A Long Time Dead

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The latest DCI Woodend mystery. Captain Robert Kineally disappeared from Haverton American Army base in Devon in 1944. Twenty years later, a body is found. Woodend knew and liked Kineally. He knew, and heartily disliked, Douglas Coutes, the man accused of killing him. With the British determined Woodend should exonerate Coutes and the Americans set on proving his guilt, Woodend must face his past mistakes if he is to have a shot at the truth.From BooklistStarred Review Chief Inspector Charlie Woodend's latest case takes him back to World War II, when he was dogsbody for a particularly unpleasant officer, Douglas Coutes. Decades later, Coutes is a government minister, and Charlie is a chief inspector. But their paths never cross until Coutes calls Charlie to say he's been accused of murder and to ask for Charlie's help. The case is complicated by the fact that the murder took place in 1944; a further twist is that the victim was the brother of an influential American politician. The U.S. flies in an FBI team to "assist" on the case, and they're quick to poke fun at Charlie's plodding technique. But the FBI seems exceptionally eager to close the case, and when they confirm Coutes' innocence in a few days with little evidence, Charlie smells a rat. This is an outstanding British police procedural, and it may just be the best yet in this popular and inventive series. Don't forget Woodend when you're compiling those lists of best British coppers: he belongs in the same league with Rebus, Resnick, Harpur and Iles, Morse, et al. Emily MeltonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedAbout the AuthorSpencer was born and brought up in Cheshier. She has been a teacher in England and Iran.