Sarah Ward’s A Deadly Thaw has the perfect elevator pitch:
In 2004 Lena Fisher was arrested for suffocating her husband, Andrew. A decade later, a year after her release from prison, Andrew is found murdered in a disused mortuary.
You’re intrigued, right? Piqued, even, because you’ve got a few months to wait for its release. Which is precisely how I felt, reading the blurb, having dug A Deadly Thaw out from our shared reading copy pile at Pages & Pages. I wasn’t looking for a new book to read. I was just killing time, waiting to close up shop. But there was no way I could let it back into the wild after that tease. No way. So I dropped what I was reading, and on my way home from work, began reading Sarah Ward’s second novel. And kept reading, non-stop, until the mystery unravelled. When I was done, still a little breathless, one thing was clear: I’ve discovered a new master of the police procedural. And I urgently need to track down her first book.
Set in Bampton, Derbyshire, I am tempted to describe A Deadly Thaw as Midsomer Murders with a harder edge. Which, depending on your opinion of the show, will either be greatly enticing, or a complete turn-off. So, perhaps a more literary reference would be appropriate; A Deadly Thaw reminded me of Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels, specifically when Siobhan Clarke began playing a vital role in investigations, and had entire chapters dedicated to her inquiries, and her personal life, too.
Ward’s novel has a large cast – both police officers, and civilians – but never risks drowning in them. The novel remains firmly on track, building momentum, thanks to the twists and turns and red-herrings thrust at the reader with expert aplomb. It begins when Andrew’s body is discovered in the disused mortuary, and ends when the case wraps up; no rambling prologues or epilogues. It’s a police procedural, with characterisation intermingled with the investigation. Too often, such novels donate chapters to casework, then halt that momentum for a chapter on a detective’s personal life, or deep reflection. In A Deadly Thaw, Sarah Ward layers her characters with substance, but never at the cost of narrative impetus.
The location – Derbyshire – is refreshing, too – away from the familiar urban landscape of London or Manchester. The novel has a small-town feel without coming across as overly quaint, and Ward showcases the benefits and negatives of policing a close-knit community.
With A Deadly Thaw, Sarah Ward has stepped forward as a writer of commanding gifts, and poised to mark her name on the genre. Jump on the bandwagon early!
this sounds really cool
Whose the publisher Simon and what was the first book! Sounds like both are worth tracking down.
Allen & Unwin – first book is In Bitter Chill. Hopefully you’re able to get a copy and enjoy it too! 🙂
Thanks Simon I’ll add this to the list.