Wages of Sin

A new investigation for DCI Peach that leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouths When a novice young prostitute is killed in the town of Brunton after only her first night, Inspector Peach sets out to solve the crime by interviewing some of the other local prostitutes and their customers. Discovering that these include a divorced policeman from a nearby station, and a Catholic priest at odds with his beliefs, Peach realises he must tread carefully this time. But however hard he tries, Peach cannot believe that one of these lonely men was capable of murder. Unfortunately, he must delve into the town's most sinister underbelly before he can find out who really is to blame.From BooklistGregson's Chief Inspector Percy Peach books have the rare ability to depict gruesome murders while still giving the reader a good chuckle. His latest is no exception. Peach has been away from the CID for a year, during which solve rates have decreased and the department has faltered under the mismanagement of Peach's boss and nemesis, Superintendent Tommy "Bloody" Tucker. Peach is assigned to the high-profile case of prostitute Sarah Dunne, who's been brutally strangled. Tucker, one of those awful bosses who loves taking all the credit when his subordinates perform well, warns Peach that he'd better solve the case in double-quick time. Peach, whose great delight in life is to insult the pompous Tucker without Tucker quite catching on, continues his campaign to undercut his loathsome boss. But Peach is also a gifted detective who's dedicated to his job, and he's determined to find Sarah Dunne's killer, even with Tucker's bungling attempts to control the case. A compelling, funny, highly entertaining police procedural that makes a fine addition to any mystery collection. Emily MeltonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedAbout the AuthorGregson is a Lancastrian by birth, and taught for 27 years in schools, colleges and universities.