An engaging crime/mystery novel set in Salisbury
- Book: The House in the Woods
- Location: Salisbury
- Author: Mark Dawson
When Ralph Mallender discovers his family dead in their farmhouse in the woods, he is immediately on the police radar as their suspect. The case is about to go to court when the Ralph’s wife employs a private detective in a last-ditch attempt to clear his name. But is he worthy of her devoted support? This is a clever whodunnit, where the stakes are high for the suspect and for those investigating the case.
While I thought I might have rumbled whodunnit, the ending was much more complex and satisfying than I expected. This book will appeal to readers of murder mystery and police procedural novels.
Private detective Atticus Priest and Detective Chief Inspector ‘Mack’ Jones have a history together, both personal and at work. Now they are on opposite sides: Mack prosecuting the murder case and Atticus employed to prove that Ralph is innocent. Atticus is quirky and obsessive; he was kicked out of the police for smoking grass on duty after an affair with his boss, Mack. She’s dedicated to her work and constantly trying to make amends to her husband and children for the time she spends away from them, and for her earlier infidelity.
The plot hinges on Atticus’s ability to investigate, while staying within the boundaries of what is legal. He doesn’t always succeed. Despite his previous relationship with Mack, he is bound to find as many holes as possible in the police case in order to create doubt about the case against his client. Being outside the police force frees him from accountability but he can no longer show a warrant card to justify questioning a suspect or searching premises.
The characters are likeable and engaging, complete with human failings and quirks. The relationship between Atticus and Mack is delightful, with all the emotions explored at different points in the book.
The book gives us detailed descriptions of its setting in Salisbury, Wiltshire, from its soaring spire to its chain coffee shops, its pubs and parks to the atmospheric woodland that is centre stage for the crime itself.
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