Weaving Shadows by
Margaret Murphy
hbk out May 03
Published by Hodder
at £18.99
Until now, all Margaret Murphy's novels of psychological suspense have been stand-
alones, but her latest book sees the return of the Chester-based barrister Clara Pascal,
who first appeared in 'Darkness Falls'. Clara is still suffering from the after-effects of
her traumatic experiences as chronicled in that story, but these do not overload the
present mystery. She is feeling her way back into work, taking up the cudgels in a
custody battle on behalf of Chris and Diane Tobin, a not altogether appealing couple.
Soon she also becomes embroiled in a criminal case and takes on an even less
attractive client. A young woman has been murdered and the prime suspect is Ian
Clemence, a convicted killer not long ago released from prison. The relationship
between Clara and Clemence is central to this novel and its development is traced
with great skill. The Chester backdrop, too, is pleasingly evoked. Bath and York are
among the historic cities to have featured successfully as settings in recent crime
novels and it is good to see that the potential of Cheshire's principal centre has at last
been recognised. The contrast between the tourist-friendly exterior of Chester and its
sinister underbelly offers the novelist of talent considerable scope and Murphy makes
effective use of that contrast in weaving her intricate criminal patterns.
(
Martin Edwards
- author of the highly acclaimed Harry Devlin Mysteries)
Weaving Shadows by
Margaret Murphy
