Review: Fox Evil

Elderly Ailsa Lockyer-Fox died a curious death. One cold morning she was found in her night-dress lying dead on the terrace of her large house, the French windows locked. Even though the coroner pronounces that the death is not suspicious, residents of the village of Shenstead remain convinced that her husband, Colonel James Lockyer- Fox, killed her. There are rumours of vicious arguments between the two, and talk of vile secrets in his past. Allegations fly, and a systematic campaign against him begins.

But, when a troop of new-age travellers sets up camp near the village and claim they can stay as long as they wish permanently, even for it can’t be proved that anyone owns the land, the villagers find themselves in a mess. The only person who could help is Colonel Lockyer-Fox, but after months of their abuse and segregation, he is too tired and worn out, mentally and physically, and no longer cares enough to do anything to help.

Which could be a catastrophe. Because all the while the travellers are there, the village is under threat from their violent and mysterious leader, the enigmatic Fox Evil…

As always, Minette Walters’ wonderful writing style makes this psychological thriller a pleasure to read, and each sentence is a joy. The psychology of her characters (and there are many, all fully developed) is deadly accurate, and every action they make is completely believable and true to their characters. The plot (and book) is very strong, indeed, probably her strongest yet. It’s complex and powerful, with many disparate threads twisting together. But…

…there is very little suspense. If I were to reveal the main culprit here, it wouldn’t spoil the denouement of the book. All the while, the reader believes themselves safe in the knowledge that "Well, of course, she’s going to have a big surprise for us, isn’t she", and yet that knowledge turns out to be false. There are, yes, one or two small surprises, and some aspects of the ending echo back to the good old days of "The Scold’s Bridle", but there’s nothing very shocking at all about the end. Also, the solution as it is, because there are so many plot-strands, ends up being rather complicated and confusing. Several times in my head I had to go back over it.

But, while that does take away from an otherwise very strong book, it doesn’t mean that this is a big disappointment. Far from it. I would still recommend it to her fans, and anyone who likes a well- written, enjoyable to read mystery, with good characters a strong plot. Even if the ending is ultimately a bit of a let-down.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Fiona Walker

Book Review: Fox Evil