Highly Amusing

Bob & Shirley’s Guide To Murder by Suzy K Quinn is a wonderfully amusing light-hearted contemporary cosy crime novel which I absolutely adored. I read it in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep. It is the first book in the new Bob & Shirley Mystery series which promises to be fabulous.

The action is seen in the first person, alternating between married couple Bob and Shirley who own a pub in a village. Their close relationship is visible to all as the dialogue bounces between them.

A dead body in the pub garden sets Bob and Shirley up to investigate. Their amateur sleuthing certainly gives Miss Marple a run for her money. They too, are friendly with the local constabulary.

A young woman in police training is first on the scene, unfortunately her stomach does not match her enthusiasm! With each new detail that Bob points out, the female P.C. loses her stomach again! Quietly spoken and teetotal, she is in direct contrast to the previous elderly male police officer who was beer drinking and loud.

Village living brings highs and lows. There are gossip, speculation and rivalry, but also friendships, camaraderie and loyalty. We drop in on pub quizzes and lunches, fitness classes and the local Waist Watchers – who spend more time in the pub talking about losing weight than actually doing something about it! Their leader is partial to fish and chips and alcohol, as noted by Bob.

Suzy K Quinn has cleverly constructed her novel which has many references to quintessential British items and traditions. When talking about local history, Bob observes “Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond is absolutely not historically accurate.” Those of us of a certain age who grew up on the Carry-On films, will instantly recognise the character played by Sid James. This familiarity helps the reader feel like they belong to village life.