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Flaxborough Chronicles #5
Charity Ends at Home
“I am in great danger … I know that murder is going to be the reward for my uncomplaining loyalty.”
This letter containing heartfelt and urgent pleas for help is received by three very eminent citizens of Flaxborough, including the Chief Constable himself. So when one of the town’s most tireless charity workers, Mrs Henrietta Palgrove, is found the wrong way up in her garden pond, a connection seems likely.
Yet Detective Inspector Purbright finds the case does not quite add up and it takes the acute wits of his old friend, the ever-charming Miss Lucilla Teatime, as well as the more unwitting help of Mortimer Hive, indifferent private investigator and accomplished ladies’ man, to tease out the real murderer.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1968
About the author
Colin Watson
53 books26 followersColin Watson was educated at the Whitgift School in South Croydon, London. During his career as a journalist he worked in London and Newcastle-on-Tyne, where he was a leader-writer for Kemsley Newspapers.
His book Hopjoy Was Here (1962) received the Silver Dagger Award. He was married, with three children, and lived in Lincolnshire. After retiring from journalism he designed silver jewellery.
As well as a series of humorous detective novels set in the imaginary town of Flaxborough, featuring Inspector Purbright, Watson also wrote and later revised a study of detective stories and thrillers called Snobbery with Violence.
His book Hopjoy Was Here (1962) received the Silver Dagger Award. He was married, with three children, and lived in Lincolnshire. After retiring from journalism he designed silver jewellery.
As well as a series of humorous detective novels set in the imaginary town of Flaxborough, featuring Inspector Purbright, Watson also wrote and later revised a study of detective stories and thrillers called Snobbery with Violence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 22, 2018
Real Rating: 4.5* of five
I'd *completely* forgotten the twist, and when it came back to me, I was captivated anew.
Go read the notes.
I'd *completely* forgotten the twist, and when it came back to me, I was captivated anew.
Go read the notes.
May 15, 2018
I'm finally caught up on this delightful series. For the most part I've really enjoyed going back to a time without CSI and technology where the detective solves the crime purely on his wits. These really are an underrated series of books that I wish I had discovered years ago.
The language as always witty and the books zooms along at pace, the characters are as always slightly bonkers. They're just delightful. I believe there are more to come and I'm looking forward to reading them.
Free arc from netgalley
The language as always witty and the books zooms along at pace, the characters are as always slightly bonkers. They're just delightful. I believe there are more to come and I'm looking forward to reading them.
Free arc from netgalley
April 17, 2018
*3-3.5 stars. This is the fifth book in the Flaxborough Chronicles, a mystery series written by Colin Watson first published in the 60s, and now being brought back by Farrago UK. They are good old chestnuts, British police procedurals, which can be easily read in one day.
In this outing, some woman has sent out letters: one each to the coroner, the chief constable and the newspaper editor, which claim someone is plotting her murder. A nutter? The letters are unsigned so there is nothing much anyone can do to follow up. But later when a woman is found murdered, those letters take on even greater significance.
I really enjoy these mysteries and am so glad I've been introduced to this series. This one took its time developing and waited until the last 40% to really get cooking--my only complaint. I was happy to see Lucy Teatime back as a character in this story--she was introduced in the previous book. One is never quite sure which side of the law she is on.
In our current age, one often hears the complaint that when police investigators zero in on a likely suspect, they ignore all others. In this story, Inspector Purbright says: "I've no doubt that that person will be arrested and charged quite soon. But every other possibility must be examined thoroughly in the meantime." How refreshing!
Again, I have to mention how I adore Watson's descriptive writing style. Here's an example describing the murdered woman's maid: "Although she wore an apron, she had on her hat. It gave her the air of a helper prepared for flight at the first sign of fresh disaster. And she clearly regarded the appearance of the three policemen as just that."
Thank you to Farrago and NetGalley for providing me with arcs of these delightful old books.
In this outing, some woman has sent out letters: one each to the coroner, the chief constable and the newspaper editor, which claim someone is plotting her murder. A nutter? The letters are unsigned so there is nothing much anyone can do to follow up. But later when a woman is found murdered, those letters take on even greater significance.
I really enjoy these mysteries and am so glad I've been introduced to this series. This one took its time developing and waited until the last 40% to really get cooking--my only complaint. I was happy to see Lucy Teatime back as a character in this story--she was introduced in the previous book. One is never quite sure which side of the law she is on.
In our current age, one often hears the complaint that when police investigators zero in on a likely suspect, they ignore all others. In this story, Inspector Purbright says: "I've no doubt that that person will be arrested and charged quite soon. But every other possibility must be examined thoroughly in the meantime." How refreshing!
