Crook o' Lune

By: E. C.R. Lorac, Martin Edwards - introduction

Narrated by: David Thorpe

It all began with sheep-stealing. A hateful act among the shepherds of the fells, and yet not a matter of life and death. Then came arson and with the leaping of the flames, death and disorder reached the peaceful moors. Holidaying with his friends the Hoggetts in High Gimmerdale while on a trip to find some farmland for his retirement, Robert Macdonald agrees to help in investigating the identity of the sheep-stealers, before being dragged into a case requiring his full experience as Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard.

Lorac spins a tale portraying the natural beauty, cosy quiet and more brutal elements of country living in this classic rural mystery first published in 1953.

©1953, 2022 The Estate of E.C.R. Lorac, Volume Copyright The British Library Board; Introduction Martin Edwards (P)2022 Soundings

Sheer delight

This reprint of a forgotten British novel from the golden age of mysteries, was simply delightful.

Fine story well told!

One of Loracs best in my opinion. The country settings and the characters are convincing and interesting. The plot is fine. It is well read, with the unimportant exception of the clergymans rediculously exaggerated nasal soprano voice.

How realistic all the characters are. Without too much description they came alive through their speech and actions.

tgis book, though written in a bygone time, has a lot that seems fresh and up to date. the story is appealing and the setting interesting.

Another great mystery classic

I enjoy the British mystery classic series and it was through these recently published classics that I stumbled on to e.c.r. Lorac’s inspector McDonald.

I’ve enjoyed all of Lorac’s inspector McDonald mysteries and the variety of settings: London and rural England. Through her writing she brings scenes to life whether it’s london during the blitz or the rustic isolation of the country.

As always I love David Thorpe and how he brings a story to life. He is an excellent narrator who brings characters to life. I gave this a 4 instead of 5 because he’s done such a great job with the accents that I had trouble catching some of the words. I had to rewind several sections to catch the meaning and for a few was still lost. I’m sure those familiar with the accents of rural England would praise its authenticity and would be able to follow more closely.

The mystery style is reminiscent of the golden age mystery style. More a puzzle to solve of Agatha Christie type and less of the blood and gore some may enjoy more. I prefer the classic mystery style but some may consider this to be too slow. We don’t get to the murder until a third of the way through. As always I enjoy the end when McDonald elucidates and brings it all together (like Hercule Poirot) 🙂. I did not figure this one out until the end.

If you love the golden age mystery classics you will enjoy this. Be prepared to have some issues following the accents. I did. But definitely recommend.

Atmospheric and Low Stakes — but Fun

Lorac’s detective McDonald finds himself in the rural countryside full of sheep farmers and ruddy cheeked lasses on bicycles. Did not hold my attention as much as her better plotted works set in London such as Checkmate to Murder. And at times the northern English accent was so hard to understand, I downloaded the book from my library app to follow along! The narrator is excellent though a parson with a falsetto might have been a bridge too far for me in a less patient mood.

For all these quibbles, this audiobook served as an enjoyable companion for me while doing my own rural chores (ie, lawn work).

Enjoyable story, well read

A typical (in a positive way) ECR Lorac tale. A mystery to keep you guessing to the end, congenial scenes.