Chapter and Hearse : And Other Mysteries

Rating:
Summary: 22 cozy short stories, none in INJURY TIME
Review: Most of the stories herein feature Aird's regulars:
- Inspector C.D. Sloan (present-day policeman in the fictional county of Calleshire)
- Henry Tyler (Foreign Office man, pre/post-WWII)
- Rhuaraidh Mcmillan (Sheriff of Fearnshire in Mary Queen of Scots' day)

All these characters are in roughly the same universe, just not the same timeframe. Fearnshire has figured in the background of a few Sloan stories, while Tyler's sister lives in Berebury.

In short stories, Aird tends to use "how/why" rather than "who" plots. She's tricky, though; as with Sayers, a story may not involve a death, a death may not be murder, and a criminal may get away with it.

I've arranged my discussion for my own convenience rather than to reflect publication order.

10 Sloan stories:

An elderly patient supposedly had "A Change of Heart" about resuscitation; can Sloan uncover the truth? (Some of the same cast and issues as AFTER EFFECTS.)

"Chapter and Hearse" The Assistant Chief Constable preparing a talk to the local historical society. Usual format: ACC requests Sloan's professional reaction, as though for a live case.

"Dummy Run" A local petty thief, suspected of raiding the Horticultural Society secretary's vegetable patch, wants to press assault charges. Nobody on the Force - especially confirmed gardener Sloan - wants *this* case to go anywhere, so Crosby gets it. (Mostly exposition, via the sergeant's initial summary and Crosby's after the fact.)

After Crosby mucks up a court case over confusion about what is and isn't evidence, Sloan gives him "Examination Results" in investigating an ongoing petty theft case at the Ornum Arms, on the very day they've had a bout of food poisoning.

"Like to Die" (Sloan) Resembles the Christie story "The Herb of Death". Contaminated food was served at a birthday party at the expensive Berebury Nursing Home, and everyone got sick, but only the birthday boy died. How? (Lady Alice appears, but without any reference to the events of THE COMPLETE STEEL or her sister Maude, more's the pity.)

"Preyed in Aid" Another academic problem: Leeyes' pastor has him debating sin and responsibility with a suspected criminal.

"Time, Gentlemen, Please" Post-Cold-War, the secret services have been instructed to work more closely with the police (with a view to justifying their own survival). Now *they're* asking for *police* help in figuring out how the bad guys are passing encrypted messages.

"Touch Not the Cat" - the only witness to the robbery and murder of old Mrs. Doughty (and whom her nervous relatives suspect might be her heir).

"The Trouble and Strife" (rhyming slang for 'wife') A woman accuses her soon-to-be-ex-son-in-law of murdering her daughter, who abruptly dropped out of touch and quit her job, sight unseen as it were. Trouble is, the ex has vanished too, the house has been sold, and Sloan doesn't know where to start...

"The Wild Card" Several credit card thefts have been reported to Sloan by local dignitaries, only to be hushed up almost instantly. What's going on?

--
3 Tyler stories (all seem to take place at dinner parties, or lunch with a friend):

A spy's report on whether a weapon's design was stolen from the U.K. was meant to be "Child's Play" to decipher, but the cryptographers can't work it out.

"Coup de Grace" On the eve of WWII, Tyler attends a grand party at the Duke of Calleshire's home, where a Lassertan representative plays him off against a hostile power also negotiating for mineral rights.

"Gold, Frankincense and Murder" Tyler visiting his sister over Christmas. Con: contains no references to "Cause and Effects" from INJURY TIME, although the dinner party poisoning situation is similar enough that realistic characterization would require some mention.

--

3 Mcmillan stories:

"Cold Comfort" Black Ian - last heard of at daggers drawn over a lady - has been found hanging in a barn, with no sign of how he could've got up there on his own. So his rival has fled, leaving the Sheriff with a nasty little problem.

After the 'casket letters' affair that got the Queen of Scots into so much trouble, Mcmillan must deliver "Dead Letters" in such a way that the recipient knows they haven't been tampered with. Pro: a very clever youngster (a welcome change from Crosby). Con: the solution might be too late to do any good.

On "Handsel Monday", everyone should remain abed until sunrise for fear of evil spirits, but Mcmillan nevertheless finds himself investigating the death of a little girl who fell downstairs in the night.

--

"A Different Cast of Mind" Christopher Helmsdale visits the best trout stream in Calleshire to grant his father's final wish.

"Due Diligence" Nice one. Rising bank manager Charlotte Cullen and househusband Simon (a former metals expert now laid off) have just bought a house cheap, after the death of the former owner's wife in a freak electrical accident.

"Exit Strategy" Mrs. Barker's daughter took control of her assets when her mother moved in, but now that Mrs. Barker's mental powers are fading, the family want to avoid "unnecessary" expenditure, without leaving evidence of wrongdoing.

"Losing the Plot" Marion Carstairs bought the Toft near Calleford largely for the view, but her next-door neighbour has just installed some three-feet-a-year young trees along the fence line. What to do?

"A Soldier of the Queen" Private Rafferty is a fourth-generation army man, but still very nervous about whether he can hold his position on this first sentry duty. (Very cute, this one.)

"The Widow's Might" A young military historian (who doesn't impress the older men, you may be sure) visits modern-day Lasserta on a personal matter: his mother wants to know more about his father's long-ago death in action.

Rating:
Summary: superb classic English mystery anthology
Review: This twenty-two story collection showcases one of the best classic English mystery writers Catherine Aird, whose skill in providing her audience with a somewhat witty, intelligent who-done-it shines throughout the anthology. The tales include ten great Detective Inspector Sloan stories with the usual help from Constable Crosby and guidance from Superintendent Leeyes (see AMENDMENT OF LIFE for a strong novel starring the unflappable English detective). Also there are three strong stories starring Henry Tyler of the Foreign Office and three sixteenth century Scottish police procedurals investigated by Sheriff Rhuaraidh Macmillan. The remaining six contributions display Ms. Aird's talent in various subgenres whether it is Foreign Service, historical or a contemporary police procedural. Title aside, CHAPTER AND HEARSE AND OTHER MYSTERIES is a superb anthology that fans of the author will appreciate and send newcomers seeking Ms. Aird's backlist.

Harriet Klausner