A Walk Down Memory Lane
A Body In The Banjo by Elaine Spires is a most entertaining retro crime saga that I thoroughly enjoyed and read in just one sitting.
The story is set in Dagenham in 1958 and is focused on the small group of houses in the banjo. The houses have inter-connecting alleyways – and not much happens that isn’t viewed by at least one nosey neighbour!
One quiet Sunday morning a body is found. The neighbourhood is then awash with police and their questions.
To complement the police, forty-eight-year-old Cissy starts her amateur sleuthing. She reminded me of Miss Marple but a younger version and one who informs the police of her findings and suspicions. She is relentless in her pursuit of answers.
A Body In The Banjo is written in a very personable style. Elaine Spires ‘shows’ us the scene with her descriptions. She has perfectly captured a bygone era where life was simple and neighbours were in and out of each other’s houses and lives. Neighbourhoods gelled together.
There is an eclectic mix of characters who entertain both the reader and their neighbours.
A Body In The Banjo is a read that invites us to walk down memory lane and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy from the author for a blog tour with Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
A Body in the Banjo
It’s November 1958 and Dagenham is excitedly awaiting Bonfire Night. Cissie Partridge isn’t too keen on fireworks but she generously donates to the local children doing Penny for the guy. Cissie is content with her lot. She loves her husband Harold. She shops, she cooks, she reads at every opportunity and she volunteers at the Dockland Settlement. Observant and sharp, she gets on with all her neighbours. Then, one morning, she finds a body…
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Author Bio –
Elaine Spires is a novelist, playwright and actress. Extensive travelling and a background in education and tourism perfected Elaine’s keen eye for the quirky characteristics of people, captivating the humorous observations she now affectionately shares with the readers of her novels. Elaine also writes plays and her short film Only the Lonely was made by Dan Films and won the Groucho Club Best Short Film Award 2019 and two Silver Awards at WOFFF 2019.
Social Media Links – Facebook.com/ElaineSpiresAuthor
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Instagram @elainespiresauthor
I truly appreciated visiting this blog, because it reflects a sincere love for books and the kind of thoughtful reading that nourishes both the mind and the spirit. As a woman who writes about growth, teaching, opportunity, and the imagination that stories awaken within us, I found the tone warm, welcoming, and deeply encouraging. The reflections feel genuine and heartfelt, reminding readers that books are more than entertainment—they are companions on our journey of faith, learning, and personal transformation. It is inspiring to see such care given to highlighting meaningful stories, creating a space where curiosity, wisdom, and the joy of reading are celebrated with grace and authenticity.
Thank you Jamie for your kind words 🙂