Planning for Murder — Anne Morice

It was unlikely that many had actually prayed for the murder of Mr Waddington, and they did not light beacons on the Downs or rejoice openly when it came about, but most had probably uttered a silent word of thanks.

There is no shortage of murderous feelings among the eccentric country folk opposed to the development of a new 'model village'. But when a nosy estate agent and her friend peer into the windows of the country house at the centre of the development scheme, they spy an actual corpse. Their action sets off a series of incidents that include staged pranks and cold-blooded murder. As always, Morice provides not only a solid and satisfying plot but also marvellous, witty dialogue that illuminates both character and class. Anne Morice's final novel maintains her considerable powers as a creator of complex puzzles.

Planning for Murder was originally published in 1990. This new edition features an introduction and afterword by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

"A light hand, an engaging ease, and an inventive mind: all welcome qualities in the writing of crime novels.' Financial Times

'What makes her such good company is not her deductive skill but her shrewd eye and quick tongue for people and situations.' Daily Telegraph