Vicars And Tarts

Just a quick review of two recent library books. Most of my books lately have been from the have cross stitch section, seeking inspiration for the CCC. But I did order this one, and thought it worth a review.

Murder Before Evensong is by the Reverend Richard Coles. It has Rev on the front cover and the spine, just in case anyone doesn't realise this Radio presenter, and former member of pop group The Communards is also a Vicar in the CofE. The book has all the things one might expect - a Flower Guild full of difficult ladies, the family up at The Big House, arguments about alterations to the Parish Church, and people who have lived in the village forever, and have Dark Secrets in their past. Also a bishop who isn't happy that the vicar is an amateur sleuth. 

But I found it cleverly written, pretty accurate about the church details [RC certainly knows his hymn tunes!] with a superb vocabulary and great descriptions. And being full of church ladies, who loved to cater for events, there are the inevitable scones, coffee-and-walnut sponges, and jam tarts.

It is set - I think- about 30 years ago. Certainly there are no mobile phones, and personal computers are something new, which the vicar looks at in Rymans.  It is a bit heavy on scene setting - Murder#1 doesn't happen till around page 100, and the pace only really hots up another hundred pages on with the second murder. With hindsight I realised there had been early clues which I had not picked up. A cosy read, ideal for fans of Midsomer or Father Brown ****

This next one has cake recipes and the author is the son of a Rev. And it was definitely a serendipitous discovery. Some distracted borrower had replaced the book on the shelf by the cross-stitch books. 

It is a bit niche, and I have to say that at the outset. It's written by Miles Jupp in his alter-ego, cookery writer Damien Trench. If you have every enjoyed listening to "In and Out of the Kitchen" on Radio 4, or 4 Extra, you will get it. I suspect that it may not mean anything to those who have not enjoyed Miles/Damien's soft, yet occasionally petulant, tones explaining recipes or clarifying the situation.  I&OTTK is a programme which always cheers me up and leaves me smiling - or even laughing out loud. 

This book is Damien's 'childhood memoir' but peppered with anecdotes from the present, and a number of recipes. All written in the rambling, pedantic style which he has made his own. 
If you like I&OOTK you will hear Damien's voice in your head as you read it and chortle. If you don't know the programme it may all seem rather quirky. I rate it ****but I know non-fans won't get it at all.

Oh but if I could only meet the Dereham Library borrower who left it by the cross stitch books...I am sure we would have much in common!