The Last Perfect Summer of Richard Dawlish (Dottie Manderson Mystery 4)

The war, Richard Dawlish, reflected might never have happened. The group of young people were sprawled on the steps, chatting and drinking beer. ‘Hello Dickie-boy!’ Arthur Parfitt called and cackled at his own hilariousness. He was clearly completely drunk. ‘Don’t call him that, you know he doesn’t like it, Artie.’ Miranda snapped. ‘Oh Miranda, I’m cut to the core by your marvellous jibe! Though actually I refer to be called Artie. It’s better than Arthur. Anyway, Dickie knows it’s just a bit of fun, don’t you Dickie-Dick-Dickie?’ Richard ignored him. He accepted a bottle from one of the other girls. Beyond her, Algy and Deirdre were kissing with complete abandon. Richard hoped things wouldn’t get out of hand. Miranda’s little sister Penny was there, a kid who looked as out of place as Richard. She was too young to be drinking. He’d give it half an hour, walk Penny back then make his escape. He drank the beer, and another. Miranda took his hand and drew him into the copse amid catcalls and jeers. They were gone for twenty minutes, returning sullen and silent. Richard asked Penny if she wanted to go back. They set off. Next morning, the Maynards’ staff surveyed the scene of the party. The house was a mess, the lawn was hardly less so. George Blake went to the pavilion to clear up after the youngsters. He was pleased, it meant he could have a cigarette. It was a perfect morning. As he neared the pavilion, something caught his eye. The body of Richard Dawlish, hanging from a branch of the copper beech tree. A few days rest is just what Dottie needs. It's not long before she makes the acquaintance of Penny Parfitt, and her attractive brother-in-law Gervase and accepts their invitation to spend a few days in the country. Quickly Dottie realises secrets and intrigues lurk beneath the pleasant surface of their lives. A suicide years earlier casts a shadow. Was it really suicide?Dottie begins to think something sinister has taken place. But after all this time, can she find out what really happened?Introducing a new 1930s female sleuth in a traditional, cozy mystery series set in Britain between the two World Wars, from Caron Allan, the writer of Criss Cross, Cross Check, and Check Mate, the Friendship Can Be Murder series.