The Price of Butcher’s Meat: A Dalziel and Pascoe Mystery

by: Reginald Hill

Published by: Harper Collins

Reviewed by Patricia E. Reid

Detective Superintendent Andy Daziel agrees to go to Avalon Clinic to recuperate from an injury incurred during a bombing. Avalon is located in Sandytown, advertised as “The Home of the Health Holiday.” Charlotte Heywood also arrives in Sandytown–but by a different route. Tom and Mary Parker took a wrong turn and wound up in a ditch on the Heywood property. After spending a few days recuperating, Tom invites Charlotte to visit at their home in Sandytown.

The reader is kept informed of all the happenings in Sandytown through Charlotte’s constant emails to her sister. Daziel keeps the reader informed through his dictation into a miniature recorder. The doctor in charge suggested Daziel keep a sort of a diary on the recorder, and of course Daziel insisted that he wouldn’t, but finds it to be a fascinating pastime.

Sandytown presents no end of crazy characters including Lady Denham. Although rich, Lady Denham has few friends, but quite a lot of people who wish to be her favorite and hope that they are named in her will. When Lady Denham falls victim to murder, there is no end to the suspects.

Pascoe arrives on the scene to investigate but it seems Daziel and Charley (Charlotte) have the inside track. Little Minnie Parker manages to inform Daziel and Charley of a few secrets she’s uncovered. Although Minnie is only nine, she is well aware of most everything that goes on in Sandytown.

Just a great story with some peeks into the workings of Daziel’s mind through his recordings. Don’t miss this book for a great mystery and a lot of laughs.

Armchair Interviews agrees.