Friday, September 15, 2023

People are not what they seem: Wycliffe and the Four Jacks.


 W. J. Burley. Wycliffe and the Four Jacks (1985).  A Re-read. See https://kirkwood40.blogspot.com/2018/09/wycliffe-digs-into-past-wycliffe-and.html for earlier review.
     Wycliffe and Helen are on holiday in a small Cornish fishing village, now become a trap for “emmets” or tourists. David Cleeve has received four Jacks of Diamonds. He knows what they refer to, and he’s afraid. But he doesn’t tell Wycliffe enough to warrant police protection. Then a girl is murdered, and a couple of days later, Cleeve himself dies in a fire. The tale develops nicely as Wycliffe and DS Lucy Lane (newly assigned to his team) gather the facts that solve the crimes. They have their roots in ancient crimes and betrayals. Along the way, human weaknesses and vices complicate and distract the search.
     A competent entertainment. Burley knows how to pace the story, and gives us just enough ambience and character quirks to lull disbelief into comfortable acceptance. A must for Wycliffe fans, a good read for anyone who like police procedurals. ***

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