‘The tall, bare planes on the Green swayed solemnly like folkies singing Kumbayah.’ – Body Line, by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
Oh, the joy of yet another romp through the criminal underside of Shepherd’s Bush in west London, courtesy of Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. Once again, this author has crafted an intriguing murder mystery, but as always, the real joy in this novel comes from Harrod-Eagles’s colorful language and witty asides. Witty – but never silly.
The simile I chose for the title of this post is a good example of this proclivity. There are plenty more where that came from, especially as regards the chapter headings:
‘Witless for the Prosecution’
‘Hello Dubai’
‘Sex at Noon Taxes’
And my particular favorite this time around:
‘Beauty in the Eye of the Beer Holder’
This tale of a cunning charmer and the witless young women who fall for him never fails to delight!
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
(Since there is a story arc in these novels featuring Bill Slider, I recommend reading them in series order.)
Books to the Ceiling 
Angie Boyter said,
June 6, 2011 at 1:02 pm
OMG, Roberta! How did I miss this author??!! Sounds great!
Pauline Cohen said,
June 8, 2011 at 1:31 am
Roberta,
I am eagerly awaiting my copy of this latest Slider book from my local library. I am currently #2 on the list!
We did discuss a Slider book in one of our Usual Suspects meetings–I particularly remember because I led the discussion. Note to Angie: You probably missed that discussion. It was several years ago.
I skimmed what you wrote, Roberta, so that I can maintain the surprise element when I finally get the book.
Thanks.
Pauline
Yvette said,
June 25, 2011 at 6:02 pm
I’ve been reading the Bill Slider books for years. Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is kind of an underrrated writer around here. You’re right, they need to be read in order. Great series.
Carol said,
June 29, 2011 at 4:12 pm
CHE also has a wonderful historical fiction series called the Morland Dynasty which now runs to more than 30 volumes, following an English family from 1434 to the 1920’s. She has recently lost her publisher for this series, but is considering continuing it as e-books, perhaps publishing a chapter at a time as Dickens did.