Again, I have to mention how I adore Watson's descriptive writing style. Here's an example describing the murdered woman's maid: "Although she wore an apron, she had on her hat. It gave her the air of a helper prepared for flight at the first sign of fresh disaster. And she clearly regarded the appearance of the three policemen as just that."
Thank you to Farrago and NetGalley for providing me with arcs of these delightful old books.
March 5, 2016
From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
Kindly Detective Inspector Purbright probes dark deeds in the world of small-time animal charities.
One of Colin Watson's Flaxborough Chronicles dramatised by Christopher Denys in 6 parts.
2/6: As the sabotage and murder trail continues, Private Investigator Mortimer Hive arrives and is invited to make a speech.
3/6: Kindly detective, Inspector Purbright probes the discovery of another body, found head down in a wishing well.
4/6: Alibis are examined as Inspector Purbright's probe into the murder of Mrs Palgrove makes life uncomfortable for her husband.
5/6: As suspicions over Palgrove grow, Inspector Purbright calls on his old friend Lucilla Teatime.
6/6: As Mortimer Hive enters the lion's den - can Inspector Purbright finally unravel the wicked web?
Stars John Rowe as Inspector Purbright, Robin Polley as Sgt. Malley, Tricia Wilcock as Mrs Hallam, Paul Downing as Love, Russell Dixon as Dr Fergusson and Ann Rye as Lucilla Teatime.
Producer: Tony Cliff
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1992.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007jsmq
Kindly Detective Inspector Purbright probes dark deeds in the world of small-time animal charities.
One of Colin Watson's Flaxborough Chronicles dramatised by Christopher Denys in 6 parts.
2/6: As the sabotage and murder trail continues, Private Investigator Mortimer Hive arrives and is invited to make a speech.
3/6: Kindly detective, Inspector Purbright probes the discovery of another body, found head down in a wishing well.
4/6: Alibis are examined as Inspector Purbright's probe into the murder of Mrs Palgrove makes life uncomfortable for her husband.
5/6: As suspicions over Palgrove grow, Inspector Purbright calls on his old friend Lucilla Teatime.
6/6: As Mortimer Hive enters the lion's den - can Inspector Purbright finally unravel the wicked web?
Stars John Rowe as Inspector Purbright, Robin Polley as Sgt. Malley, Tricia Wilcock as Mrs Hallam, Paul Downing as Love, Russell Dixon as Dr Fergusson and Ann Rye as Lucilla Teatime.
Producer: Tony Cliff
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1992.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007jsmq
June 27, 2018
Charity Ends at Home - the magic ends around number four.
I think I may have reached the end of these before I've reached the end... so to speak. Such a shame as there are lots more in the series.
The first couple had an 'old-world charm' that seems to have evaporated somewhere along the line, although the wonderful language-craft remains.
I may return to them in the future, who knows!
Not I!
I think I may have reached the end of these before I've reached the end... so to speak. Such a shame as there are lots more in the series.
The first couple had an 'old-world charm' that seems to have evaporated somewhere along the line, although the wonderful language-craft remains.
I may return to them in the future, who knows!
Not I!
April 20, 2018
GNab This novel was originally published in 1968 by Eyre and Spottiswoode. Thank you, Farrago, Prelude Books Ltd for bring back this excellent novel.
Charity Ends at Home is a fast, compelling read, and I enjoyed the change of pace and lack of angst offered by this historical novel. The good guys are Inspector Purbright, Sargeant Love, Coroner Amblesby, and recently retired and feeling out a new career as a private investigator, Mortimer Hive. Mort is assisted by an old friend, local Flaxborough resident Miss Lucilla Edith Cavell Teatime. Londoner Mortimer finds himself on a job - finding and photographing the grounds for a divorce - in the small village of Flaxborough. On day two the job is cancelled when the couple agree to reconcile. But Mortimer and Lucila are having a fine time touching base.... And then a body turns up in the wishing well. And Mort can spend more time with Lucilla if he can hang around and help solve this murder.
I received a free electronic copy of this period novel from Netgalley, the beneficiaries of the Literary Estate of Colin Watson, and Prelude Books Ltd - Farrago Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date April 19, 2018 by Farrago
orig pub 1968 by Dell Publishing Co.
Charity Ends at Home is a fast, compelling read, and I enjoyed the change of pace and lack of angst offered by this historical novel. The good guys are Inspector Purbright, Sargeant Love, Coroner Amblesby, and recently retired and feeling out a new career as a private investigator, Mortimer Hive. Mort is assisted by an old friend, local Flaxborough resident Miss Lucilla Edith Cavell Teatime. Londoner Mortimer finds himself on a job - finding and photographing the grounds for a divorce - in the small village of Flaxborough. On day two the job is cancelled when the couple agree to reconcile. But Mortimer and Lucila are having a fine time touching base.... And then a body turns up in the wishing well. And Mort can spend more time with Lucilla if he can hang around and help solve this murder.
