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cimorene1558's review
4.0
I am so fond, in a solid but not very enthusiastic way, of this book. It's really well done. It's an interesting setting, an interesting crime, and only gets solved very last minute. Given that it's the first Pollard and Toye, I suspect she wasn't sure how to end it, because her endings got much better. But she's so good at small town England and personalities, both of which I really like in my mysteries.
sandin954's review
3.0
A classic style British mystery with a girl's school setting. First book in the Inspector Pollard series.
kittietta's review
3.0
Thanks to the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
A re-issue of a 1960 cozy mystery series..the first in the series. When Beatrice Baynes, a generally disliked individual, goes missing, she's not missed. When her body is found it causes a mess because.there are just too many suspects!
If you like the older mysteries this is for you. A little slow for me but not terribke. 3 stars.
A re-issue of a 1960 cozy mystery series..the first in the series. When Beatrice Baynes, a generally disliked individual, goes missing, she's not missed. When her body is found it causes a mess because.there are just too many suspects!
If you like the older mysteries this is for you. A little slow for me but not terribke. 3 stars.
cj_mo_2222's review
4.0
The annual festival at Meldon School should be about celebrating the end of the term and former students, "old girls", returning for a fun reunion with friends. One of the old girls, the elderly Beatrice Baynes, lives right across the street and is outspoken with her criticism of Meldon's current staff and administration. Although she was hard to get along with, everyone is still shocked when her dead body is discovered on the grounds and it's determined to be murder. Chief Detective Inspector Pollard and Detective Sergeant Toye are called in by Scotland Yard to investigate.
This book was written in 1967 and has been released this year. It's the first of the long-running "Pollard & Toye" series, but the first time I've read anything by this author. The book started a bit slowly, mainly because there are quite a few characters introduced at the beginning. Once the investigation gets going, it's easier to keep track of who is who and therefore, concentrate on the story itself. Beatrice has no shortage of enemies, so there are plenty of suspects for Pollard and Toye to question, which keeps the story moving.
I enjoy the scenes with Pollard at home with his wife, Jane, which add to the story and help the reader to get to know Pollard. Pollard is kind, organized, determined to get to the truth, and devoted to his wife. I love that Jane was able to provide a key clue that helps her husband solve the case. Toye is likable, putting witnesses at ease, but not enough personal information is given about him to really get to know him.
Overall, this is a well-written police procedural. The investigation is logical and makes the book entertaining. I like the timelines of the crime that Pollard and Toye use to investigate the crime. It helped me get a clearer view of what had happened, too. The identity of the murderer wasn't a huge shock, but the motive was interesting and surprising. I enjoyed the plot and especially the main character of Tom Pollard.
I received this book through the courtesy of Sapere Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
This book was written in 1967 and has been released this year. It's the first of the long-running "Pollard & Toye" series, but the first time I've read anything by this author. The book started a bit slowly, mainly because there are quite a few characters introduced at the beginning. Once the investigation gets going, it's easier to keep track of who is who and therefore, concentrate on the story itself. Beatrice has no shortage of enemies, so there are plenty of suspects for Pollard and Toye to question, which keeps the story moving.
I enjoy the scenes with Pollard at home with his wife, Jane, which add to the story and help the reader to get to know Pollard. Pollard is kind, organized, determined to get to the truth, and devoted to his wife. I love that Jane was able to provide a key clue that helps her husband solve the case. Toye is likable, putting witnesses at ease, but not enough personal information is given about him to really get to know him.
Overall, this is a well-written police procedural. The investigation is logical and makes the book entertaining. I like the timelines of the crime that Pollard and Toye use to investigate the crime. It helped me get a clearer view of what had happened, too. The identity of the murderer wasn't a huge shock, but the motive was interesting and surprising. I enjoyed the plot and especially the main character of Tom Pollard.
I received this book through the courtesy of Sapere Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
quietjenn's review
3.0
A pretty solid, 60s era procedural, set at a girls boarding school. This is the firs in the series and there's enough potential that I downloaded the second book upon finishing. Curious to see how the characters of the central detectives are build out - at this point there's little that really distinguishes them, but I think there's potential to be interesting. The mystery itself is fine. I definitely figured out the culprit and some of the finer points far in advance of revelation and there were a few bits that felt very of it's time. It's not one I'd rush to recommend, but if you're a fan of the genre, there are far worse options out there.
bev_reads_mysteries's review
4.0
Death of an Old Girl is the first book in Elizabeth Lemarchand's series featuring Chief Detective Inspector Tom Pollard and Sergeant Toye. It is set at the Meldon School for girls. At the end of year Festival, Beatrice Baynes, one of the "old girls" who attended the school back in the day, does what she does best--stir up trouble. She is an interfering, overbearing, spiteful snoop who can't stand the changes that have been made to the school since her day. She's particularly displeased with the Head Mistress Helen Renshaw who has brought about the changes and the new art teacher Ann Cartmell who encourages the girls to paint all sorts of sordid pictures (bare backs, for goodness sake!). She creates quite a stir at the festival's assembly--criticizing Miss Cartmell, the new curriculum, other new staff members, and suggestion that money from the Old Meldonian's Society funds be used to help buy new "modern" pictures for the school.
