Rather To Be Pitied

Anyone who read and enjoyed Jan Newtons gripping debut novel, Remember No More, will be delighted to see DS Kite back with a few more tangled mysteries to solve. And they wont be disappointed. The first body is found on page one and, although Rather to be Pitied otherwise sets off at a steadier pace than its predecessor, it soon finds sixth gear. Rather like Kay Greenhalgh, the fabulous forensic pathologist, in her Alfa Romeo, who navigates both the winding roads of mid-Wales and the tiniest of physical clues with impressive speed and accuracy. The whole team is back, centring around the recently appointed detective sergeant, Julie Kite, and her husband, Adam, who, we learned last time, have moved from Manchester to reboot their marriage after Adams dalliance with a fellow schoolteacher. While Julie is dealing with more bodies found in unlikely settings, Adam is upping his health-and-fitness game by quietly turning them both vegan. This is not to Julies liking, but at least the marriage seems to be on more solid ground. Until Adam confesses that he thinks he is being stalked. But all of this is by-the-by domestic trivia compared with the mounting confusion around the murder investigation. The first surprise is that the body, initially thought to be that of a young man, turns out to be an extremely emaciated female of perhaps eighteen to twenty-five years. There is evidence of multiple fractures, both recent and historical, and she appears to have been killed by two heavy blows to the head. She has also had a child, and been a serious heroin addict. The only clue to her identity is a small signet ring bearing the initials CRH. It isnt much to go on. In addition to the body and later, bodies the detective team is faced with a bewildering number of missing people who might or might not be connected with the crime. Mrs Pritchards boringly respectable husband, James, has resigned from his job, emptied out their bank accounts, and disappeared without so much as a by-your-leave as they approach a quiet retirement. And, two hundred miles away, the much younger but no less steadfast conveyancing solicitor, John Slaithwaite, has found himself similarly abandoned by his gorgeous wife, Lizzie. Could there be a connection? And who are the mysterious incomers, whove bought a two-thousand-acre farm in the middle of nowhere? They appear to be farming alpacas, with the assistance of a small group of silent men who are rarely seen off the farm, and only ever in the company of one of their employers. In a world where everybody usually knows everybody elses business, there are strange goings-on that rattle peoples sense of security. Once again, Jan Newton delivers an engaging narrative, with such a strong sense of place that you could happily take the book out there and follow the DS Kite trail. But be warned the Elan Valley might never seem as safe and tranquil again. Suzy Ceulan Hughes It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council