The Coincidence of the Palm House Murder

 An intelligent and well researched novel which combines a fine and complex plot. It twists and turns like a snake in the jungle but smiles like a mongoose on the hunt.

The writer, Dave Shonefield, finds a new spin on an old model. The story combines a series of intricately woven coincidences between the different characters to create a rich and sophisticated plot. It also touches on worlds we’d all like to deny. The horror of the conflict in Rwanda is the constant elephant stamping around a very small room. When DI Watterson and DS Reynolds face a conflict of interests they make some difficult decisions.

The story races along at a wonderful pace drawing us in and making us pay close attention to the different aspects flickering into life before our eyes. Kew Gardens is a wonderful backdrop and an interesting place to find a body. Many a TV producer doubtless wishes he could use the same environment!