DEAD-NETTLE

by John Buxton Hilton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 28, 1977

Hilton again drops his turn-of-the-century detective, Inspector Brunt, into a dense psychological tale that offers more story than mystery. Here--as reconstructed by Brunt in his most Thomas-Hardy manner--is a mining village triangle: obstinate, honest Lomas, the crippled Boer War veteran determined to draw ore from the barren Dead-Nettle mine; Isobel, the no-nonsense landlord's daughter who begins moving her family heirlooms into Lomas' hut; and Hetty, Lomas' forgotten, wanton war-bride, who reappears to reclaim her husband and to be stoned during one stormy, Hardy-esque night. Hilton's evocation of place and time, though measured and circuitous enough to be slightly slow going, is unfussily convincing, and those who value character and atmosphere over cleverness and suspense will find this an engagingly grave entertainment.

Pub Date: Dec. 28, 1977

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1977

Categories: FICTION