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Pollard & Toye #1
Death of an Old Girl
Beatrice Bayers, an overbearing, interfering old woman with numerous enemies, is found beaten to death during the Old Girl's reunion weekend
255 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1967
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 20, 2018
*Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for providing me with ARC in exchange for my honest review.*
If you are into classic mystery murder story, then this book is for you. Written in 1967, it is the first in the series featuring CDI Tom Pollard and Sergeant Toye. The mystery revolves around death of a busybody, Beatrice Baynes, who is killed during the annual reunion at a school where she herself was a student many years ago. It seems that several people may have wished Beatrice to die and Pollard and Toye have to check several suspects' alibis. This is a solid novel of a good old school and it reads well. At times Pollard's internal monologues seem too long, and some readers may find the pace of the novel too slow. I enjoy discovering authors who were popular fifty, sixty years ago and I will definitely try at least one more book by Elizabeth Lemarchande.
If you are into classic mystery murder story, then this book is for you. Written in 1967, it is the first in the series featuring CDI Tom Pollard and Sergeant Toye. The mystery revolves around death of a busybody, Beatrice Baynes, who is killed during the annual reunion at a school where she herself was a student many years ago. It seems that several people may have wished Beatrice to die and Pollard and Toye have to check several suspects' alibis. This is a solid novel of a good old school and it reads well. At times Pollard's internal monologues seem too long, and some readers may find the pace of the novel too slow. I enjoy discovering authors who were popular fifty, sixty years ago and I will definitely try at least one more book by Elizabeth Lemarchande.
August 31, 2018
First and foremost, a large thank you to Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Asked to read and review this first novel in a long police procedural series, I leapt at the chance to delve into the world of Elizabeth Lemarchard and her well-developed Scotland Yard duo, Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye. During a reunion week at the Meldon School for Girls, Beatrice Baynes appears on the scene with nothing but criticism. From the layout of the garden to the freedoms exercised by pupils through to the scandalous artwork being created, Baynes has gone on the warpath. While others around her try to hold their tongues, there is an obvious animosity towards this ‘old girl� and her less than laudatory personality. When Baynes is found murdered, the list of suspects is long and the motives equally as lengthy. The crime brings Pollard and Toye on the scene, dispatched from Scotland Yard to catch the murderer before the case gets cold. The investigation pushes the cops in numerous directions, though it is the careful examination of clues and insight that leads them to discover more than first meets the eye. With the killer somewhere amongst the reunion attendees, will Pollard and Toye be willing to finger someone, with the victim’s departure anything but a sorry loss to society? Lemarchand lays the groundwork for what surely became an interesting series with this debut novel. Some fans of police procedurals will enjoy it, though I found it hard to grip, even from the opening pages.
I have often said that first impressions of authors are hard to dispel, particularly when I have so many on my radar. Having this book put before me was likely the only way I would have read it, though I am sorry to say that I wish I had skipped the opportunity. I found the writing not to my liking and the story took too long to get going for me to thoroughly enjoy the end result. It was a tough read, peppered with my skimming at times to get through the experience in order to pen this review. Lemarchand does develop her characters well, offering them life and vigour throughout, but I simply could not find myself latching onto them or wanting to dig deeper. Surely, there will be many who have loved this series and have much praise for Lemarchand. To those folks, I tip my hat and praise the fact that I am able to disagree without it being scandalous. I would recommend anyone who reads the dust jacket to give the series a try, for it is perhaps my jaded perspective that left me unsatisfied. That being said. I take my gut reaction seriously and think it bears some merit in the larger reviewing community as well.
Thank you, Madam Lemarchand, for your large contribution to the genre and the writing community. Alas, it just did nothing for me!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: /group/show/...
Asked to read and review this first novel in a long police procedural series, I leapt at the chance to delve into the world of Elizabeth Lemarchard and her well-developed Scotland Yard duo, Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye. During a reunion week at the Meldon School for Girls, Beatrice Baynes appears on the scene with nothing but criticism. From the layout of the garden to the freedoms exercised by pupils through to the scandalous artwork being created, Baynes has gone on the warpath. While others around her try to hold their tongues, there is an obvious animosity towards this ‘old girl� and her less than laudatory personality. When Baynes is found murdered, the list of suspects is long and the motives equally as lengthy. The crime brings Pollard and Toye on the scene, dispatched from Scotland Yard to catch the murderer before the case gets cold. The investigation pushes the cops in numerous directions, though it is the careful examination of clues and insight that leads them to discover more than first meets the eye. With the killer somewhere amongst the reunion attendees, will Pollard and Toye be willing to finger someone, with the victim’s departure anything but a sorry loss to society? Lemarchand lays the groundwork for what surely became an interesting series with this debut novel. Some fans of police procedurals will enjoy it, though I found it hard to grip, even from the opening pages.
I have often said that first impressions of authors are hard to dispel, particularly when I have so many on my radar. Having this book put before me was likely the only way I would have read it, though I am sorry to say that I wish I had skipped the opportunity. I found the writing not to my liking and the story took too long to get going for me to thoroughly enjoy the end result. It was a tough read, peppered with my skimming at times to get through the experience in order to pen this review. Lemarchand does develop her characters well, offering them life and vigour throughout, but I simply could not find myself latching onto them or wanting to dig deeper. Surely, there will be many who have loved this series and have much praise for Lemarchand. To those folks, I tip my hat and praise the fact that I am able to disagree without it being scandalous. I would recommend anyone who reads the dust jacket to give the series a try, for it is perhaps my jaded perspective that left me unsatisfied. That being said. I take my gut reaction seriously and think it bears some merit in the larger reviewing community as well.
Thank you, Madam Lemarchand, for your large contribution to the genre and the writing community. Alas, it just did nothing for me!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: /group/show/...
