them struggling with the realization that they miss each other.
This book and the series are reminiscent of Agatha Christie and the classic whodunit. I enjoyed the searching for clues and the interrogating of suspects. Forsyth is a strong yet vulnerable woman while Hay is an equally intense individual. What I liked was the beginning stages in their relationship as both are not sure what to say and when. This second book begins right where the first left off, however, the reader has enough details so as not to miss a beat in the storyline. I was drawn into the murders instantly and wanted to solve them along with the two inspectors. Janet, the author, is an interesting character herself because she spent 17 years in the Canadian foreign service and lives in Sidney, British Columbia. I am sure we will be seeing more of Forsyth and Hay in the future and for that I am extremely glad.
This book was provided to Mystery Playground by the publisher. This review is fair and independent.
Oh how I wish there was more going on here besides the uncalled for rambling about things that didn't really matter. The ending seemed rushed and there was no other good build-up throughout the story.
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