There are others who displease her as well....her nephew who can't seem to hold down a job to save his life and who seems to depend too much on her good will as well as his expectations in her will; her god-daughter who can't seem to do anything right--according to Miss Baynes; and the gardener who has let the precious school's grounds go to wrack and ruin. Not to mention the Old Meldonians and new girls who aren't part of her "stick to the old ways" posse. So, it's no surprise that none of them seem terribly upset when Beatrice Baynes is found dead in the art studio--stuffed in a large puppet theater--after the Old Meldonian Society Festival is over. Sure, they're a bit upset that a murder has happened at all...for what will the parents of the girls and the public think? But there isn't much feeling for the victim.
Inspector Pollard has a job ahead of him and no mistake. Lots of suspects--folks who had their run-ins with the lady, but few with a real motive that would seem to warrant murder. And those with the strongest motive all seem to have an alibi. After several false starts and clearing out all the red herrings, Pollard finally sees the outline of the real motive. Lemarchand has crafted an excellent mystery. The clues are all there...not that I think you'll catch them all or see them for what they are if you do. I've read other (later) Pollard and Toye books and it was very nice to see their beginnings. Even in this first book, their characters are well-defined and a real treat to read about. I thoroughly enjoyed this "old school" academic mystery--three and a half stars (rounded up to four here).
This was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
There are others who displease her as well....her nephew who can't seem to hold down a job to save his life and who seems to depend too much on her good will as well as his expectations in her will; her god-daughter who can't seem to do anything right--according to Miss Baynes; and the gardener who has let the precious school's grounds go to wrack and ruin. Not to mention the Old Meldonians and new girls who aren't part of her "stick to the old ways" posse. So, it's no surprise that none of them seem terribly upset when Beatrice Baynes is found dead in the art studio--stuffed in a large puppet theater--after the Old Meldonian Society Festival is over. Sure, they're a bit upset that a murder has happened at all...for what will the parents of the girls and the public think? But there isn't much feeling for the victim.
Inspector Pollard has a job ahead of him and no mistake. Lots of suspects--folks who had their run-ins with the lady, but few with a real motive that would seem to warrant murder. And those with the strongest motive all seem to have an alibi. After several false starts and clearing out all the red herrings, Pollard finally sees the outline of the real motive. Lemarchand has crafted an excellent mystery. The clues are all there...not that I think you'll catch them all or see them for what they are if you do. I've read other (later) Pollard and Toye books and it was very nice to see their beginnings. Even in this first book, their characters are well-defined and a real treat to read about. I thoroughly enjoyed this "old school" academic mystery--three and a half stars (rounded up to four here).
This was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
cmbohn's review
4.0
During the end of the year ceremonies at Meldon School for Girls, one of the former students (the "old girl" from the title) criticizes the new administration, the new teaching staff, the new curriculum. But the headmaster is used to Beatrice Baynes' objections and takes no notice. But someone must take notice when her dead body is found in the art building.
There are lots of suspects: the headmaster herself, the art teacher and her patron, the goddaughter and the nephew of the victim. Scotland Yard, in the form of Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye, must untangle all the motives and see who the real murderer is.
I enjoyed this book. I like the English mysteries. The setting is completely foreign to me, since I know nothing about private (or as they call it, Public) school. But I liked it anyway.
There are lots of suspects: the headmaster herself, the art teacher and her patron, the goddaughter and the nephew of the victim. Scotland Yard, in the form of Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye, must untangle all the motives and see who the real murderer is.
I enjoyed this book. I like the English mysteries. The setting is completely foreign to me, since I know nothing about private (or as they call it, Public) school. But I liked it anyway.
vesper1931's review
4.0
At the annual festival at Meldon School for girls how does a person get killed without witnesses and without the prerequisite time. What could be the possible motive to kill old Meldon girl Beatrice Baynes. Chief Detective Inspector Pollard and Detective Sergeant Toye are send from Scotland Yard to find the answer.
This is the first book (published in 1967) of this police procedural series.
I enjoyed this somewhat slow paced old-fashioned story, with its lack of reliance on modern forensics. So it becomes a matter of discerning the liars with opportunity and motive.
I look forward to the next in the series to see how the main characters develop
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the first book (published in 1967) of this police procedural series.
I enjoyed this somewhat slow paced old-fashioned story, with its lack of reliance on modern forensics. So it becomes a matter of discerning the liars with opportunity and motive.
