Death on The Lizard by Robin Paige
In 1903, the villages in the Cornish area known as the Lizard are being disturbed by the advancement in science as Marconi experiments with radio transmissions, aiming to send clear messages across the Atlantic. But competition is fierce and more than egos are at risk and two “unfortunate accidents” lead to the death of two of Marconi’s workers. Lord Charles Sheridan, amateur scientist and forensic detective is called upon to investigate while his wife consoles a friend in the area who recently lost her child in a drowning accident.
It soon becomes apparent that the two investigations are connected and the Sheridan’s soon come to realise that more than commercial success is at stake, with foreign powers desperate for a reliable method of private radio communication. Sheridan must cope with the mercurial personality of Marconi not to mention the business cares of his investors.
A good addition to the series by the writing partnership of Robin Paige, the dramatic scenery of the Cornish countryside is evoked with clarity. The mystery is involving and entertaining, though I would suggest that Kate Sheridan’s side of the investigation is somewhat influenced by Daphne Du Maurier. Death on The Lizard is a fun story of murder and mystery.
Death On The Lizard by Robin Paige
Publ. Berkley Prime Crime, July 2007.
ISBN: 978-0-425-21039-0
Verdict: An entertaining mystery, well pictured and finely written with evocative language.
