Golden Age (23) : Murder in the Mill-Race

Murder in the Mill-Race by E.R.C. Lorac is an examination of crime and village secrets. When a doctor and his wife move to a small village in Devon they find a close-knit and friendly community but also one with some skeletons in the cupboard. Indeed a malign force is working behind the scenes. Sister Monica, whom everyone thinks is wonderful and yet is found dead...

The police in the form of DCI MacDonald and Sergeant Reeves lead the investigation, peeling away the layers of deceit in the village with the help of the doctor. Sister Monica had been ruling the orphanage and indeed the village too with an iron fist.

As well as a thoughtful and well plotted murder mystery this is also a commentary on the abuse that take place in institutions and how it can continue for years unpunished, all because everyone turns a blind eye. Well except one...