I look forward to the next in the series to see how the main characters develop
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
canada_matt's review
3.0
First and foremost, a large thank you to Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Asked to read and review this first novel in a long police procedural series, I leapt at the chance to delve into the world of Elizabeth Lemarchard and her well-developed Scotland Yard duo, Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye. During a reunion week at the Meldon School for Girls, Beatrice Baynes appears on the scene with nothing but criticism. From the layout of the garden to the freedoms exercised by pupils through to the scandalous artwork being created, Baynes has gone on the warpath. While others around her try to hold their tongues, there is an obvious animosity towards this ‘old girl’ and her less than laudatory personality. When Baynes is found murdered, the list of suspects is long and the motives equally as lengthy. The crime brings Pollard and Toye on the scene, dispatched from Scotland Yard to catch the murderer before the case gets cold. The investigation pushes the cops in numerous directions, though it is the careful examination of clues and insight that leads them to discover more than first meets the eye. With the killer somewhere amongst the reunion attendees, will Pollard and Toye be willing to finger someone, with the victim’s departure anything but a sorry loss to society? Lemarchand lays the groundwork for what surely became an interesting series with this debut novel. Some fans of police procedurals will enjoy it, though I found it hard to grip, even from the opening pages.
I have often said that first impressions of authors are hard to dispel, particularly when I have so many on my radar. Having this book put before me was likely the only way I would have read it, though I am sorry to say that I wish I had skipped the opportunity. I found the writing not to my liking and the story took too long to get going for me to thoroughly enjoy the end result. It was a tough read, peppered with my skimming at times to get through the experience in order to pen this review. Lemarchand does develop her characters well, offering them life and vigour throughout, but I simply could not find myself latching onto them or wanting to dig deeper. Surely, there will be many who have loved this series and have much praise for Lemarchand. To those folks, I tip my hat and praise the fact that I am able to disagree without it being scandalous. I would recommend anyone who reads the dust jacket to give the series a try, for it is perhaps my jaded perspective that left me unsatisfied. That being said. I take my gut reaction seriously and think it bears some merit in the larger reviewing community as well.
Thank you, Madam Lemarchand, for your large contribution to the genre and the writing community. Alas, it just did nothing for me!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
Asked to read and review this first novel in a long police procedural series, I leapt at the chance to delve into the world of Elizabeth Lemarchard and her well-developed Scotland Yard duo, Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye. During a reunion week at the Meldon School for Girls, Beatrice Baynes appears on the scene with nothing but criticism. From the layout of the garden to the freedoms exercised by pupils through to the scandalous artwork being created, Baynes has gone on the warpath. While others around her try to hold their tongues, there is an obvious animosity towards this ‘old girl’ and her less than laudatory personality. When Baynes is found murdered, the list of suspects is long and the motives equally as lengthy. The crime brings Pollard and Toye on the scene, dispatched from Scotland Yard to catch the murderer before the case gets cold. The investigation pushes the cops in numerous directions, though it is the careful examination of clues and insight that leads them to discover more than first meets the eye. With the killer somewhere amongst the reunion attendees, will Pollard and Toye be willing to finger someone, with the victim’s departure anything but a sorry loss to society? Lemarchand lays the groundwork for what surely became an interesting series with this debut novel. Some fans of police procedurals will enjoy it, though I found it hard to grip, even from the opening pages.
I have often said that first impressions of authors are hard to dispel, particularly when I have so many on my radar. Having this book put before me was likely the only way I would have read it, though I am sorry to say that I wish I had skipped the opportunity. I found the writing not to my liking and the story took too long to get going for me to thoroughly enjoy the end result. It was a tough read, peppered with my skimming at times to get through the experience in order to pen this review. Lemarchand does develop her characters well, offering them life and vigour throughout, but I simply could not find myself latching onto them or wanting to dig deeper. Surely, there will be many who have loved this series and have much praise for Lemarchand. To those folks, I tip my hat and praise the fact that I am able to disagree without it being scandalous. I would recommend anyone who reads the dust jacket to give the series a try, for it is perhaps my jaded perspective that left me unsatisfied. That being said. I take my gut reaction seriously and think it bears some merit in the larger reviewing community as well.
Thank you, Madam Lemarchand, for your large contribution to the genre and the writing community. Alas, it just did nothing for me!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
annarella's review
5.0
This is a very good old-style mystery.
It was like travelling back in time and reading a pleasant and gentle mystery.
I’m not a fan of action packed thriller and I can say this book was right for me.
The style of writing is a bit old fashioned but pleasant.
The cast of characters is likeable and sometimes funny.
The plot was entertaining and engaging, full of red herrings. It kept me guessing till the end.
I’m happy I discovered this author and look forward to reading further instalments in this series.
Highly recommended to classic and cozy mystery lovers.
Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this ARC
It was like travelling back in time and reading a pleasant and gentle mystery.
I’m not a fan of action packed thriller and I can say this book was right for me.
The style of writing is a bit old fashioned but pleasant.
The cast of characters is likeable and sometimes funny.
The plot was entertaining and engaging, full of red herrings. It kept me guessing till the end.
I’m happy I discovered this author and look forward to reading further instalments in this series.
Highly recommended to classic and cozy mystery lovers.
Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this ARC
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