White Corridor by Christopher Fowler
Review written by Cheryl R. (Spuddie)
This is #5 in the Bryant & May “Peculiar Crimes Unit” mystery series set in London. In this episode, acting director Raymond Land closes the unit for a week while the computers and electronics are updated, so Bryant convinces May to accompany him to a spiritualist convention out in the rural west country. The two elderly detectives set off and run into a horrendous snowstorm that leaves them stuck in a ditch and stranded along with dozens of other travelers–one of whom is a murderer, as they discover when they find the body of a truck driver with his throat slashed.
Meanwhile, back in London, the unit’s pathologist Oswald Finch dies while beginning an autopsy on a young girl, a drug addict who is more than what she seems. His death comes just days before his impending retirement, and the remaining staff must figure out if it was murder (only they have keys and the door was locked!), suicide or a bizarre accident. Communicating with their senior colleagues by mobile phone, DS Janice Longbright must finally begin to put all the teachings of her mentors to work to solve the crime–before a royal visit scheduled last minute by their nemesis, Oscar Kasavian, could derail the unit once and for all.
Wonderful read as always with crazy characters, well-plotted mysteries, red herrings galore, and plenty of laughs. Though I was sad at the death of crotchety old Finch, his demise was an interesting puzzle for the Unit to solve. This series will be enjoyable for those who like quirky characters and a little “meat” on the bones of the mystery. Lots of historical and literary references throughout keep things interesting, but more than anything, the characters become beloved friends after only a couple of books in the series.
I always love Cheryl’s reviews. She’s just a spot on person when it comes to a review. If she likes a book I like it, if Cheryl doesn’t like a book I don’t bother to read it. I’ve learned my lesson.