February 1, 2019
*
3.5 Stars
Death of an Old Girl is the first cozy mystery in the Pollard and Toye crime series; an intricate police procedural set in rural England. Originally published in 1967 it has been rereleased by Sapere Books.
The story is set during the Meldon Girls School’s annual festival and Old Girls reunion. A time of year when previous students (old girls) come together, reunite and catch up on the latest school developments.
After the weekend-long festivities are over and the school is about to be closed for the summer the body of an Old Girl is found hidden in the art room.
DCI Pollard and DS Toye from Scotland Yard are called in to help with the investigation. Pollard clearly sees this as a chance to impress his superiors.
Death of an Old Girl is a slow paced and lengthy police procedural as Pollard and Toye piece together snippets of information from numerous interviews to develop an intricate time line.
There are a few good twists as Pollard digs deeper, murder isn’t the only crime being committed. He also uncovers one family’s long held secret and an eavesdropping busy body causes the perfect crime to come asunder.
I found Pollard’s sexist remarks a little grating but I suppose they were probably par for the course in the era the story was set.
The language of the characters came across as more 1930’s than the late 1960’s and it did take me a while to work out when the story was set. Also the old English slang was hard for me to understand so I was a bit lost there.
A classic cozy mystery from a master of the genre! Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, M C Beaton, Sophie Hannah and Faith Martin.
3.5 Stars
Death of an Old Girl is the first cozy mystery in the Pollard and Toye crime series; an intricate police procedural set in rural England. Originally published in 1967 it has been rereleased by Sapere Books.
The story is set during the Meldon Girls School’s annual festival and Old Girls reunion. A time of year when previous students (old girls) come together, reunite and catch up on the latest school developments.
After the weekend-long festivities are over and the school is about to be closed for the summer the body of an Old Girl is found hidden in the art room.
DCI Pollard and DS Toye from Scotland Yard are called in to help with the investigation. Pollard clearly sees this as a chance to impress his superiors.
Death of an Old Girl is a slow paced and lengthy police procedural as Pollard and Toye piece together snippets of information from numerous interviews to develop an intricate time line.
There are a few good twists as Pollard digs deeper, murder isn’t the only crime being committed. He also uncovers one family’s long held secret and an eavesdropping busy body causes the perfect crime to come asunder.
I found Pollard’s sexist remarks a little grating but I suppose they were probably par for the course in the era the story was set.
The language of the characters came across as more 1930’s than the late 1960’s and it did take me a while to work out when the story was set. Also the old English slang was hard for me to understand so I was a bit lost there.
A classic cozy mystery from a master of the genre! Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, M C Beaton, Sophie Hannah and Faith Martin.
September 1, 2018
I would like to thank Sapere Books for an advance copy of Death of an Old Girl, the first police procedural to feature Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye of Scotland Yard, originally published in 1967.
When the unpopular pensioner Beatrice Baynes goes missing no one is too worried until her murdered body is found in the art room of Meldon, a private school next to her house and her alma mater. Pollard and Toye are seconded to Upshire from Scotland Yard to investigate.
I enjoyed Death of an Old Girl which is an old fashioned police procedural with several suspects and no motive, leaving Pollard to speculate, theorise and investigate. Obviously it is a product of its time, the women wear "frocks" and there is a sort of repressed attitude to sex and morality, but no less enjoyable for it as it doesn't have the more knowing tone of modern fiction and it's pleasant to take a step back in time occasionally. The plotting is well conceived as, with no modern forensics, it relies on opportunity and who had it with the motive only coming in to play at the end. The novel, therefore, is mostly concerned with establishing opportunity, sorting through the lies and clearing suspects. Handily Pollard likes to summarise his discoveries on a regular basis.
Pollard is a benign policeman looking to put his interviewees at ease, rather than bullying them. I'm not sure that this approach reflects police procedure at the time but it makes for a very pleasant read. He is a very pleasant, middle class chap but that exterior hides a sharp mind, ambition and a strong desire to catch the murderer.
Death of an Old Girl is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When the unpopular pensioner Beatrice Baynes goes missing no one is too worried until her murdered body is found in the art room of Meldon, a private school next to her house and her alma mater. Pollard and Toye are seconded to Upshire from Scotland Yard to investigate.
I enjoyed Death of an Old Girl which is an old fashioned police procedural with several suspects and no motive, leaving Pollard to speculate, theorise and investigate. Obviously it is a product of its time, the women wear "frocks" and there is a sort of repressed attitude to sex and morality, but no less enjoyable for it as it doesn't have the more knowing tone of modern fiction and it's pleasant to take a step back in time occasionally. The plotting is well conceived as, with no modern forensics, it relies on opportunity and who had it with the motive only coming in to play at the end. The novel, therefore, is mostly concerned with establishing opportunity, sorting through the lies and clearing suspects. Handily Pollard likes to summarise his discoveries on a regular basis.
Pollard is a benign policeman looking to put his interviewees at ease, rather than bullying them. I'm not sure that this approach reflects police procedure at the time but it makes for a very pleasant read. He is a very pleasant, middle class chap but that exterior hides a sharp mind, ambition and a strong desire to catch the murderer.
Death of an Old Girl is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 28, 2019
Borrowed for free from Kindle Unlimited library. Recommended for silver age mystery fans.
November 21, 2012
Death of an Old Girl is the first book in Elizabeth Lemarchand's series featuring Chief Detective Inspector Tom Pollard and Sergeant Toye. It is set at the Meldon School for girls. At the end of year Festival, Beatrice Baynes, one of the "old girls" who attended the school back in the day, does what she does best--stir up trouble. She is an interfering, overbearing, spiteful snoop who can't stand the changes that have been made to the school since her day. She's particularly displeased with the Head Mistress Helen Renshaw who has brought about the changes and the new art teacher Ann Cartmell who encourages the girls to paint all sorts of sordid pictures (bare backs, for goodness sake!). She creates quite a stir at the festival's assembly--criticizing Miss Cartmell, the new curriculum, other new staff members, and suggestion that money from the Old Meldonian's Society funds be used to help buy new "modern" pictures for the school.