I received a free electronic copy of this period novel from Netgalley, the beneficiaries of the Literary Estate of Colin Watson, and Prelude Books Ltd - Farrago Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date April 19, 2018 by Farrago
orig pub 1968 by Dell Publishing Co.
March 27, 2018
Such fun! Such wit! Such excellent writing!
In the fifth of the Flaxborough Chronicles, charities of various kinds, both worthy and dubious, come under the Watson microscope and undergo some satiric dissection.
DI Purbright, Sergeant Love and Lucilla Teatime all appear but it is Mortimer Hive, PI and retired professional co-respondent who steals the show.
The story involves a murder, which is almost incidental to the plot, and some anonymous letters, but the mystery is not all-important here.
Read and enjoy this novel, first published in 1968 and as entertaining as ever.
Thank you to NetGalley and Farrago for the digital ARC.
In the fifth of the Flaxborough Chronicles, charities of various kinds, both worthy and dubious, come under the Watson microscope and undergo some satiric dissection.
DI Purbright, Sergeant Love and Lucilla Teatime all appear but it is Mortimer Hive, PI and retired professional co-respondent who steals the show.
The story involves a murder, which is almost incidental to the plot, and some anonymous letters, but the mystery is not all-important here.
Read and enjoy this novel, first published in 1968 and as entertaining as ever.
Thank you to NetGalley and Farrago for the digital ARC.
March 6, 2014
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2018
An anonymous letter in which the writer is in fear for their life arrives on the desk of Constable Chubb, but our intrepid Purbright is inclined to believe it is somehow tied to the murder of local resident and charity ‘maven’ Henrietta Palgrove. Several suspects are possible, and the help in uncovering the perpetrator is never-ending with the return of Lucy Teatime, new resident, and a PI named Montgomery Hive. From the start the story takes off into several directions (often spinning off Purbright’s pointed observations) as the habits, behaviors and the penchant for charity work / workers to get, shall we say, overly involved in their work. With so many different people investigating and discovering (but not necessarily sharing) information, the eccentricities and unique flavor of Flaxborough comes forward in each resident. All of the ‘investigating’ factions are often at cross purposes, making Purbright’s job a bit more convoluted and complicated than necessary, but this element simply adds delight for readers. While the story has several clever, and funny, moments: a particular delight is in the careers evening at the local school where the PI, masquerading as a photographer and thinking he’s to present at a prize-giving devolves with hilarious results after some pointed asides from students and a few drinks in.
Oh the mystery is solved and the culprit unmasked, but the delightful writing and character observations combine to bring a more cynical look at the penchant for charity work, the purpose of the charities and the secrets buried behind the public faces of the town residents. Watson’s prose, observations and a sense that much of the ‘daily life’ is riddled with nonsensical traditions based more in appearance than meaning, the story is a true delight. A bit slower to the reveal than a more contemporary mystery, these are must-reads for their cleverness in construct and well-developed, presented and commented upon characters that brings readers a sense of place and time. Another in the long line of writers of British mysteries that is sure to please fans of Christie – these are a clever escape sure to engage.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Oh the mystery is solved and the culprit unmasked, but the delightful writing and character observations combine to bring a more cynical look at the penchant for charity work, the purpose of the charities and the secrets buried behind the public faces of the town residents. Watson’s prose, observations and a sense that much of the ‘daily life’ is riddled with nonsensical traditions based more in appearance than meaning, the story is a true delight. A bit slower to the reveal than a more contemporary mystery, these are must-reads for their cleverness in construct and well-developed, presented and commented upon characters that brings readers a sense of place and time. Another in the long line of writers of British mysteries that is sure to please fans of Christie – these are a clever escape sure to engage.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
March 23, 2021
There could be an argument made to the effect that I've currently got too many series revisits going on - what with this, the Flaxborough Chronicles, my rerun right through the Discworld novels, a restart of the Smiley series by Le Carre, and whatever else I've started and forgotten about in recent months. I've never forgotten this Flaxborough Series though - it's always been my kickstart reading again go to series, and this time around it started as that, and has continued as just a sheer pleasure to re-read even after however many dozens of times I've read them already.
CHARITY ENDS AT HOME sees the ongoing involvement of Miss Lucilla Teatime, and the unwitting assistance of Mortimer Hive, accomplished ladies' man and indifferent private investigator in Detective Inspector Purbright's investigation of the death of tireless charity worker, Mrs Henriette Palgrove, found upended in her garden pond, after a round of letters from the victim advising that she is likely to be murdered were received by eminent citizens of Flaxborough including the Chief Constable himself.
