Inspector Alvarez works on the police force on the Spanish island of Mallorca.  When an Englishman, who is known to be a frequent seducer of women married or not, is found drowned in his rather shallow swimming pool, it is up to Alvarez to sift through a long list of suspects to find the perpetrator.

I have read several of the Alvarez books; there are thirty-seven of them and still counting.  I have found them to give a wonderful insight into life in Mallorca and a humorous, if somewhat jaundiced, look at the large British community there.  You must be prepared for a slow leisurely stroll, rather than a sprint, to the conclusion of the cases for this is in Alvarez’s nature.  He works very deliberately between frequent drinks and meals.  This series has stood the test of time, and if you slow your pace to match Alvarez’s, you will find these books very enjoyable.

Just a reminder that you can still get a free, signed, hard covered copy of BREAKING THE RULES if you go to the Contact page and send me your name and address.  BREAKING THE RULES is the humorous and mysterious sequel of TO GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE and involves crime, romance, and confusion in the town of Ravensford, Massachusetts.  If you want to curl up with a good mystery, this is it!

Peter Lovesey is an English mystery writer who had written more than thirty mysteries in his long career and received numerous rewards. A number of his books have been in the Peter Diamond series as is this one. Lovesey has the rare ability to develop complex characters while at the same time delivering a spirited and satisfying plot.

In THE STONE WIFE, when the highest bidder for a stone statue of Chaucer’s Wife of Bath is murdered in the middle of the auction, Diamond’s team must discover why this apparently harmless scholar was killed.  Thus begins a plot filled with personal and professional motives that will keep the reader guessing until the end. Lovesey does it again.

On a different note, since we’re in the doldrums of winter, I thought it would be a good time for me to give away copies of my most humorous book.  So the first fifteen people who go to the Contact page on this website and leave their name and address will receive a signed, hard covered copy of BREAKING THE RULES.  Don’t miss your chance, do it now!