Keith Finney

I discovered this author by browsing Kindle Unlimited titles. In exploring more information about the author, I learned that this title was initially published as "A History of Murder" with the author using the pseudonym of Nigel Lockwood.

The pairing of amateur sleuths is from opposite ends of the social spectrum that became friends during childhood. Now as adults, their ease of friendship brings out the best in each other but they also know how to push each other's buttons and do not allow for anything but honesty in their reactions to current life situations. Anthony Stanton is an army intelligence officer with PTSD on extended sick leave. He's also a viscount and sole heir to the Stanton Hall estate and is grappling with what the future holds for him. Will the failing health of Anthony's parents compel his departure from military service or will the medical assessment following his leave make the decision for him? Lyn Blackthorn is head teacher of the local primary school and a product of divorced parents who still live in the village of Stanton Parva in Norfolk. Lyn had always found comfort at Stanton Hall and now she is bringing comfort to the elderly couple that showed her such love as a child.

This cozy mystery is interesting in the dynamics of the reactions of the amateur sleuths as they investigate a murder that occurred at an archaeological site on a private estate led by the department head from Cambridge University. It was also interesting to learn about "nighthawk" activity.

"A nighthawk is an individual who knowingly uses a metal detector in illegal activity, particularly involving theft from a protected archaeological site and/or from private land."

The use of an archaeological site on a private estate provided a unique setting that added interest due to my lack of familiarity with this endeavor of research that painstakingly explores the past for historical understanding. I doubt I'll continue reading the series but I enjoyed the initial introduction of the amateur sleuths with minor interplay with the area law enforcement.… (més)