Omens of Death

"A bad omen. A sign of sorrow. One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy...

Detective Inspector Montague Pluke has always been superstitious, so when he sees a lone crow fly over the Crowther’s home, he’s sure death is waiting in the wings.

And it doesn’t take long for Pluke’s premonitions to become a reality: the naked body of a young woman is found in a Druid’s Circle - a place thought by locals to be the site of black magic. Rumours circulate about human sacrifice and dark rituals, but Pluke’s not convinced the murder was committed in the circle.

Trusting his intuition, Pluke returns to the scene of that first omen of death: the house of Cyril and May Crowther. And when two more victims perish in suspicious circumstances, Montague Pluke is ready and waiting to catch the killer..."

Yes, ever since reading The Death of Westaway I've been drawn to that rhyme... though this book came first!

Nicholas Rhea's 'Omens of Death' whilst not quite a thriller definitely sits better as a cosy, murder-mystery, especially with characters such as Detective Inspector Montague Pluke who to me seemed almost Dickensian in the manner in which he is described by the author, as well as his actions.

'Omens of Death' is a lighthearted read set in the quiet Yorkshire town of Crickledale where we follow an eccentric police detective in his first-ever murder case, despite his long career in CID (Criminal Investigation Department).

I loved the premise of this book. It really was a charming, quick read full of intrigue especially Rhea's research into odd and quirky superstitions surrounding death, luck and misfortune. The fact that the central character of Montague Pluke is almost a walking, talking caricature with his high waisted trousers, spats and thick antique raincoat.

I found that the author was able to bring light to what could have been quite a dark murder mystery through the use of supplementary characters - the gossipers, curtain-twitchers and small-town Ladies' Society. The only downside I had to this was Pluke's obsession with horse troughs. Though useful in their time, and I'm sure quite impressive, I found the addition of this particular hobby to be dull, lifeless and uninteresting.

Also, everyone loves a scandal, and what better way to induce a scandal into a story than by local people of good standing and "morals" partake in seedy pornographic films and photographs in the homes of their friends, neighbours and coworkers whilst holidaying abroad? Rhea managed to produce an intriguing novel which makes me curious as to what's next for DI Montague Pluke and the folk of Crickendale.

An entertaining and engrossing book. I liked Mr Rhea's Constable series and I'm liking Montague Pluke.
The quirky and eccentric main character is well thought and fleshed out, I liked him and I liked the rest of well written characters.
The setting is interesting and vivid, the mystery solid and it kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading other instalment in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.