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The small English town of Newbury isn't exactly the mecca of the universe, but it's suddenly gained some unwelcome notoriety – youngsters are dying in a town nightclub from a new and deadly drug. Detective Supt Gregory Summers and his team investigate, and find there's a link to what looked like a routine death from Ecstasy the previous year. They mount an undercover operation in the Kismet Klub, and what happens next brings tragedy too close to home. Susan Kelly provides a good balance as well between the cops' private and professional lives. Greg, who is nearly 50, has a slightly unconventional home life in that he lives with Angie, the 20-something widow of his son Fred. Angie, now a student, is the slight weak link in the book. A few of the scenes are seen through her eyes, but she never really develops further than an attractive, intelligent mid-20s woman who's had what might be termed an unusual life. Otherwise the supporting cast is strong, and Kelly allows them to develop as the series progresses – although it won't be a major disadvantage if you haven't read the earlier books, as there's adequate recapping for late arrivals. I always like no-nonsense DS Barbara Carey, and there's a strong new character in the form of DCI ‘Striker’ Freeman (if you've read the rest of the series, you'll know that Newbury CID goes through Detective Chief Inspectors like nobody's business!) This series is an under-rated gem. Kelly writes clear, brisk prose and her characters are on the whole so real that you feel like you live or work near to them. Underneath the deceptively peaceful small town and the pretty surrounding villages, there's a much darker side, with ordinary people capable of some horrible acts. If you haven't discovered this series, then you're missing out on storytelling at its very best. MURDER ON THE DANCE FLOOR is excellent, as are the earlier books.
Reviewed by Sharon Wheeler, July 2007
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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