Recently, Grace has also begun series of novellas set in Asharton Manor, a grand English country house, at different points in time. A Prescription for Death, her latest, is the second in the series, set in 1947.
Prescription's heroine is Vivian Holt, a recent widow mourning the death of her soldier husband, Sidney, who moves to the country for a fresh start. Vivian, haunted by her loss, with her reserve and depression, is a very human, engaging character, and Grace portrays her struggle to cope with Sidney's death with a deft, compassionate hand.
Vivian volunteers at Asharton Manor, which has been turned into a convalescent home for soldiers, where she befriends Norman Winter, a kindly, wry older man who had also fought in World War I. Norman is immediately appealing - Grace develops his character beautifully with just a few masterful strokes. When Norman supposedly commits suicide, Vivian is devastated, but things aren't what they seem (are they ever?).
Prescription is a novella - about 20,000 words - and I was struck by how much story Grace can pack into that short a space. The characters are intriguing and well - though economically! - developed and the plot is twisty and eventful. A lot happens, but nothing feels rushed or short-charged. The devilish mystery, which hangs on some very clever and adroit clueing, is in the very best Christie tradition.
Grace's writing is sophisticated and clean - she has an ear for language, and her prose reads beautifully. A Prescription for Death is a delight - elegant, smart, engrossing. I loved my time with it.
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