GUILT IN THE COTSWOLDS

Caroline Lennon skillfully captures the endearing yet irritating Thea Osborne in her latest house-sitting adventure. When Thea's fiancé, undertaker Drew Slocombe, is approached by Rita Wiltshire to prearrange her green burial, he recommends Thea to inventory Mrs. Wiltshire's many possessions. Lennon's Slocombe sounds mild-mannered and deliberate while Mrs. Wiltshire is typically upper-class English, even imperious. Colorful descriptions of the picturesque Cotswolds, the Wiltshire country house, and Thea's warm relationship with Hepsie, her dog, add atmosphere. When Mrs. Wiltshire's son, Richard, is found dead--suicide, or murder?--Lennon's tone reflects shock and bewilderment. After meeting many likely suspects, listeners will be surprised by an unexpected conclusion. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2017]