There are others who displease her as well....her nephew who can't seem to hold down a job to save his life and who seems to depend too much on her good will as well as his expectations in her will; her god-daughter who can't seem to do anything right--according to Miss Baynes; and the gardener who has let the precious school's grounds go to wrack and ruin. Not to mention the Old Meldonians and new girls who aren't part of her "stick to the old ways" posse. So, it's no surprise that none of them seem terribly upset when Beatrice Baynes is found dead in the art studio--stuffed in a large puppet theater--after the Old Meldonian Society Festival is over. Sure, they're a bit upset that a murder has happened at all...for what will the parents of the girls and the public think? But there isn't much feeling for the victim.
Inspector Pollard has a job ahead of him and no mistake. Lots of suspects--folks who had their run-ins with the lady, but few with a real motive that would seem to warrant murder. And those with the strongest motive all seem to have an alibi. After several false starts and clearing out all the red herrings, Pollard finally sees the outline of the real motive. Lemarchand has crafted an excellent mystery. The clues are all there...not that I think you'll catch them all or see them for what they are if you do. I've read other (later) Pollard and Toye books and it was very nice to see their beginnings. Even in this first book, their characters are well-defined and a real treat to read about. I thoroughly enjoyed this "old school" academic mystery--three and a half stars (rounded up to four here).
This was first posted on my blog . Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
There are others who displease her as well....her nephew who can't seem to hold down a job to save his life and who seems to depend too much on her good will as well as his expectations in her will; her god-daughter who can't seem to do anything right--according to Miss Baynes; and the gardener who has let the precious school's grounds go to wrack and ruin. Not to mention the Old Meldonians and new girls who aren't part of her "stick to the old ways" posse. So, it's no surprise that none of them seem terribly upset when Beatrice Baynes is found dead in the art studio--stuffed in a large puppet theater--after the Old Meldonian Society Festival is over. Sure, they're a bit upset that a murder has happened at all...for what will the parents of the girls and the public think? But there isn't much feeling for the victim.
Inspector Pollard has a job ahead of him and no mistake. Lots of suspects--folks who had their run-ins with the lady, but few with a real motive that would seem to warrant murder. And those with the strongest motive all seem to have an alibi. After several false starts and clearing out all the red herrings, Pollard finally sees the outline of the real motive. Lemarchand has crafted an excellent mystery. The clues are all there...not that I think you'll catch them all or see them for what they are if you do. I've read other (later) Pollard and Toye books and it was very nice to see their beginnings. Even in this first book, their characters are well-defined and a real treat to read about. I thoroughly enjoyed this "old school" academic mystery--three and a half stars (rounded up to four here).
This was first posted on my blog . Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
July 26, 2021
A good book but I found it’s little repetitious.
September 18, 2018
The annual festival at Meldon School should be about celebrating the end of the term and former students, "old girls", returning for a fun reunion with friends. One of the old girls, the elderly Beatrice Baynes, lives right across the street and is outspoken with her criticism of Meldon's current staff and administration. Although she was hard to get along with, everyone is still shocked when her dead body is discovered on the grounds and it's determined to be murder. Chief Detective Inspector Pollard and Detective Sergeant Toye are called in by Scotland Yard to investigate.
This book was written in 1967 and has been released this year. It's the first of the long-running "Pollard & Toye" series, but the first time I've read anything by this author. The book started a bit slowly, mainly because there are quite a few characters introduced at the beginning. Once the investigation gets going, it's easier to keep track of who is who and therefore, concentrate on the story itself. Beatrice has no shortage of enemies, so there are plenty of suspects for Pollard and Toye to question, which keeps the story moving.
I enjoy the scenes with Pollard at home with his wife, Jane, which add to the story and help the reader to get to know Pollard. Pollard is kind, organized, determined to get to the truth, and devoted to his wife. I love that Jane was able to provide a key clue that helps her husband solve the case. Toye is likable, putting witnesses at ease, but not enough personal information is given about him to really get to know him.
Overall, this is a well-written police procedural. The investigation is logical and makes the book entertaining. I like the timelines of the crime that Pollard and Toye use to investigate the crime. It helped me get a clearer view of what had happened, too. The identity of the murderer wasn't a huge shock, but the motive was interesting and surprising. I enjoyed the plot and especially the main character of Tom Pollard.
I received this book through the courtesy of Sapere Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
This book was written in 1967 and has been released this year. It's the first of the long-running "Pollard & Toye" series, but the first time I've read anything by this author. The book started a bit slowly, mainly because there are quite a few characters introduced at the beginning. Once the investigation gets going, it's easier to keep track of who is who and therefore, concentrate on the story itself. Beatrice has no shortage of enemies, so there are plenty of suspects for Pollard and Toye to question, which keeps the story moving.
I enjoy the scenes with Pollard at home with his wife, Jane, which add to the story and help the reader to get to know Pollard. Pollard is kind, organized, determined to get to the truth, and devoted to his wife. I love that Jane was able to provide a key clue that helps her husband solve the case. Toye is likable, putting witnesses at ease, but not enough personal information is given about him to really get to know him.
Overall, this is a well-written police procedural. The investigation is logical and makes the book entertaining. I like the timelines of the crime that Pollard and Toye use to investigate the crime. It helped me get a clearer view of what had happened, too. The identity of the murderer wasn't a huge shock, but the motive was interesting and surprising. I enjoyed the plot and especially the main character of Tom Pollard.
