A charming light mystery from the 40s returns to print
The Norths Meet Murder By Frances Lockridge & Richard Lockridge Open Road Media Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date: March 8, 2016 Review The Norths Meet Murder is a novel from an earlier time. Published before the onset of WWII, it blends mystery and the charm common to the screwball mysteries of the time. While very different from the more action filled mysteries of the present, The Norths Meet Murder is a pleasure to read. I'm happy to see Open Road Media releasing it in ebook form. The best word to describe the Norths is "civilized". They are an ordinary, good natured couple with an easy, accepting manner. Mrs. North is energetic and perceptive, but just a bit flighty. Mr. North follows his wife's lead, gracefully accepting her quirks. Her plans for a party in the vacant upstairs flat leads them to discover a body. The police investigation is headed by Leiutenant Weigan, who unlike the ordinary copper possesses an imagination. The murder of a single unidentified man is very different than the standard mob shootings where the usual suspects can be quickly gathered. Instead, the perplexing murder leaves little evidence to go on. The Norths provide vital assistance and feedback without being involved in the actual legwork of the investigation. Indeed the most vital clue is unwittingly mentioned early on, without the Norths or Weigan being aware of the significance. Over the course of the investigation (and quite a few cocktails), an easy friendship develops between Weigand and the Norths. Although forensics was far more limited in capacity at the time, Weigand cleverly uses the abilities at his disposal. In the end, however it is Mrs North who stumbles upon the truth. The Norths are unlikely amateur sleuths, but are attractive to readers nonetheless. Their personal charm, and the ease with which they welcome newcomers make them the type of couple anyone would enjoy knowing. It is no surprise that North novels were extremely popular in their heyday. If you are looking for a light, fun mystery that is cleverly plotted but with little violence, look no further. The Norths Meet Murder is a pleasant escaped read, a delightful start to a charming series. 4/5 I received a copy of The Norths Meet Murder from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. --Crittermom Description Mr. and Mrs. North stumble upon a corpse—and fall backward into murder Jerry and Pamela North's upstairs apartment has been empty as long as they can remember. It's an ordinary Greenwich Village abode, and the Norths are ordinary Villagers—which means they can't bear to go more than a few days between cocktail parties. So when Pamela decides to stage a soiree in the empty apartment, Jerry goes along begrudgingly. But what seems inconvenient becomes felonious the moment they find a dead man in the tub. He has been bludgeoned, stripped naked, and left to rot. The party is most certainly off. Which neighbor was rude enough to leave a body in the upstairs tub? Though they should know better, Mr. and Mrs. North can't resist getting involved. Before they know it, they're right in the thick of a manhunt, and Greenwich Village will never be the same. The Norths Meet Murder is the 1st book in the Mr. and Mrs. North Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.
