A Necessary End

Enid Frott, who’s recently retired and has always loved books and reading, decides to form a book club in Gregson’s well-crafted, if initially slow 18th mystery featuring Det. Chief Insp. Percy Peach (after 2013’s Brothers’ Tears). The club’s prospective members gather at Enid’s flat in Brunton, a suburb of Manchester, England, where they eat, drink, and discuss what book to read first, finally agreeing on Jim Crace’s Harvest. The next day, the most erudite and contentious member of the group, who admitted to the others during the meeting that he carried a loaded pistol while driving, is found shot dead in his car. Is it suicide or murder? Peach must gather evidence, and discover whether anyone had reason to wish the victim dead. The tension mounts as the connections between club members are gradually revealed through Peach’s interviews and the suspects’ interactions. Gregson has a good ear for dialogue, and series fans will enjoy cameo appearances from characters from earlier installments. (Feb.)