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JACK IN THE PULPIT
by Cynthia Riggs
St Martin's Minotaur, June 2004
224 pages
$22.95
ISBN: 0312330111


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

The town of West Tisbury on Martha's Vineyard is torn apart by a feud between the retired minister of the local Congregational Church, John Hutchinson and his successor, Reverend Milton Jackson. Both are called Jack. Hutchinson finds it difficult to relinquish his church, whilst his wife Maddy continues to perform her former duties by supplying the elderly and sick pensioners with casseroles and soup and TLC. Jackson objects and accuses Hutchinson of interfering and usurping his duties.

The town has a new police chief, Casey O'Neill, who is city-bred and needs guidance in the ways of the citizens of the town. Guidance comes from Victoria Trumbull, a feisty Martha Vineyard native in her 90s who knows practically everything about the town and its citizens.

The sudden death of four people in one month, all members of the same church, upsets the town. All of the four deceased provided handsomely for the church. Suspicion is that the deaths might be caused by food left anonymously at their doorsteps. Gossip inspired by one of the wives casts suspicion on the minister who gains handsomely for his church. Victoria's search leads to a basket of mushrooms which may be poisonous and used in the anonymous dishes.

To add to Victoria's problems she is feuding with the Meals On Wheels driver with whom she had a fender bender. Also adding to her woes is Elizabeth, her granddaughter, who has sought refuge with Victoria. She is a fugitive from her vengeful, abusive husband Lockwood, who is now stalking her.

There seems to be no lack of suspects especially when the estranged wife of Hutchinson arrives on the scene finally demanding a divorce. It seems Maddy and John are not married as all believed. Using her extensive knowledge of the people Victoria seeks the source of the murders. As a reward for her solving the murders Victoria becomes a deputy of West Tisbury police.

In this fourth Victoria Trumbull mystery we have a prequel which recounts Victoria's first case and how she became a deputy of the West Tisbury police. This is a charming, enjoyable story with a complex and well-paced plot. There is a wonderful cast of characters who are thoroughly believable and whom you would be happy to associate with. The dialogue is sparkling and lively. The descriptions of the flora and fauna of Martha's Vineyard is blended into the story, adding to the interest of the book. Having read of Victoria's adventures in the previous books it is a pleasure to read of her initial foray into sleuthing.

Reviewed by Barbara Buhrer, September 2004

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