Told, as always, in Watson's inimitable cheeky, tongue in cheek style, with all the political incorrectness you'd expect of something published in the 1960's, these novels are always rescued by the sense of humour which is wicked, witty and oh so very British. Of course they are dated, and they are often mildly cringe-inducing, but Miss Teatime, in particular, is a magnificent character, entertaining, cunning, resourceful and blissfully independent she's part heroine, part crook in a way that unapologetically glorious. Purbright is calm, considered, and not above a bit of sly tongue in cheekness himself, and everyone in the cast in these novels gets their fair share of eccentricity, vulnerability, and laugh out loud moments.
Everytime I return to this series I'm reminded again how much I do love it. CHARITY ENDS AT HOME has a nicely twisty plot to it, as well as the highly entertaining cast of character and laugh-out-loud wordplay referred to in the book's blurb. (As an aside, this is one of those series that really does work best if you start at the beginning. Knowing who everyone is and how they are all introduced really does help a lot.)
CHARITY ENDS AT HOME sees the ongoing involvement of Miss Lucilla Teatime, and the unwitting assistance of Mortimer Hive, accomplished ladies' man and indifferent private investigator in Detective Inspector Purbright's investigation of the death of tireless charity worker, Mrs Henriette Palgrove, found upended in her garden pond, after a round of letters from the victim advising that she is likely to be murdered were received by eminent citizens of Flaxborough including the Chief Constable himself.
Told, as always, in Watson's inimitable cheeky, tongue in cheek style, with all the political incorrectness you'd expect of something published in the 1960's, these novels are always rescued by the sense of humour which is wicked, witty and oh so very British. Of course they are dated, and they are often mildly cringe-inducing, but Miss Teatime, in particular, is a magnificent character, entertaining, cunning, resourceful and blissfully independent she's part heroine, part crook in a way that unapologetically glorious. Purbright is calm, considered, and not above a bit of sly tongue in cheekness himself, and everyone in the cast in these novels gets their fair share of eccentricity, vulnerability, and laugh out loud moments.
Everytime I return to this series I'm reminded again how much I do love it. CHARITY ENDS AT HOME has a nicely twisty plot to it, as well as the highly entertaining cast of character and laugh-out-loud wordplay referred to in the book's blurb. (As an aside, this is one of those series that really does work best if you start at the beginning. Knowing who everyone is and how they are all introduced really does help a lot.)
January 5, 2021
Having not read any of The Flaxborough Chronicles for many years, I had forgotten how good they are. Watson's very witty pen "dipped in acid" as one newspaper reviews commented is just a joy to read. Very funny but still with a good plot. Marvellous stuff.
April 1, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Farrago for an advance copy of Charity Ends at Home, the fifth novel in the Flaxborough Mystery series to feature Inspector Purbright, originally published in 1968.
Chief Constable Chubb is puzzled to receive an anonymous letter in which the writer fears for their life but Inspector Purbright is inclined to take it more seriously. Is there a connection to the death of charity worker Henrietta Palgrove? Inspector Purbright is inclined to think so but it is the timely interviews with with Lucinda Teatime and PI Mortimer Hive which solve the case.
I thoroughly enjoyed Charity Ends at Home. The plot is fairly simple with a few twists but it is very well done. The arch tone invites the reader to laugh along with the writer and his comments on Middle England, their habits and foibles strike true - I particularly liked his description of the victim's garden, replete with fake wishing well and gnomes. In this novel Mr Watson takes a potshot at charity fundraising and his clear sightedness could almost be seen as prophetic, from their collection tins to their treating it as a business.
Charity Ends at Home is a funny read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Chief Constable Chubb is puzzled to receive an anonymous letter in which the writer fears for their life but Inspector Purbright is inclined to take it more seriously. Is there a connection to the death of charity worker Henrietta Palgrove? Inspector Purbright is inclined to think so but it is the timely interviews with with Lucinda Teatime and PI Mortimer Hive which solve the case.
I thoroughly enjoyed Charity Ends at Home. The plot is fairly simple with a few twists but it is very well done. The arch tone invites the reader to laugh along with the writer and his comments on Middle England, their habits and foibles strike true - I particularly liked his description of the victim's garden, replete with fake wishing well and gnomes. In this novel Mr Watson takes a potshot at charity fundraising and his clear sightedness could almost be seen as prophetic, from their collection tins to their treating it as a business.
