The Man with a Load of Mischief is not only the name of this delightfully well-written mystery, it is also the name of the pub in Long Piddleton where the second murder in so many days has happened. This is the first of Martha Grimes' Richard Jury series, and was a fun read. As people in this little English village are murdered, Scotland Yard sends detective Richard Jury to solve the mystery and catch the killer. Each person murdered is in some way associated with a local pub. Grimes introduces us to Jury, local Melrose Plant and his overbearing aunt, Lady Agatha Argry.

Grimes, an American, seems to capture the nuances of English village life. But then, what do I know? I'm a big-city American girl. For all I know, Grimes hasn't captured anything. But, even if that's the case, her village - and the wonderful characters who inhabit it - are delightfully well-drawn. The writing is far above average for the mystery genre, and I really like how we get to know each of the characters so well. For those used to more action in their mysteries, this book might be a bit slow, but if you enjoy good writing and interesting characters, then this book is for you. ( )

When two murders occur in the tiny English village of Long Piddleton, Scotland Yard sends investigator Richard Jury and his hypochondriac assistant Wiggins to investigate. We meet the residents of the village, some of whom are suspects and some would-be investigative assistants. As the bodies continue to stack up, Jury recognizes the importance of the backstories of several characters and pursues them along with the current investigations.

It's easy to assume that Grimes is a Brit herself, but in fact she is an American. Her depiction of the small English villages creates a chafrming atmosphere, whose interruption by the murders creates a stark contrast. The characters provide most of the interest. The plot drags a bit but comes together in the book's second half as the different stories emerge and their linkages become apparent. Overall a very enjoyable mystery. I'll look for its sequels. ( )

This fun read takes us into the world of a clever detective named Richard Jury. While I enjoyed the book, I did find it a bit hard to remember all the details in the book. There are mutliple locations all with unusual names (e.g. The Man with a Load of Mischief & The Jack and Hammer), and I sometimes had to slow down to catch the latest clue. If mindless reading is what you want, this isn't your book. But if you want a fun, imaginative murder mystery with some fun characters, this one's for you. ( )

The first in the Richard Jury series, Man With a Load of Mischief introduces most of the recurring major characters in the series. We meet, to our delight, Melrose Plant, his obnoxious aunt, Lady Ardry, and Jury himself, who is not your ordinary Scotland Yard detective.

Alas, Long Piddleton, which could very well pose as the quintessential English village in the snow, is host to a double murder on the eve of Christmas. The local constabulary calls in Scotland Yard, and Chief Superintendent Racer, with malice aforethought, sends Jury and Wiggens off to Northants to investigate. The locals are agog and are convinced a madman is loose. Lady Ardry, who fancies herself a mystery writer, offers (and unsolicitedly gives) her unique brand of help. Melrose Plant and Jury find instant affinity, and Jury makes good use of Plant's keen intelligence and knowlege of the local population.

The plot is pretty straightforward with no major twists, but Grimes' strength is not so much in her plots as in her characterizations. Jury is off-beat enough, but not unique, whereas Plant is a oner. His relationship with his aunt is hilarious. Other characters, such as Trueblood, are refreshing.

Grimesism: "No one talked like that any more except in the sanctum sanctorum of dusty men's clubs, where rigor mortis seemed a cause rather than an effect of death."

All in all, a lightweight but excellent read. Highly recommended. ( )