From Publishers Weekly
When the body of a social worker is found in a woodland grave outside the village of Bletch Heath in Herefordshire, suspicion falls on irascible recluse Alice Meddlar and her strapping son, Robby, a shy "simon," or simpleton. Retired detective chief superintendent Henry Bassett considers other possible villains, including newcomers to Bletch Heath, widowed sisters Olivia Mulholland, a former social worker and beefy "born bossy boots," and Annette Gray, once a children's nanny. It takes placid, observant Bassett several days and a few "thinking pipes" to come up with a motive and identify the killer. Perhaps too English and too cozy for American readers, Burden's latest Bassett mystery, after Wreath of Honesty , sacrifices suspense for dense local diction and color.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
When police discover the battered but lovingly buried body of a social worker near Henry Bassett's cottage, the retired Detective Chief Superintendent once again utilizes his skills on a murder case. Circumstantial evidence points to a reclusive old woman and her much-maligned retarded son who live nearby; however, Bassett champions their cause and directs police attention elsewhere. Comfortably cozy procedures ensue as Bassett investigates: walks with his pup near the crime scene, shrewd chats with local characters over tea, quiet musings over bits of new evidence. A captivating English village mystery in the best tradition.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.