A Pretty Folly: A traditional British murder mystery (Inspector James Given Investigations Book 2)

A Pretty Folly is the second mystery featuring Inspector Given written by Charlie Garratt. Released 7th Oct 2019 by Sapere books, it's 286 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book and the first in the series are included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a beautifully written and nuanced book, with believable three dimensional characters who behave in accordance with their motivations in all their varied settings. The secondary characters cover a broad spectrum of the human condition, from brutal and racist murdering thugs to the most rarefied and isolated ivory tower academics. There is a plethora of suspects from which to choose and as the plot progresses, figuring out 'whodunnit' is an entertaining challenge.

In some ways these books remind me of Barbara Nadel's Francis Hancock series which are set around the same time period. They're very carefully and intricately plotted with meticulously researched and realistic historical settings. 

I would heartily recommend this one to lovers of classic British golden age mysteries. Readers should however be aware of some potentially troubling content (all used in context): murder, suicide, antisemitism, domestic violence, and a fairly graphic torture scene. The language is quite clean and there is no direct sexual content. The denouement is satisfying and leaves the potential for more volumes to follow. I'm looking forward to see what's next for Inspector Given and co.

Five stars. Really enjoyable read, an author to look out for.

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