The Coconut Killings

Interesting read - I was a little perturbed at the outset as it seemed we were looking at the Caribbean through a very colonial lens but I was pleasantly surprised to find it a lot more nuanced and complicated. Inspector Henry Tibbett is sent (with his wife Emmy) to the island of St Matthews to clear up the murder of a prosperous American, hacked to death at a prestigious golf course resort. The politics are tricky as a popular islander is in the frame and racial/revolutionary tensions are simmering. The governor and the wealthy white golf club members are sure the local is guilty and just want the independent Scotland Yard man to prove that guilt without inflaming local politics and upsetting the economy. Unfortunately for them Henry show more isn't the "one of the boys" that they'd hoped and the motives and murderer turn out to be a lot closer to home. It's my first Henry Tibbett novel and I don't think it will be my last. show less

I wanted to try this vintage series by Moyes but found that this thirteenth entry was the only library copy in the entire province.

The story stands alone, but I think it would have been an advantage to have some background on Henry & Emmy Tibbett, and the sort of 'style' he uses. I couldn't quite get my footing as to whether I was reading a cozy or an international political thriller. Other than that, I enjoyed reading this well-plotted story.

I really like Inspector Tibbett. Even as he seems to wander rather aimlessly through the book, he's always right on the money and knows exactly where he's going. This one begins to cross the line between English mystery and international thriller, as the inspector heads down to the Caribbean to find the murderer of an American senator. The characters are intriguing and the the intrigue is characteristic, and it's a really good read.

I will preface this with advice for anyone from the "woke brigade" to avoid due to the fact that I am sure they will be offended by the dated and slightly pompous and rather colonial tropes ascribed.