‘Magdalena’s Redemption’ by James Morley

Published by Benhams Books,
6 Aug. 2007.
ISBN: 978-0954888022

When Hampshire farmer Tom O’Malley finds the body of a dead girl, apparently suicide, the police won’t listen to him when he tries to explain the discrepancies he noticed ... but soon mysterious events are happening on his employer’s estate, and it takes him all his wits to work out what’s going on.

This fast-moving crime thriller is mostly told through the eyes of Tom O’ Malley, farmer, grieveing widower (thought the elegant Gina is very ready to console him), estate manager and local JP. Another viewpoint is given by his daughter Lucy, a newly-qualified GP. We soon find out that the dead girl worked on the estate Tom manages for his friend, the film-star and director Gustav Fjortoft, and was in fact an undercover journalist. The plot broadens to include deaths from World War II, and a Jewish group determined to hunt down the perpetrators. Tom is a sympathetic central character, and the family tensions between him, Lucy and his son, Andy, add bite to the characters. The Hampshire farming background is authentically done, the plot twists good, and the finale satisfying.

A non-stop thriller packed with action.

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Reviewer: Marsali Taylor

James Morley sis a local author, writing books under the name Benham's Sea Mysteries. Retired from an agricultural background Jim has been writing books since 2005. He is well known in the local area for his novels, short stories and publicity writing. He is chairman of Petersfield Writers’ Circle and an active members of his local book club. Jim lives in Liss in Hampshire, a widower, in an untidy house filled with books and computers. Jim is a members of the UK Society of Authors.

http://www.jimmorleybooks.com/
http://jimmorleybooks.blogspot.com

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland's scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland's distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.  Marsali also does a regular monthly column for the Mystery People e-zine.