The Magic Chair Murder

Frances Black, the 28-year-old heroine of this so-so series launch set in 1929 Lancashire from British author Janes (Stick or Twist), has joined a literary society dedicated to the life and works of children’s poet Robert Barnaby as a way to pass the time after her husband left her for another woman. Divorce is out of the question for the well-brought-up Fran, who has a private income, as it would bring shame on her family. At the society’s annual conference, one of the speakers, Linda Dexter, goes missing. A few days later her body is discovered on a little-used railway line. Fran decides to do a little sleuthing, aided by her friend Mo and handsome fellow Barnaby fan Tom Dod. Could Linda’s death be connected to the paper she was going to deliver at the conference? That Fran lives alone without her husband causes her no social repercussions, and the “no divorce” premise serves mainly as a device to keep Fran and Tom apart. Period language is scarce, and clues are too obvious. Hopefully, Janes will up her game next time. [em](Mar.) [/em]