Review of DEATH AT THE WHITE HART by Chris Chibnall

 3.5 Stars

This police procedural is a pleasant read.

Publican Jim Tiernan’s body is found in the middle of a road, trussed up in a sack, tied to a chair, and sporting a pair of deer antlers. DS Nicola Bridge, having recently moved to the small coastal village in West Dorset, is in charge of the investigation. Her partner, DC Harry Ward, is inexperienced, but eager to learn.

There are quite a few suspects. Why is Eddie the deliveryman so twitchy? Why is Frankie the hairstylist acting so suspiciously? Could one of Jim’s girlfriends be responsible? Deakins, an embittered old farmer, seems to be connected to events. And then there’s nine-year-old Shannon, trapped in an abusive home, who seems to have knowledge of events the night of Jim’s death. At the beginning the perspectives of these various characters are provided and each seems to be hiding something, especially about the events of the night Jim was killed.

Nicola is an appealing character. She is tough, a skilled observer, and totally dedicated to her job. Though accustomed to working with more resources, she manages her team well, though initially there is some friction between her and Harry. She’s not perfect of course. Her workaholic tendencies mean that her family life is affected.

Harry is new to the job but eager to tackle the case and prove himself. He and Nicola become a good team though she does underestimate him at the beginning. I suspect that this is the first of a new series from the creator of the British crime drama series Broadchurch.

One weakness is the resolution. The identity of the murderer is a stretch, and I found the motive to be rather far-fetched. At the end, there’s a detailed explanation of how the murder was carried out; much of that is needless repetition. The “happy-ever-after” ending is also not needed.

This is not outstanding crime fiction but it is enjoyable enough – a good summer read for those who like the genre.