The Knowledge

There are a handful of authors whose mysteries are almost guaranteed to be wonderfully crafted, entertaining and beautifully written.  Martha Grimes is one author on my list of 'auto-buys'.  The Knowledge is the 24th Richard Jury novel and he returns with a cast of familiar characters and an ensemble group of new ones.

Like the previous books in the series, the title comes from the name of a pub.  In this case it's a mythical pub known only to the cab drivers of London. Along with a ragtag bunch of incredibly savvy street kids, there are cab drivers, gem smugglers, and a healthy helping of murder, jealousy and corruption.

I have been with this series since the first book and look forward to each and every one.  The Knowledge might suffer a bit by comparison with the others, though it's still absolutely top notch.  I also wouldn't recommend this book as an entry point into the series.  There are an awful lot of casual in-jokes and assumed background knowledge of the characters.  I continue to adore Jury and Plant and co.  Wonderful, even if it's a bit more whimsical than the usual Richard Jury mystery.

368 pages, available from Grove Atlantic in  hardcover, paperback and ebook formats.

Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.