I received this book through the courtesy of Sapere Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2018
Death of an old girl by Elizabeth lemarchand.
The death of Beatrice Baynes is not a surprise but who killed her and why? With lots of suspects including the tormented god-daughter Madge Thornton or her nephew George Baynes. There is more suspects to come. As detective inspector Pollard and detective sergeant Toye start to investigate they must narrow down the suspects if they are to get the murderer. Will they get their man/lady?
An absolutely fantastic read. I loved the story and the characters. Although I didn't like Torrance at all. He was dodgy. I had no clue who it could be. I wasn't expecting that. A shocker of a surprise there. Highly recommended. 5*.
The death of Beatrice Baynes is not a surprise but who killed her and why? With lots of suspects including the tormented god-daughter Madge Thornton or her nephew George Baynes. There is more suspects to come. As detective inspector Pollard and detective sergeant Toye start to investigate they must narrow down the suspects if they are to get the murderer. Will they get their man/lady?
An absolutely fantastic read. I loved the story and the characters. Although I didn't like Torrance at all. He was dodgy. I had no clue who it could be. I wasn't expecting that. A shocker of a surprise there. Highly recommended. 5*.
October 12, 2018
This is a very good old-style mystery.
It was like travelling back in time and reading a pleasant and gentle mystery.
I’m not a fan of action packed thriller and I can say this book was right for me.
The style of writing is a bit old fashioned but pleasant.
The cast of characters is likeable and sometimes funny.
The plot was entertaining and engaging, full of red herrings. It kept me guessing till the end.
I’m happy I discovered this author and look forward to reading further instalments in this series.
Highly recommended to classic and cozy mystery lovers.
Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this ARC
It was like travelling back in time and reading a pleasant and gentle mystery.
I’m not a fan of action packed thriller and I can say this book was right for me.
The style of writing is a bit old fashioned but pleasant.
The cast of characters is likeable and sometimes funny.
The plot was entertaining and engaging, full of red herrings. It kept me guessing till the end.
I’m happy I discovered this author and look forward to reading further instalments in this series.
Highly recommended to classic and cozy mystery lovers.
Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this ARC
November 13, 2018
First written and published in the 60’s, This is the first in the Pollard and Toye series.
The rather unpopular Beatrice Baynes is missing but no one is too worried until her body is discovered in a classroom at the nearby private school.
Inspector Pollard and Seargeant Toye are sent to Upshire from Scotland Yard to investigate.
Death of an Old Girl is a classic police procedural with several suspects with seemingly no motive. There is some great writing in the vein of classic authors like Josephine Tey and George Bellairs, with great characters and intriguing mysteries.
thanks to the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
The rather unpopular Beatrice Baynes is missing but no one is too worried until her body is discovered in a classroom at the nearby private school.
Inspector Pollard and Seargeant Toye are sent to Upshire from Scotland Yard to investigate.
Death of an Old Girl is a classic police procedural with several suspects with seemingly no motive. There is some great writing in the vein of classic authors like Josephine Tey and George Bellairs, with great characters and intriguing mysteries.
thanks to the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
July 3, 2022
A pretty solid, 60s era procedural, set at a girls boarding school. This is the firs in the series and there's enough potential that I downloaded the second book upon finishing. Curious to see how the characters of the central detectives are build out - at this point there's little that really distinguishes them, but I think there's potential to be interesting. The mystery itself is fine. I definitely figured out the culprit and some of the finer points far in advance of revelation and there were a few bits that felt very of it's time. It's not one I'd rush to recommend, but if you're a fan of the genre, there are far worse options out there.
June 10, 2019
During the end of the year ceremonies at Meldon School for Girls, one of the former students (the "old girl" from the title) criticizes the new administration, the new teaching staff, the new curriculum. But the headmaster is used to Beatrice Baynes' objections and takes no notice. But someone must take notice when her dead body is found in the art building.
There are lots of suspects: the headmaster herself, the art teacher and her patron, the goddaughter and the nephew of the victim. Scotland Yard, in the form of Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye, must untangle all the motives and see who the real murderer is.
I enjoyed this book. I like the English mysteries. The setting is completely foreign to me, since I know nothing about private (or as they call it, Public) school. But I liked it anyway.
There are lots of suspects: the headmaster herself, the art teacher and her patron, the goddaughter and the nephew of the victim. Scotland Yard, in the form of Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye, must untangle all the motives and see who the real murderer is.
I enjoyed this book. I like the English mysteries. The setting is completely foreign to me, since I know nothing about private (or as they call it, Public) school. But I liked it anyway.
December 21, 2016
It took a long time to read this novel, though it isn't a huge tome. It moves slowly and diligently - just like the main character detective.
This is the first Lemarchand I have read and it does encourage me to read another. I was very surprised by the attention to detail and the precision with which Lemarchand demonstrates her detective's deductions. Let me say this:. Lemarchand takes "police procedural" to heart with this novel.
The crime is a little whatever and uninteresting and some of the red herrings and supporting characters are too dull. They slow the pace down to a deadly crawl. But Pollard and Toye and Jane Pollard are witty and amusing, which helps console the reader after chapters go by in wherein nothing occurs.
It's a slow read, but definitely a smart one. Recommended for detection fans and vintage fans.
This is the first Lemarchand I have read and it does encourage me to read another. I was very surprised by the attention to detail and the precision with which Lemarchand demonstrates her detective's deductions. Let me say this:. Lemarchand takes "police procedural" to heart with this novel.
The crime is a little whatever and uninteresting and some of the red herrings and supporting characters are too dull. They slow the pace down to a deadly crawl. But Pollard and Toye and Jane Pollard are witty and amusing, which helps console the reader after chapters go by in wherein nothing occurs.
It's a slow read, but definitely a smart one. Recommended for detection fans and vintage fans.
