The Bad Samaritan (Crime, Penguin) - Softcover

Robert Barnard (1936-2013) was awarded the Malice Domestic Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Nero Wolfe Award, as well as the Agatha and Macavity awards. An eight-time Edgar nominee, he was a member of Britain's distinguished Detection Club, and, in May 2003, he received the Cartier Diamond Dagger Award for lifetime achievement in mystery writing. His most recent novel, Charitable Body, was published by Scribner in 2012.

When the vicar's wife loses her faith, it's not surprising that the congregation is filled with dismay, but also with rumor, speculation, and irony. Things climax for Leeds' Detective Peace (who is black) when a body turns up after the fellowship of a church fete! All are ingredients for a delicious mix of emotion, humor, gossip, and a fine audio presentation. Narrator Nigel Graham is outstanding as he unravels Barnard's rich text and range of accents. As appearance and reality play out, the listener can't help but say over and over, "Ah, yes, that must be it." This is an excellent story for mystery fans, as well as for those who enjoy good characterization in modern fiction. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine