The Croaking Raven by Guy Hale

 

In Stratford-Upon-Avon in 1972, Oliver Lawrence returns to seek revenge on the people he holds responsible for his father's suicide. Detectives Fred Williams and Toby Marlowe lead the investigation into the suspicious deaths.

The Croaking Raven by Guy Hale, the first book in the Shakespeare Murders series, is a cosy crime mystery with a literary twist. Set in Stratford-Upon-Avon and focusing on a company of actors, the murders mirror Hamlet. Oliver Lawrence, who disappeared fifteen years earlier and is presumed dead, has returned in disguise to seek revenge on the actors and critics who destroyed his father's career, resulting in his suicide. Many of these same people wrecked Oliver's fledgling career, too, so he's doubly bent on retribution.

DC Toby Marlowe has recently relocated from Birmingham and is keen to make his mark in Stratford. He's teamed with veteran officer DS Fred Williams. The first meeting between the pair isn't an auspicious one. Fred is described as "a bull of a man, who appeared to be in a state of simmering rage", a man who much prefers to work alone and doesn't suffer fools gladly. I did enjoy this pairing. Although Toby is relatively young and inexperienced, he is intelligent and intuitive, something Fred quickly realises. Likewise, Toby soon learns that there is much more to Fred than his bullish appearance.

Oliver is aided in his quest by an old friend of his father, Felix Richards. Felix initially comes across as a masterful manipulator, and you wonder if he has an ulterior motive. However, Felix quickly realises he has lost control as Oliver rapidly descends into madness.

There are lots of theatrical references and quotes; fans of Shakespeare will love the way in which the plot follows the tale of Hamlet. Many of the characters come across as caricatures, with critics being vicious and biased, and actors being over the top. DS Williams is completely irreverent towards the theatre luvvies, particularly "national treasure" Sir Morris Oxford, the person Oliver ultimately holds responsible.

As the body count grows, you wonder where things are going to end. Oliver is determined to hold everyone responsible for his father's death to account, which makes for a very long list of victims. Rather than rush, the author has chosen to continue the murder spree over a series of four books, and I can't wait to see how things transpire.

The Croaking Raven by Guy Hale is available in hardback, paperback and ebook format. My thanks to The Bullington Press and Love Books Tours for a review copy.

You can purchase copies of the book direct from the author here, or from Amazon UK here

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Author Details

Guy Hale was born in Worcestershire, England. His first job was as a Professional Golfer. He also played Rugby and raced motorcycles until his mid-twenties. When this failed to kill him he started writing plays, mostly two handers which he performed in pubs and assorted venues with his mate, Andy.