Kent’s own Peter Chegwidden, an author whose previous works undoubtedly whisper tales of local landscapes and perhaps a touch of wry observation, returns with ‘Muriel’, a crime novel firmly rooted in the familiar soil of his home county.
While the Isle of Sheppey takes centre stage as the primary backdrop, Chegwidden generously sprinkles in glimpses of Crundale’s quiet charm, the dramatic cliffs of Dover, and the bustling environs of Sittingbourne, painting a vivid picture for those who know and love this corner of England.
Our protagonist, Muriel Warston, stumbles upon more than just seashells when she discovers a body in Minster’s Glen. This unfortunate discovery plunges her headfirst into a murky investigation, a veritable Gordian knot of clues and red herrings that ensnares both Muriel herself and the local constabulary in its perplexing threads. The initial victim, property developer Justin Hughcliffe, is found lifeless in the sterile environment of a show-home on a Sheppey development, kicking off a chain of criminal events that Muriel finds herself inextricably linked to.
But fear not, lovers of the hard-boiled and relentlessly grim! Chegwidden offers a refreshing alternative. ‘Muriel’ appears to be a crime novel cut from a different cloth, one woven with threads of gentle wit, genuine pathos, and a keen satirical eye. If your preference leans towards mysteries that unfold with a more human touch, where character and local colour are as important as the puzzle itself, then this latest offering from the Kentish wordsmith might just be the perfect escape.
Prepare to be charmed, perhaps gently amused, and ultimately drawn into a crime that feels both familiar and intriguingly unique. For those acquainted with Chegwidden’s earlier work, ‘Muriel’ is an engaging journey through the Kentish landscape, viewed through his distinctly observant and engaging lens.