The Mystery of the Crooked Man, by Tom Spencer - David
Meet Agatha Dorn, cantankerous archivist, grammar pedant, gin aficionada and murder mystery addict. When she discovers a lost manuscript by Gladden Green, the Empress of Golden Age detective fiction, Agatha's life takes an unexpected twist. She becomes an overnight sensation, basking in the limelight of literary stardom.
But Agatha's newfound fame takes a nosedive when the 'rediscovered' novel is exposed as a hoax. And when her ex-lover turns up dead, with a scrap of the manuscript by her side, Agatha suspects foul play. Cancelled, ostracised and severely ticked off, Agatha turns detective to uncover the sinister truth that connects the murder and the fraudulent manuscript. Can Agatha stay sober long enough to catch the murderer, or will she become a whodunit herself?
The Mystery of the Crooked Man was a very enjoyable book with interesting characters, particularly that of Agatha Dorn, the self-deprecating sleuth with many flaws. The plot rolled along nicely with a number of good twists. Although the Agatha Christie, influences were apparent the story benefitted from a more modern setting and plenty of humour.
I would definitely look at and read other books by Tom Spencer in the future. A very promising debut novel from a good writer. I’d say this book would appeal to fans of Richard Cole and Richard Osman, although it was a more a modern whodunnit mystery that was not too cosy.
David
