Thursday 28 May 2015

The Reckoning (John Madden series #4) by Rennie Airth

21376139

From Goodreads

Inspector John Madden—who debuted in River of Darkness—returns in a gripping post�World War II murder mystery

On a quiet afternoon in 1947, retired bank manager Oswald Gibson is shot in the head while fishing. In Scotland, a respectable family doctor is killed in the same manner—and with the same gun. What is the connection? Scotland Yard’s Detective Inspector Billy Styles and local detective Vic Chivers are baffled until a letter from Gibson is discovered that might shed some light on the case—a letter concerning former Scotland Yard detective John Madden. Despite Madden’s legendary memory, he has no recollection of meeting Gibson or any idea of what their relationship might have been. Madden is happily retired from police work, but agrees to help his former protégé Styles and the clues they uncover only deepen the mystery. When a third man is killed in a similar fashion, Madden and Styles find themselves in a race against time to find the killer before another man ends up dead.

A smart, intricately plotted mystery, this is the fourth title in the critically acclaimed and much loved John Madden series.

My thoughts

This is the fourth in the John Madden series of books that begins with River of Darkness.  I gave this a very strong 8/10.

The story takes place after the end of World War II. As several murders take place the race is on to find out if the murders are linked and to find the murderer or murderers.

This is a crime drama told in the old tradition, well plotted and intricately woven. This is a very well written story and a great addition to the series. I have previously read and enjoyed the other three books in this series.

Whilst Madden himself plays a lesser part, the characters are all portrayed very well. Styles and Poole make a great team and with the extra help from Madden along the way, the clues all begin to point one way and it's only a matter of time before they catch the killer.

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