August 21, 2011
A classic style British mystery with a girl's school setting. First book in the Inspector Pollard series.
December 28, 2011
DEATH OF AN OLD GIRL is one of Elizabeth Lemarchand's best oan most finely crafted mysteries, the many suspects will keep you unsure of the murderer until the last chapter.
December 7, 2012
This would have been a 3-and-one-half star book, if that rating were possible. I liked the map, time charts, and genealogical diagram.
June 27, 2019
This is, apparently, a 'cosy mystery'. My only previous experience with books that had attracted this moniker had led me to believe that it was code for poorly written and plotted tat, but this was not that. The readability was a bit of a challenge at times, particularly when the investigation started it was difficult to keep abreast of all the characters in a large suspect pool and how the majority of them were eliminated through timing and cross matching witness statements, something which I imagine is a critical and time consuming part of police work in the real world but doesn't always come across well in a novel. This passed soon enough, though if it becomes a recurring theme in subsequent books in the series, I probably won't read too many more. The likely murderer emerged in due course and progress towards snaring him proceeded very nicely, with the motive being something of an unexpected but plausible twist.
I do have some issues with both plot and character. The main characters seem to have far too much confidence in their ability to 'read' people by expression, clothing, body language etc. I can't see why the murderer needed to concoct a visit to someone in the locality in order to be in the vicinity of the school; he was a busy, successful, cosmopolitan chap who could have come up with any number of reasons to be down there and his trip from the school to the people he was staying with became, rather shakily in my view, the basis for looking at him as the principal suspect.
The main plot issue I have though is simply that there was no reason, well vanishingly small reason, for the murder to have been committed. The victim saw nothing at all compromising, the stolen art work has already been hidden in the case of oil paints and all that's seen is the swapping of two identical cases. Yes, it's a little surprising but nothing that can't be laughed off, explained or simply outright denied by someone of the murderer's standing vs the rantings of batty old woman. There might have been a little fuss and then it would have all been forgotten about by the next day. Then there is the little matter of caving in old lady's head and getting no blood anywhere except on the rock used and a little transfer to the table it was briefly put down on.
I enjoyed this one enough to give it the benefit of the doubt and call it 4 stars and not 3 and will give the next in the series a read.
I do have some issues with both plot and character. The main characters seem to have far too much confidence in their ability to 'read' people by expression, clothing, body language etc. I can't see why the murderer needed to concoct a visit to someone in the locality in order to be in the vicinity of the school; he was a busy, successful, cosmopolitan chap who could have come up with any number of reasons to be down there and his trip from the school to the people he was staying with became, rather shakily in my view, the basis for looking at him as the principal suspect.
The main plot issue I have though is simply that there was no reason, well vanishingly small reason, for the murder to have been committed. The victim saw nothing at all compromising, the stolen art work has already been hidden in the case of oil paints and all that's seen is the swapping of two identical cases. Yes, it's a little surprising but nothing that can't be laughed off, explained or simply outright denied by someone of the murderer's standing vs the rantings of batty old woman. There might have been a little fuss and then it would have all been forgotten about by the next day. Then there is the little matter of caving in old lady's head and getting no blood anywhere except on the rock used and a little transfer to the table it was briefly put down on.
I enjoyed this one enough to give it the benefit of the doubt and call it 4 stars and not 3 and will give the next in the series a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2018
Thank you to Sapere books for asking me to give and honest opinion on an advanced copy of "Death of an Old Girl". Any opinions on this book are my own.
Firstly if I had not read other reviews I would not have known what date this book was set in, as there is no date history at the beginning of the book. On the Copy that I had received.
So I discovered it is set in 1966, Rural England, but assumed when reading further that it had to be around that time as the book itself references WWII and a prisoner of war a few years before. There is no actual reference to the year the book is set in (that I could find).
I found the book a little slow to get into and almost gave up on reading it, but realised that the author was actually giving us a good vision of what the characters not only look like but the personalities they had.
It is set in a girls boarding school and shockwaves are sent through the sleepy village the book is set in when a woman’s body is discovered in the school.
Beatrice Baynes who is interfering, overbearing and spiteful, was not very well liked by most people she came across. It causes more of a stir because it happened when the annual festival at Meldon School was taking place for the weekend.
With the local constabulary completely stumped, Scotland Yard’s Chief Detective Inspector Pollard and Detective Sergeant Toye are called in to investigate and they themselves become stumped as the case becomes more complicated as the time moves on.
Death of an Old Girl is the first cosy village mystery in the Pollard & Toye crime series: an intriguing police procedural set in rural England, I found that at times the interaction between the police and public they were interviewing lacked authenticity as their techniques appeared to be softer than the era allows for.
Although the book develops nicely, I did guess who had done it, and when they had done it, but not the reason for it, quite early in the book.
I did love the fact that the characters of the police officers came across as real human beings who do forget to ask questions or miss clues because of general every day life.
For me I would like to read more of this series because I would love to see how the relationship between Pollard and his wife develops.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone who likes a murder mystery, but would say preserver with the first chapters as they are a little slow.
Firstly if I had not read other reviews I would not have known what date this book was set in, as there is no date history at the beginning of the book. On the Copy that I had received.
So I discovered it is set in 1966, Rural England, but assumed when reading further that it had to be around that time as the book itself references WWII and a prisoner of war a few years before. There is no actual reference to the year the book is set in (that I could find).
I found the book a little slow to get into and almost gave up on reading it, but realised that the author was actually giving us a good vision of what the characters not only look like but the personalities they had.
It is set in a girls boarding school and shockwaves are sent through the sleepy village the book is set in when a woman’s body is discovered in the school.
Beatrice Baynes who is interfering, overbearing and spiteful, was not very well liked by most people she came across. It causes more of a stir because it happened when the annual festival at Meldon School was taking place for the weekend.