Charity Ends at Home is a funny read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 20, 2018
Charity Ends At Home is another hugely enjoyable Flaxborough mystery. The plot revolves around the murder of an indefatigable charity committee-sitter, from which elements of rivalry, adultery, genteel jiggery-pokery and out-and-out farce develop.
As always, it's a neatly crafted mystery distilled into fewer than 200 pages and superbly written. Watson's style is, as ever, wry and witty and he uses it to pierce the hypocrisies and self-importance of many his small-town characters. The estimable Inspector Purbright and his colleagues are on fine form and the wonderful Miss Lucy Teatime reappears after her triumphant entry in Lonelyheart 4122. There are, of course, plenty of lovely phrases, descriptions and dialogue to enjoy; as a small example, as the fire brigade pump water out of a crime scene, "…the last of the water disappeared with a noise like German political oratory."
This whole series is a delight. This is the fifth; it is fine as a stand-alone book, but I am reading them in order and enjoying them all the more for doing so. Whether you start at the beginning or just read this one, I can recommend it very warmly.
(My thanks to Farrago for an ARC via NetGalley.)
As always, it's a neatly crafted mystery distilled into fewer than 200 pages and superbly written. Watson's style is, as ever, wry and witty and he uses it to pierce the hypocrisies and self-importance of many his small-town characters. The estimable Inspector Purbright and his colleagues are on fine form and the wonderful Miss Lucy Teatime reappears after her triumphant entry in Lonelyheart 4122. There are, of course, plenty of lovely phrases, descriptions and dialogue to enjoy; as a small example, as the fire brigade pump water out of a crime scene, "…the last of the water disappeared with a noise like German political oratory."
This whole series is a delight. This is the fifth; it is fine as a stand-alone book, but I am reading them in order and enjoying them all the more for doing so. Whether you start at the beginning or just read this one, I can recommend it very warmly.
(My thanks to Farrago for an ARC via NetGalley.)
April 9, 2018
Is Watson a misanthrope? If so, he's an extremely witty one! Once again we're back in Flaxborough where some strange letters have been sent to inhabitants...
While the mystery element holds its own, the true delights of these books are the elegant prose which punctures all pretensions and the wonderful characters. My favourite, Miss Teatime, is up to her old tricks this time with charity boxes!
Think EF Benson's Tilling novels crossed with Evelyn Waugh and you'll have a sense of these books - they're a delight.
While the mystery element holds its own, the true delights of these books are the elegant prose which punctures all pretensions and the wonderful characters. My favourite, Miss Teatime, is up to her old tricks this time with charity boxes!
Think EF Benson's Tilling novels crossed with Evelyn Waugh and you'll have a sense of these books - they're a delight.
July 3, 2009
An anonymous letter points toward a forthcoming death--and then the body that would explain the letter is found. As so often happens, the police suspect the victim's husband. But a private detective with a conscience seeks out Lucy Teatime, an old friend, who forces him to discuss his situation with Detective Inspector Purbright.
May 19, 2018
When Detective Inspector Purbright visits his superior, Chubb, the man is in possession of a a letter that seems, for all intents and purposes, to foretell of a murder not yet committed. But it was addressed only “My Dear Friend” and unsigned. While it purported to have a picture of the would-be victim, there is no picture attached. Stranger yet, it seems that Coroner Amblesby and the editor of the local newspaper have also received copies of the same letter. While at first it appears to be only a crank, when a prominent woman is murdered - in one of the ways mentioned in the letter - it is up to Purbright and his sergeant, Sid Love, to find out who wanted the woman dead.
At the same time, a private detective named Mortimer Hive is on the trail of a pair of illicit lovers, but is having a problem - his camera has been stolen and his car has been disabled - yet the intrepid detective isn’t going to let either stop him, and proceeds on foot to the little love cottage where he finds one lover but not the other.
What these two incidents have in common seem nothing at all; yet eventually it becomes clear to Purbright that they are indeed connected, and with the help of Mr. Hive and the redoubtable Lucy Teatime, Purbright may very well find a murderer who has been hiding in plain sight all along...
This is the fifth book in the Flaxborough Chronicles and is a very good entry in the series. Purbright is once again in top form, along with Love, whose reasoning process, while slower than his D.I.’s, is still right on the money. He goes about solving the murder methodically, finding the clues and placing them exactly where they’re supposed to be.
This is what makes a good mystery, and Colin Watson has a knack not only for doing so, but leaving us with endings, while not entirely complete, still leave us the answers we have been looking for. As it is, I have enjoyed every book in the series thus far, and am looking forward to reading the next. Highly recommended.
At the same time, a private detective named Mortimer Hive is on the trail of a pair of illicit lovers, but is having a problem - his camera has been stolen and his car has been disabled - yet the intrepid detective isn’t going to let either stop him, and proceeds on foot to the little love cottage where he finds one lover but not the other.
