The Wrong Rite

My review cannot help but be bittersweet, as I’ve come to the end of another of the late Charlotte MacLeod’s series — and the last of the last, at that. I’ve finished her Sarah Kelling and Max Bittersohn series, her Peter Shandy series, and now her series (written as Alisa Craig) featuring Mountie Madoc Rhys and his wife Janet. (I found MacLeod’s Grub-and-Stakers series unreadable, which means I’ve come to the complete end.)

In this final novel, Madoc and Janet take their infant daughter Dorothy with them to Wales to celebrate the 90th birthday of the family patriarch, the baronet Sir Caradoc Rhys. Needless to say, someone gets murdered, but what follows is anything but predictable; I never suspected the culprit for a moment. show more (By the way, newbies to the series won’t suffer from starting at No. 5.) But, as with Professor Peter Shandy and Sarah Kelling and her husband Max, the real pleasure comes not from the plotting — although MacLeod usually does a fine job there, too — but from the colorful characters and the humorous dialogue. I’m doubly sad, for not only have I come to the end of this must-read series for cozy lovers but I’m all out of Charlotte MacLeod books, period. Sad for me, but for those who have not yet enjoyed one of these series, you have a lot of reading pleasure ahead of you. show less

I don't really like this one - not terrible, but not wonderful. It is Madoc and Janet, so that's good - but there are an amazing collection of unpleasant people involved. The victim is nasty, largely because she's been victimized; her victims are also nasty, though some of them semi-redeem themselves. A whole cycle of secrets and lies just under the surface of the (extended) family. We do learn more about Daffyd, mostly to his credit (or at least, not to his discredit). And the interactions with Dorothy are cute, though she's far too good for a real 8-month-old. And the mystery is more realistic than in A Dismal Thing To Do. But overall, one of my least favorite Madoc stories.

An enjoyable entry in the Madoc Rhys and Janet series. It was very nice to meet the rest of Madoc's family, especially since the earlier books were set in Janet's milieu. It was also a good mystery although I was pretty sure I knew whodunit early on.

A cosy British-Canadian murder! I used to devour this author when I was a younger thing but she's a bit too twee for me now. Or perhaps I don't like Britain through her North American eyes? Really, there was a bit too much plot for one small book.

Publishers Weekly Review: The fifth Jenny and Madoc Rhys mystery ( An Owl Too Many ) finds the appealing young Canadians and their baby daughter in Wales for great-uncle Sir Cardoc Rhys's 90th birthday. The clan has gathered, and renowned musicians, a well-known author, an actress and two aging sorcerers are among the celebrants. Feasting begins in the huge old kitchen with Welsh cakes and trifle, moves to the barn with a mammoth birthday banquet, is followed by revelry in the meadow--poetry and folk singing, harps and violins, and, at dusk, the piece de resistance: leaping the Beltane fire. All is described in such delicious detail that it's a distinct letdown when sudden death terminates the festivities. Royal Canadian Mounted Police show more inspector Madoc, asked to join the inquiry, untangles diverse strands--an old murder, a ram decapitation, jewel theft, blackmail and even prostitution--to reach a fairly predictable solution. But if the investigation lacks thrills, the portrayal of old Welsh customs and engaging family eccentrics is delightful. (Jan.) show less

BELIEVEABLE FUN PEOPLE,

This book club edition was published after U.S.A. BCEs stopped putting 'Book Club Edition' on the lower right corner of the dust jacket's front flap and before the ISBN appeared on the back. You still won't find the price on the upper right corner of that front flap.