With the local constabulary completely stumped, Scotland Yard’s Chief Detective Inspector Pollard and Detective Sergeant Toye are called in to investigate and they themselves become stumped as the case becomes more complicated as the time moves on.
Death of an Old Girl is the first cosy village mystery in the Pollard & Toye crime series: an intriguing police procedural set in rural England, I found that at times the interaction between the police and public they were interviewing lacked authenticity as their techniques appeared to be softer than the era allows for.
Although the book develops nicely, I did guess who had done it, and when they had done it, but not the reason for it, quite early in the book.
I did love the fact that the characters of the police officers came across as real human beings who do forget to ask questions or miss clues because of general every day life.
For me I would like to read more of this series because I would love to see how the relationship between Pollard and his wife develops.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone who likes a murder mystery, but would say preserver with the first chapters as they are a little slow.
September 7, 2018
This is a charming and intriguing cosy village mystery. In a scene that looks like the most upsetting Grand Guignol, a dead body is found inside of a puppet theatre during a school festival (because puppets are not creepy enough). Police officers Pollard & Toye take on the inquest but, when a crime takes place in a small rural village and pretty much every single person hated the victim and/or has a motive, how can you narrow down a list of suspects? On top of this, the action is set in 1966, so all the modern tools that make coppers� lives easier are non-existent. Pollard & Toye will have to find whodunit the old-fashioned way: interviewing everybody, putting together timelines and charts. The success of these kinds of books depends not only on a solid mystery, but also on the characters. Death of an Old Girl delivers, as they are all quirky enough to be original without falling into farce. I had my suspicions about the baddie but I had no idea how it was possible for the character to have committed the murder. No one had enough time. I figured that someone was lying but� how? You have all the witness statements and they go together like a jigsaw puzzle � I couldn’t figure it out. Anyway, you can follow the investigation along with the characters. Pollard & Toye include their charts and timetables so that you feel like you’re part of the team. The whole explanation left me turning the pieces over in my head and I was amazed at the resourcefulness of one character. The cherry on top is the relationship between Pollard and his wife, Jane, who helps him more than you’d think, and whose delicious banter made me smile more than once. As a big fan of Agatha Christie, I give two thumbs up to this new series.
I received a free copy from the Publisher, but I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Sapere Books!
I received a free copy from the Publisher, but I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Sapere Books!
September 19, 2018
I was sent this book by Sapere books to read and review, and I have to admit to some trepidation initially. A book originally published in the 1960's set in an all girls public school? Well, I needn't have worried. I thoroughly enjoyed it, to be quite honest.
The body of an 'old girl' is found in the art room after the annual reunion ('Festival') of the Old Girls. Beatrice Baynes had remained near her old school, living within walking distance, and had a reputation of being a busy body - and quite unpleasant with it. When her body is found, Scotland Yard send Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye to solve the murder.
I've read quite a few police procedurals recently, and the modern version can be gritty, violent and very graphic. This isn't any of those things. I do assume that it portrays the way in which murders were investigated back then quite well (I'd have to ask my Dad. He was in the Met Police in London in the 1960s, 70s and 80s!). Although I'm pretty sure that the investigating officers weren't all as pleasant as Pollard and Toye.
I loved all the old language ("frocks" for one!) and attitudes, even if they were very old fashioned. It's just so different to what's on offer now.
Well worth a read - and it's interesting to note that the Pollard and Toye series consisted of something like 19 books! Lots to be getting on with!
The body of an 'old girl' is found in the art room after the annual reunion ('Festival') of the Old Girls. Beatrice Baynes had remained near her old school, living within walking distance, and had a reputation of being a busy body - and quite unpleasant with it. When her body is found, Scotland Yard send Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye to solve the murder.
I've read quite a few police procedurals recently, and the modern version can be gritty, violent and very graphic. This isn't any of those things. I do assume that it portrays the way in which murders were investigated back then quite well (I'd have to ask my Dad. He was in the Met Police in London in the 1960s, 70s and 80s!). Although I'm pretty sure that the investigating officers weren't all as pleasant as Pollard and Toye.
I loved all the old language ("frocks" for one!) and attitudes, even if they were very old fashioned. It's just so different to what's on offer now.
Well worth a read - and it's interesting to note that the Pollard and Toye series consisted of something like 19 books! Lots to be getting on with!
August 14, 2019
This is a 1967 book and the first in the Pollard & Toye series. The book has much of the feel of a Golden Age mystery even though it was written in the 1960s with a period background. It is a police procedure book with a pair of competent detectives (Chief Detective Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye of Scotland Yard). The murder victim, Beatrice Baynes, was a rich and old nosey parker who snooped on people and complained about people’s shortcomings. When she was murdered after an end of term festival at a girl school, there were quite a few good suspects.
The book is essentially an alibi breaking puzzle. I like the way Elizabeth Lemarchand used simple visual aids in the book, including a few timelines to map out the sequence of events during the hours that the murder happened. There is also an interesting scene towards the end when Pollard reenacted certain events of that evening and time each step with a stopwatch as a mean to test a suspect’s alibi. The book does have a wide cast of characters, probably in part because the setting is in a school and the murder happened on the day that the school hosted a major social function.
The solution and the motive were both kind of surprising and unexpected, but to be fair to Lemarchand, she did sprinkle some hints here and there through the book, though oftentimes hidden among red herrings.
The book is essentially an alibi breaking puzzle. I like the way Elizabeth Lemarchand used simple visual aids in the book, including a few timelines to map out the sequence of events during the hours that the murder happened. There is also an interesting scene towards the end when Pollard reenacted certain events of that evening and time each step with a stopwatch as a mean to test a suspect’s alibi. The book does have a wide cast of characters, probably in part because the setting is in a school and the murder happened on the day that the school hosted a major social function.
