It’s Constable Jamie Hartley’s first investigation since being made a detective and even though the circumstances surrounding the death of unpopular farmer Fred O’Donnell after confrontations with a “cloaked man” seem farfetched he’s determined to do a professional job.
Written by Perth author Alexander Thorpe, the historical murder mystery Death Holds The Key takes place on the lands of the Ganeang, Wilman and Whadjuk Noongar peoples.
Set in the late 1920s Western Australia, Thorpe’s novel is the second in a series of four books featuring a medicant monk who helps solve the murder.
When Constable Hartley first meets the friar he thinks he’s connected to Fred O’Donnell’s demise but those who claim to have seen the “cloaked man” describe him as tall and swathed in black while the medicant monk is small in stature and dressed in a brown garment.
Together Hartley and the friar set out to unravel the mystery.
At the O’Donnell’s farm not far from Kojonup they soon realise most family members have a motive.
Reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s detective novels and detective dramas such as Midsomer Murders, Thorpe’s novel will draw readers in with its twists and turns.
A teacher for eight years, Thorpe, who has a mass communication degree from Murdoch University, presented radio shows and performed in a band for many years.
Death Holds The Key was published by Fremantle Press on April 10, 2024.
Author: Alexander Thorpe
ISBN: 9781760992910
Publisher: Fremantle Press
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This book review is supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.
