 Death Of A Colonial
By Bruce Alexander (Putnam, September, 1999) Reviewed by Harriet Klausner Click here to purchase this book now from Amazon.com! |
 n 1771, London Magistrate Sir John Fielding’s sentencing led to the execution of Arthur Paltrow. Since Arthur was the last claimant to the Laningham title, the monarchy claims ownership of the entire estate including the deceased’s personal fortune. However, there remains some controversy since Arthur’s death occurred before the House of Lords officially recognized him as Lord Laningham. Adding to the question of ownership is the fact that a person has stepped forward to claim the entire estate by insisting he is Arthur’s younger brother Lawrence, who vanished seven years ago.
Sir Patrick Spenser, solicitor to King George III, has assembled a committee to substantiate Lawrence’s claim. John and his assistant Jeremy Proctor tries to prove that Arthur’s mother lies when she insists Lawrence is her other son just returning from the colonies. However, neither John nor Jeremy expected their inquiry would soon have them investigating the murder of Arthur’s mother. Death Of A Colonial is an interesting entry in one of the better historical mystery series of the nineties. The entertaining story line centers on the legality of Lawrence’s claim leading to murder (past and present), but the plot pales when compared to some of Bruce Alexander’s previous tales. John keeps his aristocratic charm and Jeremy, who narrates the events, retains his energy and enthusiasm. The tours of pre Regency Bath and Oxford provide an authentic feel to an enjoyable novel that sub-genre fans will gain pleasure from reading.
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