‘The Sirens Sang of Murder’ by Sarah Caudwell

Published by Robinson,
2002.
ISBN: 978-1-84119-575-8 (PB)

Professor Hilary Tamar who lives in Oxford makes use of the flat in Middle Temple of her former pupil Timothy Shepherd, when a part of research requires frequent visits to the Public Record Office. 

Hilary has long enjoyed a friendship with the young members of Timothy’s Chambers, Selenna Jarden, Desmond Ragwort, Michael Cantrip, in 62 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn.  And in the Revenue chambers next door, Julia Larwood permanently to be found peacefully studying the latest Finance bill. 

Our story opens with Cantrip and Julia collaborating in the composition of a novel based on their experiences of life at the bar, to be titled ‘Chancery’. Cantrip is writing the first instalment. 

There are two important matters in this the third book in the series, firstly Michael Cantrip is asked to visit Jersey in the Channel Islands to advise on 'the Daffodil Settlement.' Cantrip is delighted to be in Jersey when he should be attending Court in London. 

And the second notable event was following long months of debate, negotiation and intrigue on the part of its supporters and opponents for the installation of a Telex machine.  Having discovered the delights of the Telex machine, Cantrip decides to message everyone in the office.  Unfortunately, all his messages are read by everyone in the office before they reach the correct recipient. The most amusing of Cantrip messages is the one sent to Henrry, the senior clerk, Marked, absolutely, Private, and Tremendously confidential.  Something about his two wives and starving children. Oops! 

Cantrip is a lovely character and while in Jersey, he discovers that one of those involved with the Trust, the Countess Gabriella, is afraid she is being spied on, and he determines to her look after her.  But there are problems afoot. Members of the Trust seem to be dying before their time.  Paperwork mislaid, and there is a lot on money involved and Cantrip needs to find it. I may not have mentioned Judge Arthur Welladay better known as ‘Welliboots, but he also turns up in Jersey, mudding the waters somewhat. 

But help is at hand with the arrival and help of amateur investigator Hilary Tamar. Can Hilary solve the problem to enable the inmates of 62 New Square to attend their favourite wine bar, The Corkscrew. And will Cantrip, find a safe passage back to the Lincoln's Inn Chambers. 

This book is a delight. Wonderful characters.  A nice intriguing, convoluted mystery.  Not to be missed.
-------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett

Sarah Caudwell (1939-2000) was the pseudonym of Sarah Cockburn. She studied law at St Anne's College, Oxford and, practised as a barrister for several years in Lincoln's Inn. She later specialised in international tax planning at a major London bank. She is best known for a series of four murder stories written between 1980 and 1999, centred on the lives of a group of young barristers practicing in Lincoln's Inn and narrated by Hilary Tamar, a professor of medieval law. She died in January 2000.