The Riviera Express by TP Fielden

Book Review

"...there were two face to Miss Dimont."

The Riviera Express is written by TP Fielden and published by HQ.

I meant to post this review ages ago but it sort of got lost as I had so many NetGalley proofs to read. And honestly, it was a little bit of a let down. Yes, it's cosy crime with a kooky detective in a pretty setting, but it just didn't quite hit the button for me.



BLURB

Gerald Hennessey – silver screen star and much-loved heart-throb – never quite makes it to Temple Regis, the quaint Devonshire seaside town on the English Riviera. Murdered on the 4.30 from Paddington, the loss of this great man throws Temple Regis’ community into disarray.

Not least Miss Judy Dimont –corkscrew-haired reporter for the local rag, The Riviera Express. Investigating Gerald’s death, she’s soon called to the scene of a second murder, and, setting off on her trusty moped, Herbert, finds Arthur Shrimsley in an apparent suicide on the clifftops above the town beach.

Miss Dimont must prevail – for why was a man like Gerald coming to Temple Regis anyway? What is the connection between him and Arthur? And just how will she get any answers whilst under the watchful and mocking eyes of her infamously cantankerous Editor, Rudyard Rhys?

It's difficult to put my finger on what didn't work for me with The Riviera Express, I'd wanted to read some 'cosy crime' for a bit as I'd overdosed a bit on dark, modern thrillers. The Riviera Express is definitely lighter, but it's a bit too light in places. It tries a bit too hard to be different; with over the top language which is desperately trying to be quirky and nostalgic.

I've got to say, it's got a good cover though, which makes me want to upsticks to Devon immediately. Fielden is good at setting a scene, and the descriptions of the little Devon town and beach are very evocative.

The book does have its darker moments, it is after all a murder mystery. It is also set after the Second World War and the country is still trying to recover. This is an interesting theme that runs thorough out the book, especially in the character of Miss Dimont, the heroine, who did 'something' during the war, probably spy work. It's an interesting look at women's roles during that time and after the war.

However, it's just all a bit in your face. There is not much subtlety about the book or themes; class, feminism and war are all thrust down your throat, whereas I think they would have been more effective if they were subtler.

There are also some clues and story lines that are a little too obvious too, however, I didn't guess the outcome and I think it was clever. This is the first in the series (I'm reading the second now), and it feels a bit like a scramble to introduce all the characters and setting. Hopefully the next Miss Dimont book will be a bit stronger.

My Rating: 3 Stars

I received a copy of The Riviera Express in return for an honest review. My thanks to the author and publisher.

Follow Me On Bloglovin'