Engrossing chronicle of a death foretold

HOW TO SOLVE YOUR OWN MURDER

Kristen Perrin Quercus, €19.99

‘ALl signs point toward your murder.” These fateful words uttered by a fortune teller to 17-year-old Frances Adams in 1965 dictated the rest of her life. From then on she was convinced she was going to be killed and now, in her late 70s, she lives an isolated existence in her huge country estate – trusting no one in case they turn out to be her potential murderer.

Meanwhile, Annie, Frances’s great-niece – based in London and trying to make it as a crime writer – is shocked when she receives a letter from her estranged aunt calling her to a meeting to discuss her inheritance plans. But before the gathering can take place, Frances is found dead in her mansion – murdered.

A further twist emerges when Frances’s solicitor reveals she recently changed her will leaving her vast fortune to the person who successfully solves her murder. A select group of people - including Annie – are told they have just one week to crack the case and if no one succeeds, the entire estate will go to the state. Keen to seek justice, Annie quickly unearths the files her determined great-aunt kept on everyone she ever met, in case they turned out to be her killer.

Before long decades of secrets and lies emerge, but with such a long list of potential culprits, will Annie be able to piece everything together ? Or is she just putting herself in the way of danger?

How to Solve Your Own Murder is a sharply observed adventure from debut author Kristen Perrin, an American writer who lives in Surrey. With engrossing backstories unpacked via a dual timeline of the 1960s and present day, vivid characterisation and theatrical plotting, this is a fun, pleasurable read for fans of cosy crime.