What these two incidents have in common seem nothing at all; yet eventually it becomes clear to Purbright that they are indeed connected, and with the help of Mr. Hive and the redoubtable Lucy Teatime, Purbright may very well find a murderer who has been hiding in plain sight all along...
This is the fifth book in the Flaxborough Chronicles and is a very good entry in the series. Purbright is once again in top form, along with Love, whose reasoning process, while slower than his D.I.’s, is still right on the money. He goes about solving the murder methodically, finding the clues and placing them exactly where they’re supposed to be.
This is what makes a good mystery, and Colin Watson has a knack not only for doing so, but leaving us with endings, while not entirely complete, still leave us the answers we have been looking for. As it is, I have enjoyed every book in the series thus far, and am looking forward to reading the next. Highly recommended.
April 4, 2018
Charity Ends At Home by Colin Watson is the fifth novel in the Flaxborough mystery series. The book has a smart, intriguing cover that gives a new, modern look to a novel that was first published fifty years ago. It recreates that era for us in a timeless way that doesn’t feel dated. We are conducted back in time very enjoyably.
The stately town of Flaxborough is awash with colourful characters. They’re not quite eccentric but definitely not quite ordinary. And a lot of them aren’t quite as respectable as they try to make out. The place is also awash with charities that don’t take very kindly to each other at all. So when a leading light of one of the charities is found dead, there are plenty of suspects, including her husband whose alibi quickly disintegrates.
DI Purbright leads the investigation, assisted by Sergeant Love. And there are another pair of investigators at work – Montgomery Hive and his friend Lucy Teatime. They interact, as do all the characters, in fascinating and delightful ways.
Comedy simmers below the surface in the form of razor sharp wit and situations that are almost ridiculous but somehow retain their dignity. An example is one magnificent scene where everyone is at cross purposes. The headteacher thinks one of his guest speakers, recruited at the last minute, is someone rather important but he is actually a private detective, although he’s masquerading as a photographer. He himself thinks he’s at a prize-giving rather than a careers evening. Add a few too many double whiskeys and some cheeky students and things don’t go as expected.
The whole book is full of wry observations and tongue-in-cheek humour, but it never collapses into farce or slapstick. This is what keeps the story lively, even though the action moves at a sedate pace and our characters are Britishly self-controlled. It’s thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.
The stately town of Flaxborough is awash with colourful characters. They’re not quite eccentric but definitely not quite ordinary. And a lot of them aren’t quite as respectable as they try to make out. The place is also awash with charities that don’t take very kindly to each other at all. So when a leading light of one of the charities is found dead, there are plenty of suspects, including her husband whose alibi quickly disintegrates.
DI Purbright leads the investigation, assisted by Sergeant Love. And there are another pair of investigators at work – Montgomery Hive and his friend Lucy Teatime. They interact, as do all the characters, in fascinating and delightful ways.
Comedy simmers below the surface in the form of razor sharp wit and situations that are almost ridiculous but somehow retain their dignity. An example is one magnificent scene where everyone is at cross purposes. The headteacher thinks one of his guest speakers, recruited at the last minute, is someone rather important but he is actually a private detective, although he’s masquerading as a photographer. He himself thinks he’s at a prize-giving rather than a careers evening. Add a few too many double whiskeys and some cheeky students and things don’t go as expected.
The whole book is full of wry observations and tongue-in-cheek humour, but it never collapses into farce or slapstick. This is what keeps the story lively, even though the action moves at a sedate pace and our characters are Britishly self-controlled. It’s thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.
June 6, 2018
This mystery takes on another interesting setting as it occurs in the midst of the many charities of Flaxborough. While it took me a little longer to get into this book, I especially enjoyed learning more about the main detectives. For instance, Chief Constable Chubb never opens his mail until at least three hours have passed. “Experience had taught him that problems which were altogether raw and unpalatable at eight o’clock could acquire a manageable blandness by eleven” (location 170). I might have to try that strategy. Malley treats Mr. Amblesby as if he’s a doddering old man in revenge for the coroner’s cruelty to other people. And then there’s Love whose mental processes take their time but often turn up significant leads. I like coming back to the same characters and getting a fuller picture of who they really are.
As I’ve come to expect from other books in this series, the mystery is full of twists, clever clues, and witty writing. It’s fascinating watching the police track down leads and determine what to focus on next. It’s a delightful English mystery. I’d recommend it.
Thank you to Farrago and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
As I’ve come to expect from other books in this series, the mystery is full of twists, clever clues, and witty writing. It’s fascinating watching the police track down leads and determine what to focus on next. It’s a delightful English mystery. I’d recommend it.
