Murder in Haxford

A Pignon Scorbion Mystery, Book 2

By: Rick Bleiweiss

Narrated by: B. J. Harrison

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

The bestselling, award-winning Pignon Scorbion historical mystery series continues!

A delightful day in 1910 at the Haxford Spring Fair turns horrifying and deadly when a balloonist plummets to the earth from the blue skies above. However unlikely, it’s soon discovered that this unfortunate corpse was not done in by his precipitous plunge but instead from an arrow fatally lodged in his chest. Unraveling the twisted web of intrigue that took the man’s life requires the expert skills of Haxford’s brilliant and sartorially splendid Chief Inspector Pignon Scorbion.

But the quirky detective is not alone in this task. Aiding Scorbion in his dogged pursuit of truth and justice are his carefully chosen deputies: six quirky and unconventional thinkers from the town who meet regularly with Scorbion in Calvin Brown’s barbershop to unmask ne’er-do-wells and solve local crimes. Since his move to the charming village, the enigmatic detective has also realized his growing dependence upon its bookshop’s owner. Lovely and quick-witted Thelma Smith not only helps Pignon with his criminal cases, but she seems well on her way to unlocking the mysteries of his heart.

Not everyone in Haxford is so cooperative. Faustin Hardcastle from the Gazette is bound and determined to ruin the town’s new officer of the law with slanderous news reports of failure and misconduct. And other residents of the picture-perfect village do not welcome the inspector’s inquiring eye and expert nose for trouble. When they engage in decidedly unquaint activities like gambling, revenge, forgery, and loan sharking, it falls to Pignon Scorbion to reveal their deceit and criminal misdeeds—all in a good day’s work. Once done, he and Thelma can then thoroughly enjoy a delicious dinner at the Bridgehouse Inn.

©2023 Rick Bleiweiss (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

5+

I lined up the second book before I finished the first. It has been so much fun to get lost in this series. alas, there is no volume 3. Yet.
So much going on - much of it the history in which the books are set.
Time outs for googling are a must.
I am learning again to listen to detective interviews with all the suspects. This detective and his author have so much fun. Waiting for vol 3

2 in 1

Pleasant surprise that this book encompasses two mysteries. I started to wonder when the first case was close to being solved with still 4 hrs to go. This is a light and pleasant historical police procedural that’s not too intense. It has a quirky twist in that CDI Scorbion has deputized several civilians to assist him and his sergeant in solving their cases. I like the cast of characters and Scorbion’s modern and independent love interest. I hope to see the characters develop in future books.

Disappointed in story, mediocre narration

While the first book showed promise, this book was boring and predictable. The new narrator did not enhance the enjoyment of listening. Its really two novellas. The first was the cover story a death in the balloon. It was ridiculously easy to solve. Our newspaper editor was so much like a silent movie villan I was waiting for one of the ladies to be tied to a railroad track. The second story was shorter and I was glad it was over. I won't be reading any more Pignon Scorbion mysteries.