‘Death’s Own Door’ by Andrew Taylor

Published by Hodder & Stoughton,
7 June 2001.
ISBN: 978-0-34069601-9 (HB)

The sixth book in the highly aclaimed Lydmouth series opens with Edith Thrnhill, wife of Deetective Rchard Thornhill, making a journey back into the past as she returns to the vullage she stayed as a girl, for the funeral of Rufus Moorrof. As the little train rattles along she recall those days of 1938, when she had experienced both pain and triumph.

Intending to pay her respects and leave quietly, Edith is recognised and recognises many people from her past, not least Miss Cicely Caswell, who approaches Edith and in distress asks, ‘What was the name of the woman who married the White Rabbit?’

Also present at the funeral, she sees her husband’s sergeant, Detective Kirby. When there seems little reason for the police to investigate what on the surface seems to be a suicide, Richard Thornton faces a part of his wife’s past of which he has little knowledge, not that in his present preoccupation with journalist Jill Francis he is immediately concerned, but circumstances deem otherwise, when the solution to the present death appears to relate directly back to the past and an earlier death in the summer before the war in which is wife was involved. As Richard Thornhill investigates, he uncovers connections from the deceased that touch many other lives. Then there is another death, and the investigation takes a different turn.

There were some issues raised in this book that surprised me, and of which I was unaware, but I have no cause to doubt knowing the period to which they relate.

Whilst Richard Thornhill and Jill Francis battle individually with their feelings, living in the confines of a small-town Edith pursues her own agenda and displays a character which has strength not portrayed in the earlier books,

I have read and enjoyed all the Lydmouth books, but in this one I found the descriptions particularly vibrant, being both a fascinating mystery and providing further depth to the characters I have enjoyed in the preceding five books. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett

Andrew Taylor is a British crime and historical novelist, winner of the Cartier Diamond Dagger (for lifelong excellence in the genre) and the triple winner of the Historical Dagger. His books include the international bestseller, The American Boy (a Richard and Judy selection); The Roth Trilogy (filmed for TV as Fallen Angel); the Lydmouth Series. The Scent of Death and The Times/Waterstones bestseller, The Ashes of London. He lives on the borders of England and Wales. He reviews for the Spectator and The Times. 

www.andrew-taylor.co.uk