BLOOD FLIES UPWARDS

Elizabeth Ferrars, a writer close to Christie in style and plotting, is a perfect choice for those who crave Golden Age British detective stories. The heroine, Alison Goodrich, takes on a housekeeping job at a country house to investigate the disappearance of her predecessor, her sister. Along the way we meet the sinister gardener, the two crazy old ladies next door, the habitually philandering husband, and the suspicious boyfriend. Julia Franklyn has a faultless upper-class British accent and perfect elocution. She does a neat job of making each person a distinct character. The lady of the house is crisp, the daily help is comfortable and gossipy, the old ladies are used to better times. This altogether creditable and professional performance captures all the elements of a good “cosy.” D.G. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 01]