Hours after solving a murder, Cressida and her friend Dotty are heading back south when a man is shot dead. His wife is the obvious suspect but Cressy is sure that someone else is to blame. ..
Death on the Scotland Express is the fourth book to feature Cressida Fawcett and DCI Andrews. It follows on directly from the previous book, Death in the Highlands, but there are no spoilers about the plot outcome.
Cressy and Dotty are hoping for a relaxing trip back home, but this dream is shattered by the resounding bang of a gunshot. The victim was a businessman who was also a serial adulterer and was on board the train with his latest mistress. His wife was also a passenger and is the natural prime suspect. DCI Andrews certainly thinks so but Cressida has some doubts and cannot resist investigating once again.
I loved the setting of a steam train and was reminded of the majestic Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie. There was plenty of mystery and red herrings even within the limited setting and range of suspects. The murder happens quite early on so Cressida is straight into action despite still bearing the injuries from her last murder investigation just hours earlier.
The book has a wonderfully light touch to the tone with gentle humour. Cressy’s dog Ruby offers light relief as well as spotting clues. The historical setting is brought to life and the train journey was vividly imagined, both being well researched by the author.
Death on the Scotland Express is an enjoyable murder mystery with a vivacious amateur detective.
Book Description:
Someone on board has a deadly destination in mind… can Cressida stop them before it’s too late?
After an eventful trip to the Scottish Highlands, Cressida Fawcett is looking forward to being back among her society friends in London. Enjoying an ice-cold martini in the lounge car of the express train, loyal pug Ruby on her lap, she’s ready to blow off some steam!
But Cressida’s hopes for a relaxing journey are dashed when a gunshot resounds through the carriages. Industrial tycoon Lewis Warriner has been shot dead in his cabin. And as this train has been racing through the countryside, the culprit must be among Cressy’s fellow passengers…
Teaming up with Detective Andrews of Scotland Yard, also on his way back to London, they work their way through the suspects. Did Warriner’s mistress, a famous dancer, see his death as her ticket on to the silver screen? Or was it the mysterious man who can’t take his eyes off Lewis’s close companion?
When the murder weapon is found in the compartment Mr Warriner’s wife occupies alone, she becomes the chief suspect. Until there’s another gunshot. When Cressida finds out that Andrews is hit, panic sets in, but she must try to stay calm.
But with her friend and co-investigator out of action, can Cressida get the journey, and the investigation, back on track? And will she catch the murderer before they reach their final destination?
Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss will absolutely love this addictive Golden Age cosy mystery.
Author Bio:
Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.
