Men of subtle craft

Arnold Landon #4

by Roy Lewis

Asked to assist a historian with research into a medieval mason, Arnold London is left in no doubt by his superiors that he is to keep his personal interests distinct from his planning work. But when local magistrate Patrick Yates is found dead in his own stableyard by means such as a medieval mason would have used, Arnold's research unlocks vital clues to the Yates murder - and he has to risk his own life to find the killer ...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, British Literature

276 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1988

About the author

John Royston Lewis, who published his fiction under the name Roy Lewis, was a prominent English crime writer who wrote more than 60 novels. He was also a teacher, and he taught Law for 10 years before being appointed as One of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Further & Higher Education. He lived in the north of England where many of his novels are set.

Lewis is also the author of several law texts, which he published under the name J.R. Lewis.

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Alžběta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like most of Roy Lewis's books, "Murder in the Stableyard" spends a lot of time setting up the story and examining the land dispute at the heart of the book in detail. The murder itself happens quite late in the book - for a murder mystery. I understand some readers might find Lewis's pacing too slow, but I really enjoy this detailed setup full of fascinating historical facts and hilarious descriptions of the Senior Planning Officer's ridiculous behaviour.

[Helen Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot is convoluted

This story was heavy on the build up. It set the scene in great detail. The actual crime seems like a post script to the lives of the characters. The murderer was not the person I thought it would be.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

Another great story in the Arnold Landon series featuring a local government planning officer who has a knack of getting himself involved in murder. Well written with lots of interesting characters. Looking forward to reading more in the series.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun and interesting read in this the fourth of the Arnold Landon, planner, mystery series. Can't get enough so far...each story is unique in the premise but solid in the characters and history.

[Francois Garcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t like the person who reads these books and I made a mistake as I do listen to his other series which are read by by someone else. I do find the author a very dry writer, so definitely take getting used to. I returned this book without reading.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roy Lewis is one of my favorite authors!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read and slowly getting to know Arnold Landon and how he reacts to situations

[Mary]

See private notes--no rating