A Nice Derangement of Epitaphs

An Inspector Felse Mystery

By: Ellis Peters

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

"Shed here no tears. No Saint could die
More Blessed and Comforted than I."

So read the epitaph composed by Morwenna Treverra centuries ago as she followed her beloved husband, Jan, into death. The couple have been together ever since, models of pious content, in the little seaside Saxon church near the village of Maymouth. But when curious scholars arrange to open Jan Treverra's tomb, it yields not one body but two...and neither one of them is Jan Treverra.

Detective Inspector George Felse happens to be on holiday nearby; indeed, he helped to open the crypt and reveal its all too modern contents. Now, from an ancient grave, a mystery unfolds; a trail ov violence in Maymouth's history that casts shadows centuries long.

©1965 Ellis Peters (P)1991 Recorded Books, LLC

Interesting Location, Good Characters

I enjoyed the book but the mystery isn't really the focus of the story so I wasn't hooked as much as I like. There is lots of personal interaction, some fairly intricate. Once again Inspector Felse doesn't have a prominent role - but after all, he IS on vacation.

Beautifully written, beautifully read. Peters creates well developed characters without going into a lot of personal history - she uses dialogue and interaction to build their personalities.

No big thriller scenes, no sex, no gore. The setting is remote and well drawn. Main characters well behaved. Personally I prefer more focus on the mystery, less on personal relationships, so I recommend this audiobook for those that enjoy getting to know the characters intimately.

Not Your Run-Of-The-Mill Mystery

What did you love best about A Nice Derangement of Epitaphs?

I was never quite certain where the story was going. I love it when a mystery is unpredictable.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I had no favorites -- they were all entertaining!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No tears but quite a few giggles.

excellent 1965 part police procedure part historical

excellent plot and characters connect. The plot of Inspector George Felse does not have a lot of forensic information but is well worth listening to for 1965 mystery when at least part of the book is good reading.

Excellent

Extremely well-written novel with sensitive portrayals of characters and their relationships.
Excellent narrator adds to the pleasure.

Redemption

The mystery is clever and the story is wonderful. In it one of the character does a mean thing aimed at breaking another's spirit. The author redeems that miserable action with love. And that becomes a recurring theme - Redemptive parental, martial, friendship and romantic love. Someone more clever than I could turn make this a good Lenten study.