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MRS.MALORY AND THE DELAY OF EXECUTION
by Hazel Holt
Signet, June 2002
246 pages
$5.99
ISBN: 0451206274


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

Sheila Malory, a British writer, takes on the job of substitute teacher at a prestigious girls' school when veteran teacher Margaret Hood dies suddenly of a diabetic reaction. Sheila has her doubts when she's asked to prepare the five girls in the English Seventh for their A-level exams, but her friend Laura Webster persuades her that a background in literature is the only thing she needs to tutor these bright students. Laura appears to be right because the girls of Blakeneys need only a minimum of guidance from Sheila. Nervous about the job when she first arrives at Blakeneys, Mrs. Malory soon finds herself relaxing and enjoying her days in the classroom.

A second unfortunate death occurs among the faculty shortly after the start of school. Thought to be accidental at first, the death is investigated by the police only because of its strange nature. Mrs. Malory finds herself involved in the case when the inspector in charge asks her to act as his eyes and ears inside Blakeneys. As a relative stranger, Sheila is thought to be simply curious when she poses questions to her coworkers. Teachers seem willing to confide in her, as do the girls of the English Seventh. Sheila soon learns that all is not as it should be at Blakeneys. Rivalries exist among the faculty, and the students have some deep problems of their own. It is only when the end of term arrives that the unpleasant truth is finally exposed.

Hazel Holt's latest effort exemplifies the genteel style of the traditional British cozy. The setting is picturesque, and the characters are refined and well mannered, even when dealing with the unpleasant subject of murder. The protagonist is a mature and likable sleuth who moves easily among both her peers and her students. The plot is not overly complicated, but the twist ending provides an unusual denouement to the story. All in all, readers should find this book to be a pleasant addition to the Mrs. Malory series of mysteries.

Reviewed by Mary V. Welk, June 2002

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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