ANYTHING FOR A QUIET LIFE
By
A charming collection of nine stories, all reprinted from EQMM, that begin with semiretired solicitor Jonas Pickett's move to the insular resort of Schackleton-on-Sea, proceed through his modest new office caseload, and end with his full retirement. None of these stories is particularly noteworthy for the mystery it presents, but, taken together, they offer a wry commentary on English-village attitudes toward gypsies, Londoners, foreigners, holidayers, tradesmen, country gentry, business partnerships, farmers, small-town nabobs, and the relative discomfort that exists between the police and members of the legal profession. Sage, likable, and common-sensical Jonas arbitrates disputes between his argumentative partner, Mrs. Mountjoy, and his Mountjoy-baiting secretary Claire; relies on his good chum, the mountain-size Sam, to keep him from physical harm; and genteelly resolves the (mostly property) complaints of his new neighbors. A companionable way to while away the time until Gilbert gets around to doing a new novel, and a clear pleasure for partisans of the cozy.