A Classy Touch of Murder

Dr. Jean Montrose #3

by C.F. Roe

A car death drives a medical sleuth to a chilling conclusion. A red Porsche was an appropriately classy vehicle for a smashup at a Scottish castle. The surprise was that the driver, Graeme Ferguson, had died from a .38 bullet neatly placed in his head. Engaged to the Earl of Strathmore's eldest daughter, Graeme had more than his share of enemies - thanks to his lifestyle of recreational drugs, shady financial deals, and pretty women - perhaps including his fiancee's sister and lovely mother. Now, with the investigation beginning at Strathalmond Castle itself, Inspector Detective Douglas Niven of the Perth police working class and proud of it - felt both antagonistic and uncomfortable in the baronial halls. So he was delighted when Jean Montrose agreed to come along and offer her sharp insights into the psychology of murder. Neither sleuth expected the twists this case would take. For just like the grand estate's baffling boxwood maze, the deviousness behind this murder would lead them to one dead end one dead body after another before its chilling conclusion.

Genres: Mystery

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

aka Francis Roe

Reviews

[Pamela Mclaren · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the Montrose family heads out for a family drive, they have little idea that not only will they nearly be involved in an accident but will find an accident that was fatal. As the family take a deep breath for their safety after hitting a slick of oil on the country road, Steven spots something in the bushes.

It turns out to be a red Porsche and inside is Graeme Ferguson, clearly dead. But after the police come out and retrieve the vehicle and the body, they discover that it wasn't the car crash that killed Ferguson, it was a .38 bullet.

As Insp. Det. Douglas Niven of the Perth Police starts his investigation, he finds few clues — just who was Ferguson? And how was this smart businessman involved in drugs? And soon enough, Dr. Jean Montrose becomes involved, causing a minor crisis for this busy village doctor. Its not just her practice, either, but the changes that are happening within her family. Can she focus enough on the case while balancing her various and many duties and concerns, to help Niven find the solution?

This is the third of C.F. Roe mysteries that I have read and each time I have found them fun interesting reads, especially with the Montrose character. She brings a empathatic touch to all that she does but she also know sees what drives people to do things like murder. These stories are light reading that explores the challenges, the flash points, that lead to murder.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a red Porsche is found off to the side of the road down a hill it turns out there is a body in it. When the police are called they find out the body is that of Graeme Ferguson, but the crash isn't what killed him. He died from a .38 bullet to the head. Graeme is engaged to one woman but is a lady's man, uses drugs, and shady financial deals so he has a lot of enemies. So its up to Inspector Detective Douglas Niven to find out who killed him. There are a lot of twist in the case. I really enjoyed the read, it kept you interested from page one till the end.

[Lila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This third of the Dr. Montrose mysteries is uneven, but the medical information is interesting. Here, as indicated by the British title Bad Blood, the focus is on inherited diseases, including Tay-Sachs.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one did not grab my interest as quickly as others in the series but got more riveting as it went on and had one of the best endings!

[Heather Gentry, H · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought the storyline was choppy and did not flow well. I struggled to finish the book.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

"A red Porsche was an appropriately classy vehicle for a smashup at a Scottish castle. The surprise was that the driver, Graeme Ferguson, had died from a .38 bullet neatly placed in his head. Engaged to the Earl of Strathalmond's eldest daughter, Graeme had more than his share of enemies -- thanks to his lifestyle of recreational drugs, shady financial deals, and pretty women -- perhaps including his fiancee's sister and lovely mother.

"Now, with the investigation beginning at Strathalmond Castle itself, Inspector Detective Douglas Niven of the Perth police -- working class and proud of it -- felt both anatagonistic and uncomfortable in the baronial halls. So he was delighted when Dr. Jean Montrose agreed to come along and offer her sharp insights into the psychology of murder. Neither sleuth expected the twists this case would take. For just like the grand estate's baffling boxwood maze, the deviousness behind this murder would lead them to one dead end and one dead body after another before its chilling solution."
~~back cover

I didn't think this book was as good as A Fiery Hint of Murder. The plot was just as complicated (if not more so) and the writing was every bit as good. It seemed more convoluted, and Inspector Detective Douglas Niven seemed a bit too whiny and out of his depth for my taste.

[Delafere · Rating 3 out of 5]

This got better as it went along. At first the whole thing seemed way to obvious but the twist came just at the right time ie before I said forget it and put it down :)

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this series. I picked up this book at the local library sale and it was good but I probably won't be picking up the rest of the series.