Thank you to Farrago and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
April 19, 2018
Charity Ends at Home, originally published in 1968, is the fifth novel in the Flaxborough Mystery series featuring Inspector Purbright and Sergeant Love. As with the first four books in the series, it’s a good, solid murder mystery full of sly humor and wit and a colorful cast of characters that will keep you amused – and sometimes laughing out loud.
Anonymous letters have been sent to the Flaxborough Chief Constable, the editor of the newspaper, and the coroner expressing a fear for the writer’s life and begging for help. Purbright and Love’s investigation leads them to take a close look at charity fundraising organizations. As usual, nothing is sacred to author Colin Watson and he takes more than a few jabs at the groups and those that lead them. With the addition of investigators Lucy Teatime and Mortimer Hive and a few well-placed clues it’s a delightful mystery laced with Watson’s satiric wit.
I have become a big fan of this series and intend to read all the way through. I recommend Charity Ends at Home although it’s not one of the best in the series so far. It got off to a slow start and didn’t pick up quite enough, and the ending was even more abrupt than usual. But the plot and the mystery are secondary to the characters Colin Watson develops and the words he uses to describe them and their antics. As always, there are some vivid word pictures, although possible politically incorrect in today’s world, some deliciously evil characters, and those laugh-out-loud moments (the cricket ball joke alone is worth reading the book).
Thanks to NetGalley and Farrago for an advance copy of Charity Ends at Home.
Anonymous letters have been sent to the Flaxborough Chief Constable, the editor of the newspaper, and the coroner expressing a fear for the writer’s life and begging for help. Purbright and Love’s investigation leads them to take a close look at charity fundraising organizations. As usual, nothing is sacred to author Colin Watson and he takes more than a few jabs at the groups and those that lead them. With the addition of investigators Lucy Teatime and Mortimer Hive and a few well-placed clues it’s a delightful mystery laced with Watson’s satiric wit.
I have become a big fan of this series and intend to read all the way through. I recommend Charity Ends at Home although it’s not one of the best in the series so far. It got off to a slow start and didn’t pick up quite enough, and the ending was even more abrupt than usual. But the plot and the mystery are secondary to the characters Colin Watson develops and the words he uses to describe them and their antics. As always, there are some vivid word pictures, although possible politically incorrect in today’s world, some deliciously evil characters, and those laugh-out-loud moments (the cricket ball joke alone is worth reading the book).
Thanks to NetGalley and Farrago for an advance copy of Charity Ends at Home.
April 24, 2018
This wonderfully entertaining take on the traditional British crime/mystery novel is attractively old fashion and zanier that most books in this genre. Set in the village of Flaxborough which supports 43 charities, 18 of which are canine and whose competitive committee leaders are entrenched in plots and counter-plots conducted to ensure the success of their particular organization.
A ""Dear Friend "" letter to the coroner, the constable and the town newspaper editor asking for assistance in preventing the writer’s assassination is followed by the death of Mrs. Palgrove of the Four Foot Haven. Did she fall or was she pushed into her goldfish pond? Could the culprit be one of her “doggie adversaries”? It’s up to Detective Inspector Purbright to root out the truth.
Author, Colin Watson is accomplished plotter and he handles the varied plot strands and unusual characters, like Mortimer Hive and Lucilla Teatime with tongue in cheek assurance. As always, duplicity and chicanery are at the forefront in this addictive series.
A ""Dear Friend "" letter to the coroner, the constable and the town newspaper editor asking for assistance in preventing the writer’s assassination is followed by the death of Mrs. Palgrove of the Four Foot Haven. Did she fall or was she pushed into her goldfish pond? Could the culprit be one of her “doggie adversaries”? It’s up to Detective Inspector Purbright to root out the truth.
Author, Colin Watson is accomplished plotter and he handles the varied plot strands and unusual characters, like Mortimer Hive and Lucilla Teatime with tongue in cheek assurance. As always, duplicity and chicanery are at the forefront in this addictive series.
March 11, 2024
Having now read 6 of the 12 books in the “Flaxborough Chronicles” series, I can heartily recommend Colin Watson’s quirky adventures to all. And quirky they are, it’s a large part of their charm and one always enjoys meeting a new member of the cast, or re-visiting any of the old hands. As with many of the best mystery series, small towns (Flaxborough here) have a disproportionately large number of illicit liaisons, romantic and otherwise, and a goodly portion of shysters, scammers, cheaters and oh yes murderers too; veritable hotbeds of crime. Here it is always the uber-competent, well grounded, and realistic Inspector Purbright to restore things to proper equilibrium, if only temporarily! Watson continually manages to do all with a humorous flair and to limn the many oddball characters as zanily attractive, even if many of them are hard-pressed to adhere to legalities. Every one of these I’ve read has been a joy, I look forward to the rest.
