Collected papers of Trygve Nagell Book

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Coffin, Scarcely Used is a bona-fide, authentic police procedural at its finest.

Originally published in 1958, the Flaxborough Chronicles are a mid-century nod to writers such as Agatha Christie where the police are in the spotlight but the townsfolk are the real stars. The book reminded me so much of Miss Marple with the characters in the town playing such an important role in the solving of the crime and these characters are what truly bring the book to life. You think you are reading just another simple cozy until you get to know the people of the town - the good and the bad.

I found this throwback to mid-century Britain a very welcome relief from hard core crime as well as from amateur detectives who apparently know more than real detectives about solving crimes. I also really enjoyed the fact that the book was extremely well edited and well written and it executed a dry, witty humor primarily  because it was from another era. These things are missing from many mystery/thrillers written today.

I highly recommend Coffin, Scarcely Used for anyone who enjoys mysteries, cozies or who is simply in the mood for some light summer reading. As for me, I've moved on to Book Number Two in the series. Happy Reading!

(Thank you to #Netgalley and Farrago Books for my copy)