The Mysterious Death of Aunt Jane by S. E. Rayner:

4 stars

Shadey Cove is all abuzz over the sudden and unexpected death of Aunt Jane, who acted as everyone’s confidante and safe space. It’s almost unbelievable, although still more believable than the thought that anyone would want to hurt her. Everyone loved Aunt Jane.

The Mysterious Death of Aunt Jane was not what I expected. The title made me think of Miss Marple, and I am a hard-core Christie fan. However, this story was more Midsomer Murders/Death in Paradise, minus the tropical paradise. It’s cinematic in a curious way; it feels like I read a TV episode — a complicated one. There is no one main character. Even the main cast — Wally, Adam, and Fern — are utilized in a rather casual manner. It was confusing to begin with — there are a lot of characters introduced right off, with almost no physical description. Yet, they stuck with me; their voices and thought patterns, once learned, set them apart.

This is not a restful mystery; the pacing offers few breaks, and without a distinct main character to hang your hat on, it makes for brisk reading. It isn’t rushed, but it is unrelenting. In a curious twist, this story’s peculiarities become strengths. This was utterly unlike anything I’ve ever read, although nestled in the quintessential English village.

The mystery is compelling; it’s unexpected, yet realistic. The thread of romance is the picture of restraint, yet follows a clear and natural arc. Wally is a delight, and the police tactics, culture, and procedures — including buzzer envy — made me feel like I was eavesdropping at police headquarters. The relationships felt old, weathered, habitual. Lived-in.

I’m still trying to define what S. E. Rayner did here, but it was successful. The Mysterious Death of Aunt Jane would be best for those who like their mysteries to be challenging — not just in the puzzle of whodunnit, but in the narrative style itself. This will keep your brain reeling. It’s crisp and satisfying.