Reading the Detectives discussion

Welcome to our Buddy Read of Fog of Doubt also known as London Particular by Christianna Brand and first published in 1952.

Fog of Doubt is the fifth Inspector Cockrill mystery and also features Inspector Charlesworth, who 'Cocky' first met in the previous mystery, Death of Jezebel. Charlesworth himself has two mysteries in which he takes centre stage and we will read this after the Cockrill mysteries; the first being Death in High Heels, published in 1941.

For those who don't know, a London Particular referred to the heavy fogs which once fell over the city. When a Belgian visitor, Raoul Vernet, is killed during a visit to the house of Matilda Evans, nobody seems too concerned. However, the family - obviously, friends of Inspector Cockrill - are implicated and it is up to him to see which member of the family, or their immediate circle, could have wanted Vernet dead...

Please do not post spoilers in this thread. Thank you.

Just opening up this month's buddy reads - thanks very much to Susan for setting up the threads.

Who is reading this one? I enjoyed it a lot - very atmospheric with all the London fog. And yet again Cocky is called in to investigate a case where his personal friends are involved - what a popular chap he is!

He really is, isn't he? He seems to know everyone.

The introduction said that Christianna Brand set this mystery in her own house and it was always her favourite.

That makes sense about it being her favourite. I thought there was a lot of warmth in her writing in this - you can really feel her enjoying herself.

Yes, I agree. I loved the foggy London setting too.

This sounds good. I missed the buddy read of the first book & I’m very OCD about reading books in order so I won’t be joining you for this one. But I am looking forward to going back & reading Death in High Heels.
Happy reading everyone

We will read Death in High Heels later, so look forward to your thoughts when we get to it, Icewineanne. I also like to read in order, but really this is a Cockrill novel, which Charlesworth is also involved it. The two series, such as the Charlesworth one is, are a little mixed up...

Does anyone else find the spelling of "ackcherly" a bit annoying? I didn't mind the first time but it seems to crop up an awful lot in this book!

Yes, I wondered why.

I thought it was to show how silly Rosie is and then other people were mocking her.

Yes, the little girl voice which belied her rather devious nature.

I've just started this and find it hilarious! Rosie would be detestable in real life but lots of fun in fiction. Poor Tilda having to put up with the household, complete with dog, cat, and a crazy mother-in-law whose hair belongs to her son (grandson?).

Glad you are enjoying it, Sandy. I agree that a fictional Rosie is better than a real one!