June 1, 2019
It's all so delightfully straightforward. Sergeant Malley, the ancient coroner's de facto and very competent carer, predicts a 3rd inquest and he gets one. Inspector Purbright works his way methodically through the mystery and Watson provides us with a richly woven tapestry of characters with the dry piquancy of a G&T. Here he takes a look at the charitable life of Flaxborough seemingly overrun with animal charities in particular, whose proponents get on about as well as a pack of dogs with a rasher of bacon lobbed amongst them.
These are not cozy although it is entirely possible that those who fear to stray outside that genre would be untroubled as he throws his naughtiness in so lightly that it could well go over their heads. Miss Teatime's anecdote about the desert and the way Watson describes its reception is a real gem.
These are not cozy although it is entirely possible that those who fear to stray outside that genre would be untroubled as he throws his naughtiness in so lightly that it could well go over their heads. Miss Teatime's anecdote about the desert and the way Watson describes its reception is a real gem.
April 20, 2018
Oooooh… So interesting! A simple plot with few twists, but full of witty lines, humour and good police work. A good police with open mind; he might be sure that the person was the culprit yet he covered all his bases. I always love when the good guy IS the good guy.
Another point for Watson was he never shied away from dissecting occupations from various point of view, which most of us might think it but just wouldn’t say it. And remembering that this book was first published in 1960s made it even more extraordinary.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher through NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
Another point for Watson was he never shied away from dissecting occupations from various point of view, which most of us might think it but just wouldn’t say it. And remembering that this book was first published in 1960s made it even more extraordinary.
I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher through NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
July 13, 2024
This is the second book in this series that I have read. I found this one more enjoyable, and less dated, even though it is set in the same timeframe as the last one.
This plot deals with the murder of a married woman, whose husband is having an affair. There are some twists and turns, which are typical, and a few surprises. I found that although the other book in the series was very predictable, this one was less so. I also did not guess ahead of time what was going to happen, a sure sign of a good whodunnit. I liked it.
This plot deals with the murder of a married woman, whose husband is having an affair. There are some twists and turns, which are typical, and a few surprises. I found that although the other book in the series was very predictable, this one was less so. I also did not guess ahead of time what was going to happen, a sure sign of a good whodunnit. I liked it.
January 18, 2022
Flaxborough is overrun with charity flags sellers and there some doubt that the money is going to the correct place. So when the rivalry turns to murder, Inspector Fulbright has to solve this mystery. Needless to say Colin Watson finds plenty of ways to poke fun in this very British obsession which something that was very common when I was a child. I dread to think what the author makes of how charities work to day!
April 11, 2018
I'm a big fan of the series, but this isn't my favorite installment. Don't be put off, it's not a bad book by any means, but the plot isn't as winding and fun as the others. The characters remain fun, well written with witty dialog, and the "fast stop" ending is in keeping with the other books. Looking forward to reading #6...
April 16, 2018
**********Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review ********
I went straight on to this from the previous book and read it in one sitting. I was delighted to see the return of a character who we met in the previous book and I hope she’ll continue to appear in the series going forward. This is a fun romp through charitable works turned vengeful and murderous. Good fun reading.
I went straight on to this from the previous book and read it in one sitting. I was delighted to see the return of a character who we met in the previous book and I hope she’ll continue to appear in the series going forward. This is a fun romp through charitable works turned vengeful and murderous. Good fun reading.
August 20, 2018
This is the 5th book in a series, and I have read books 1-3 and enjoyed them. I still love the noir feel, the low tech mystery solving. It's fun to have it in a book. The humor is funny, the book is entertaining. I need to read more of this series.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
February 16, 2020
Fun story. Love the vocabulary and dry humor of this author. I got this from the book exchange on the Island Princess cruise ship.
The ending was a bit strange. We know who did it and why, but we’re sort of left hanging to whether or not justice is served.
I did enjoy and will be on the lookout for others by this author
The ending was a bit strange. We know who did it and why, but we’re sort of left hanging to whether or not justice is served.
I did enjoy and will be on the lookout for others by this author
June 29, 2020
Rating 3
another enjoyable entry in this series. the style of writing,humor and character interactions are excellent and make the books highly recommendable.
The actual mystery / investigation in this story was very minor and was solved by Inspector Purbright very quickly.
Would still recommend though.
another enjoyable entry in this series. the style of writing,humor and character interactions are excellent and make the books highly recommendable.
The actual mystery / investigation in this story was very minor and was solved by Inspector Purbright very quickly.
Would still recommend though.
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