The solution and the motive were both kind of surprising and unexpected, but to be fair to Lemarchand, she did sprinkle some hints here and there through the book, though oftentimes hidden among red herrings.
September 18, 2018
The story opens with the annual festival at Meldon school. It's open to Meldon's "Old Girls" and Sixth Form - a kind of open day with an AGM.
Most of the "Old Girls" are happy with the changes that the relatively new Headmistress, Miss Renshaw, has made. Beatrice Baynes leads a small group of those that don't. She's spiteful, interfering and overbearing - and she has it in for both Miss Renshaw and the new art teacher, Miss Cartmel.
After the Festival, Beatrice is nowhere to be found... until her body is discovered several days later.Chief Detective Inspector Pollard and Detective Sergeant Toye from Scotland Yard are called to take the case.
I took to the book straight away. It was a very easy enjoyable read. The plot had enough twists to keep me going but not too many suspects, making it easy to keep track of who was who. As the Detectives get into working out a timeline, the author very helpfully provides their notes.
Whilst the main and recurring Detectives, Pollard and Toye, were likeable characters -authoritative but able to get on well with anyone from Miss Renshaw to the caretaker - what I particularly liked about the author's way of writing was that you really felt you got to know several of the other characters well - I particularly took to Miss Renshaw.
Most of the "Old Girls" are happy with the changes that the relatively new Headmistress, Miss Renshaw, has made. Beatrice Baynes leads a small group of those that don't. She's spiteful, interfering and overbearing - and she has it in for both Miss Renshaw and the new art teacher, Miss Cartmel.
After the Festival, Beatrice is nowhere to be found... until her body is discovered several days later.Chief Detective Inspector Pollard and Detective Sergeant Toye from Scotland Yard are called to take the case.
I took to the book straight away. It was a very easy enjoyable read. The plot had enough twists to keep me going but not too many suspects, making it easy to keep track of who was who. As the Detectives get into working out a timeline, the author very helpfully provides their notes.
Whilst the main and recurring Detectives, Pollard and Toye, were likeable characters -authoritative but able to get on well with anyone from Miss Renshaw to the caretaker - what I particularly liked about the author's way of writing was that you really felt you got to know several of the other characters well - I particularly took to Miss Renshaw.
September 9, 2018
Thanks to Sapere Books for providing a review copy.
Death of an Old Girl is set in a rural village of Trill the late 1960's - the body of a woman is found at a local school during an annual festival event. The victim, Beatrice Baynes was not well liked, and while there seemed to be no shortage of suspects, there seemed to be no concrete motive. Inspector Pollard and Sargent Toye are dispatched to investigate, sifting through statements and local gossip to solve the crime.
The overall structure of the plot is set like a classic cozy mystery, with a close-knit community and red herring sprinkled about. The pacing was slow and methodical, with smatterings of the private life of Inspector Pollard (to the point where Pollard's wife facilitates the missing clue to the investigation, which came across as too much of a deus ex machina).
This is an admirable start to a good series - hopefully in future stories there is more interaction and exposition into the working relationship between Pollard and Toye, and that there is some inclusion of the social, cultural events nascent to the late 1960's into the 1970's.
Death of an Old Girl is set in a rural village of Trill the late 1960's - the body of a woman is found at a local school during an annual festival event. The victim, Beatrice Baynes was not well liked, and while there seemed to be no shortage of suspects, there seemed to be no concrete motive. Inspector Pollard and Sargent Toye are dispatched to investigate, sifting through statements and local gossip to solve the crime.
The overall structure of the plot is set like a classic cozy mystery, with a close-knit community and red herring sprinkled about. The pacing was slow and methodical, with smatterings of the private life of Inspector Pollard (to the point where Pollard's wife facilitates the missing clue to the investigation, which came across as too much of a deus ex machina).
This is an admirable start to a good series - hopefully in future stories there is more interaction and exposition into the working relationship between Pollard and Toye, and that there is some inclusion of the social, cultural events nascent to the late 1960's into the 1970's.
March 8, 2019
The first in the series featuring Chief Detective Inspector Pollard and Detective Sergeant Toye from Scotland Yard. Set in 1966 in a rural part of England the body of a murdered woman is discovered at Meldon School. The school has just been holding its annual Festival where old girls congregate to reunite with former friends and celebrate the school's achievements. The victim Beatrice Baynes was one such old girl, an interfering and spiteful elderly lady who clung to the old styles of teaching and vehemently opposed any modern changes at the school. But were her rather poisonous ways enough to warrant her murder? Local police are struggling so help is requested from Scotland Yard but even Pollard is stumped as to a decent motive and even more so a window of opportunity for the murder. This is a well written nice gentle murder mystery in the style of Agatha Christie. It has well rounded characters and a good plot which was fairly easy to work out but still nice to be proved right! It took most of the book to feel like I knew much about the two lead detectives and I hope that is something that will be expanded upon in future stories which I look forward to.
December 29, 2018
This series has been on my TBR list for a few years and now that the first few are available on Kindle, I decided it was time to take the plunge and it's been worth the wait. I really enjoyed reading this first in the series.
Set at a girls school, one of the alumna has set her sights on making life difficult for the head of the school and the art department in particular. She doesn't want anything to change and tries to block any kind of progressive movement in the curriculum. Few people like her, including her relatives. After the alumni weekend, she is found dead in the art studio and the local police quickly turn the case over to Scotland Yard.
Detectives Pollard and Toye are on the case and I'm fascinated by how they move through the evidence, sifting through each clue and the possible motives, and eliminating suspects until they uncover the real motive for the murder. It's a comforting read as the detectives don't pull things out of the ether at the end to determine the murderer, no red herrings, just solid police work from two interesting, down-to-earth detectives.
