Wicked autumn: a Max Tudor novel

*Starred Review* Malliet, author of such fan favorites as Death at the Alma Mater (2010), begins a new series with a bang, though not literally, since Wanda Batton-Smyth isn't shot. The cause of her death is much more devious and much less obvious. Not that anyone in the English village of Nether Monkslip is terribly surprised when Wanda is found dead at the Harvest Fayre. Equal parts formidable and forbidding, she bullied the townsfolk into doing her bidding, ruling the roost as head of the Women's Institute, a center of community life. Handsome vicar Max Tudor considers it as a personal insult that evil has come to his town, but unlike most clergyman, who can only pray that murderers will be caught, Tudor, a former MI5 operative, takes a more active role in determining who, of the many suspects, wanted Wanda dead the most. Malliet has mastered the delights of the cozy mystery so completely that she seems to be channeling Agatha Christie, albeit with a hero who adds sex appeal to the mix. She also includes snippets of ironic humor that contribute a little spice to the village charm, making the story even more delicious. Religion, espionage, tea, and crumpets: a winning menu.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2010 Booklist

This appealing first in a new cozy series from Agatha-winner Malliet (Death at the Alma Mater) introduces Max Tudor, ex-MI5 officer turned Anglican priest at St. Edwold's in the village of Nether Monkslip. Since Wanda Batton-Smythe has made herself the most hated individual in town with her officious manner and harsh treatment of volunteers working on the annual Harvest Fayre, no one's too surprised when her body turns up one day in the village hall. Wanda appears to have died of a severe allergic reaction, possibly by accident, but the calm, unemotional Max is certain it's a case of "malice aforethought." Guided by the MI5 premise that "everyone is a suspect," Max interviews one and all around Nether Monkslip, from a harried chef to a frightened young acolyte who faints during Wanda's funeral. The action builds to a tense confrontation at St. Edwold's. Readers will look forward to seeing more of the Rev. Tudor. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Take a classic English village cozy and mix in an ex-MI5 agent-turned-vicar, and you have a delightful new take on the closed-room murder mystery. Classic Christie fare with Malliet's razor-sharp eye for both personal foibles and human decency. (LJ 8/11) (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

*Starred Review* Malliet, author of such fan favorites as Death at the Alma Mater (2010), begins a new series with a bang, though not literally, since Wanda Batton-Smyth isn't shot. The cause of her death is much more devious and much less obvious. Not that anyone in the English village of Nether Monkslip is terribly surprised when Wanda is found dead at the Harvest Fayre. Equal parts formidable and forbidding, she bullied the townsfolk into doing her bidding, ruling the roost as head of the Women's Institute, a center of community life. Handsome vicar Max Tudor considers it as a personal insult that evil has come to his town, but unlike most clergyman, who can only pray that murderers will be caught, Tudor, a former MI5 operative, takes a more active role in determining who, of the many suspects, wanted Wanda dead the most. Malliet has mastered the delights of the cozy mystery so completely that she seems to be channeling Agatha Christie, albeit with a hero who adds sex appeal to the mix. She also includes snippets of ironic humor that contribute a little spice to the village charm, making the story even more delicious. Religion, espionage, tea, and crumpets: a winning menu. Copyright 2011 Booklist Reviews.

Agatha Award-winning author Malliet (Death of a Cozy Writer) debuts a superb new series. Imagine for a moment that Max Tudor, a disillusioned former MI5 agent, has become an Anglican priest. So now he's the vicar in this small idyllic village with all its foibles and strong personalities. Wanda Batton-Smythe, a much reviled, bossy, and brusque village leader, is found dead after being poisoned during the Harvest Fayre she was coordinating. Max is stunned, as if a "snake in his Garden of Eden" has struck, but the local investigators are thrilled to have an inside guy (MI5!) to help them out. As expected, a variety of motives surface, and Max learns much about his parishioners and neighbors. VERDICT Malliet's hero shows his dogged determination to bring justice to his people. You'll marvel at the author's low-key humor and crystal-clear depictions of small-town life. Yes, this is a true homage to Agatha Christie, but Malliet, like Louise Penny, brings a contemporary freshness to the traditional mystery. [Minotaur First Edition Selection; library marketing.]

This appealing first in a new cozy series from Agatha-winner Malliet (Death at the Alma Mater) introduces Max Tudor, ex-MI5 officer turned Anglican priest at St. Edwold's in the village of Nether Monkslip. Since Wanda Batton-Smythe has made herself the most hated individual in town with her officious manner and harsh treatment of volunteers working on the annual Harvest Fayre, no one's too surprised when her body turns up one day in the village hall. Wanda appears to have died of a severe allergic reaction, possibly by accident, but the calm, unemotional Max is certain it's a case of "malice aforethought." Guided by the MI5 premise that "everyone is a suspect," Max interviews one and all around Nether Monkslip, from a harried chef to a frightened young acolyte who faints during Wanda's funeral. The action builds to a tense confrontation at St. Edwold's. Readers will look forward to seeing more of the Rev. Tudor. (Oct.)