Robert Barnard is a contemporary writer, but this story about nasty pranks and murder in the "peaceful" English countryside is set in 1936 just prior to WWII. Robert Barnard is the undisputed King of the humorous mystery and despite the way it sounds this one is no exception.
Another well-done unique mystery from Barnard.
No witty remarks from an investigating policeman, but instead a compelling story about people living at the times the book is set it (mostly 1936). It centers on a young governess and the privileged family she is absorbed by. The death isn't really the important factor, it's mostly about people living in a situation that was remote from most people's experience. Barnard gives us hints about what is going to happen to some of the characters we've grown to care about, which I found an interesting plot device.