Looking forward to reading more in this series.
Set at a girls school, one of the alumna has set her sights on making life difficult for the head of the school and the art department in particular. She doesn't want anything to change and tries to block any kind of progressive movement in the curriculum. Few people like her, including her relatives. After the alumni weekend, she is found dead in the art studio and the local police quickly turn the case over to Scotland Yard.
Detectives Pollard and Toye are on the case and I'm fascinated by how they move through the evidence, sifting through each clue and the possible motives, and eliminating suspects until they uncover the real motive for the murder. It's a comforting read as the detectives don't pull things out of the ether at the end to determine the murderer, no red herrings, just solid police work from two interesting, down-to-earth detectives.
Looking forward to reading more in this series.
September 2, 2018
I would like to thank Sapere Books for the opportunity to read and review Death of an Old Girl.
Who doesn't love a cozy British mystery? I must admit that I had an idea who committed the crime once the body of Mrs. Baynes was found, but I had no idea why. It was quite fun to keep reading and see how Pollard put the pieces together to ultimately solve the crime. (I'm purposefully being vague here because I would hate to spoil the story for any reader!)
The plot was tight and the ending, the solution to the mystery, made sense. Lemarchand also did an excellent job tying up other characters' loose ends, and I was happy to hear that the two new relatives were at peace and getting along. Death of An Old Girl isa true classic detective story, in the style of Agatha Christie.
So, why deduct one star? The only reason I deducted one star was because there were quite a few names thrown out at the beginning of the story, and not enough about each name to help me determine who was who in relation to the storyline.
Who doesn't love a cozy British mystery? I must admit that I had an idea who committed the crime once the body of Mrs. Baynes was found, but I had no idea why. It was quite fun to keep reading and see how Pollard put the pieces together to ultimately solve the crime. (I'm purposefully being vague here because I would hate to spoil the story for any reader!)
The plot was tight and the ending, the solution to the mystery, made sense. Lemarchand also did an excellent job tying up other characters' loose ends, and I was happy to hear that the two new relatives were at peace and getting along. Death of An Old Girl isa true classic detective story, in the style of Agatha Christie.
So, why deduct one star? The only reason I deducted one star was because there were quite a few names thrown out at the beginning of the story, and not enough about each name to help me determine who was who in relation to the storyline.
January 17, 2020
For Readers of Agatha Christie? Not.
The mention of Dame Agatha in the blurb was entirely superfluous. It’s a roaring good mystery but nothing like the style which drew Christie readers. I do think it might appeal to readers of Margery Allingham (though it’s not as good as Ms. Allingham. I think the publishers would have done better to have relied on the merits of the book rather than name dropping.
The book is set in a girls� school right at the end of term, and during the weekend festivities which draw a number of “old girls� or alumni back to Meldon. The mystery is rather confusing for the detectives and readers alike. All is cleared up in the end for the detectives, not so much for the reader. The characters, though rather one dimensional, are interesting and at least you won’t guess the plot
The book is still rather good for its day and is chock full of mystery mechanisms. A good read for a slow day.
The mention of Dame Agatha in the blurb was entirely superfluous. It’s a roaring good mystery but nothing like the style which drew Christie readers. I do think it might appeal to readers of Margery Allingham (though it’s not as good as Ms. Allingham. I think the publishers would have done better to have relied on the merits of the book rather than name dropping.
The book is set in a girls� school right at the end of term, and during the weekend festivities which draw a number of “old girls� or alumni back to Meldon. The mystery is rather confusing for the detectives and readers alike. All is cleared up in the end for the detectives, not so much for the reader. The characters, though rather one dimensional, are interesting and at least you won’t guess the plot
The book is still rather good for its day and is chock full of mystery mechanisms. A good read for a slow day.
September 14, 2018
It is the first book in the seventeen book series, first published in 1967. This is a classic murder investigation performed by the sharp-witted duo - Chief-Inspector Pollard & Sergeant Toye.
The story is set in a small village in England, a home of the Meldon school for girls. When Beatrice Baynes, a generally disliked figure, goes missing, she isn’t missed. However, when her body is found it causes a great havoc. The are simply too many suspects with various motives. With no modern forensics available at that time, the investigators have to rely on their sharp judgement and clear intuition only.
I would recommend this book as an alternative to the “over-tech� modern age investigations. I found this story a little hard to read as it establishes the facts slowly and mulls over each possibility one at the time. Altogether a good old-fashioned read.
The story is set in a small village in England, a home of the Meldon school for girls. When Beatrice Baynes, a generally disliked figure, goes missing, she isn’t missed. However, when her body is found it causes a great havoc. The are simply too many suspects with various motives. With no modern forensics available at that time, the investigators have to rely on their sharp judgement and clear intuition only.
I would recommend this book as an alternative to the “over-tech� modern age investigations. I found this story a little hard to read as it establishes the facts slowly and mulls over each possibility one at the time. Altogether a good old-fashioned read.
September 11, 2018
At the annual festival at Meldon School for girls how does a person get killed without witnesses and without the prerequisite time. What could be the possible motive to kill old Meldon girl Beatrice Baynes. Chief Detective Inspector Pollard and Detective Sergeant Toye are send from Scotland Yard to find the answer.
This is the first book (published in 1967) of this police procedural series.
I enjoyed this somewhat slow paced old-fashioned story, with its lack of reliance on modern forensics. So it becomes a matter of discerning the liars with opportunity and motive.
I look forward to the next in the series to see how the main characters develop
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the first book (published in 1967) of this police procedural series.
I enjoyed this somewhat slow paced old-fashioned story, with its lack of reliance on modern forensics. So it becomes a matter of discerning the liars with opportunity and motive.
I look forward to the next in the series to see how the main characters develop
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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