Fire in the Thatch: A Devon Mystery (British Library Crime Classics, #52)

by E C R Lorac

The Second World War is drawing to a close. Nicholas Vaughan, released from the army after an accident, takes refuge in Devon - renting a thatched cottage in the beautiful countryside at Mallory Fitzjohn. Vaughan sets to work farming the land, rearing geese and renovating the cottage. Hard work and rural peace seem to make this a happy bachelor life.

On a nearby farm lives the bored, flirtatious June St Cyres, an exile from London while her husband is a Japanese POW. June's presence attracts fashionable visitors of dubious character, and threatens to spoil Vaughan's Prized seclusion.

When Little Thatch is destroyed in a blaze, all Vaughan's work goes up in smoke - and Inspector Macdonald is drafted in to uncover a motive for murder.

• ISBN13: 9780712352604
• Publish Date: 10 February 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: British Library Publishing
• Imprint: The British Library Publishing Division
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 240
• Language: English

Reviews

[Aidan Brack (Mysteries Ahoy)]

Lorac’s depiction of life in Devon during the later stages of World War 2 adds interest to an otherwise solid mystery.

Read the full review at Mysteries Ahoy!

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Fire in the Thatch is a re-release of a mystery originally published in 1946 and re-released in the British Crime Classics series. Published 5th June 2018 by Poisoned Pen Press, it's 240 pages and available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. This reformat and release includes a new introduction and historical notes by Martin Edwards.

This particular book is one of a series set in Devon by E.C.R. Lorac (Edith Caroline Rivett) featuring Chief Inspector Robert MacDonald. This is classic golden age mystery and the gems which have been selected for inclusion in this series are all well deserving of being dusted off and presented to a new audience of mystery lovers. I was unfamiliar with this author before reading another book in this series, but these are top shelf, well written and satisfying mysteries. The writing is solid and the plotting moves the story along at a good pace.

I will say that this was a melancholy read for me. I was sad that there wasn't really any 'happily ever after' aspect of the plotting or for the characters. On the other hand, the writing, plotting, characters, and mystery were thoroughly enjoyable, and I highly recommend the book and this author.

Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.