Dorothy Simpson's detective stories are an uncomfortable mix of police procedural and cozy mysteries. They have the dull, plodding exposition of a procedural, without the realism and subtlety that make for a good procedural. They are undercut by the domestic subplots that lack the interest or humor to make a satisfying cozy. And the two interact badly as the main characters flee annoyances at home to suffer annoyances at work. The mystery itself often seems to get lost in the tedium.

This particular one brings together some entertaining plot threads but the author cannot resolve them credibly, moreover they conflict in style. The suspects are all from central casting and presented with carefully inserted clues. The character of the victim is the most interesting element, but the author does not follow up on it. The solution is completely implausible and the stitching necessary to force the plot threads together shows.

I'm so glad to see this series being re-issued. For me, this is a re-reading of a favorite series and I had forgotten what a nice pace they had. The crimes, the puzzle, the interaction with the community, the family ties - it soothes the mind. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie. No cell phones, laptops, video games, none of those distractions in these excellent mysteries. In this, the second of the series, Luke Thanet must find the killer of a rather drab middle aged woman who takes care of her rather nasty mother and cleans houses in her village community. Her killer isn't satisfied with just killing her and leaving her stay where she fell - no, she was placed in an old outhouse, stripped of all dignity. Added to the puzzle, how did she acquire the stash of money found under her mattress? Luke Thanet has to find the killer while at home, get used to the idea that his wife wants to find something to do outside their home now that the children are older. Oh, how times can change in almost 40 years.

I had not read any of the Detective Inspector Luke Thanet series before and I read these all at once. In the introduction to the first one, Ms Simpson explains that she spent her professional career as a marriage counselor and that she found some inspiration for her plots in the psychological insights she gained as a therapist. That admission coloured my reading of the books, as did my familiarity with the early run of Midsommer Murders, a long-running UK TV series.

Luke Thanet and Tom Barnaby share a smarminess about their home lives and marriages that I find repulsive. In the case of Luke Thanet, I read Ms Simpson's efforts to teach responsive marriage techniques and her idea of how a married man should act. She even drags DI Thanet's assistant, Mike Lineman, his controlling mother and his suffering wife into it. Yuck.

The mysteries are OK but nothing special.

I don't need this series.

I received review copies of "Close Her Eyes", "Puppet for a Corpse", and "Six Feet Under" by Dorothy Simpson (Open Road Integrated Media) through NetGalley.com.

I just binge read 5 of Dorothy Simpsons Detective Thanet series. The first being "Six Feet Under". This the 2nd of the series.

My review will be the same for all 5 that I read. I don't like to recap what happened in the book. We can all read the blurb on the jacket, or online versions. I find it much more important to tell you, the potential reader, what I liked and why or what I disliked and why.

What i liked:

Detective Thanet is a fully realized character. We find out that he hates the first contact with a corpse. There is a mixture of anger and empathy. He often wonders if this makes him ineffective detective. We get a chance to see his family life. His wife and two children. We see the struggles and joys of a normal family. Adds a distinct layer to his character.

Their are only 2 other recurring characters, Doc Mallard, the curmudgeonly coroner, and DS Lineham, Thanets partner who has two strong women in his life, his mother and his wife. they aren't as fully realized as characters but we gather enough information to relate to them.

The tedious work of interviewing and writing reports is frequently related. Since this is a vital aspect of police work we are given an incite to the working life of the police.

The interaction between characters works well. Suspects getting annoyed with the interruptions to their lives. Family members being interviewed shortly after the murder. The difficult job the police have in doing their investigation.

Dorothy Simpson makes the whole process seem real.

What I don"t particularly appreciate. One caveat is that reading all 5 books in a row these "problems" are amplified.

There is a formula that is followed in each book. The finding of the body. the early interviews, the lack of forensic evidence, secondary interviews, the insights that lead to the murderer. Connections to evidence is lacking.

As I stated this becomes more apparent when reading one after the other.

I would like to thank the Publisher, NetGalley, and the author for my copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

Book 2 picks up after book 1, so there is no time lapse for the reader. Thanet's sergeant, Lineham is trying to convince his mother that his leaving the nest to get married is a good thing, and the case that presents itself to them, seems to offer an alternative choice, if the path he's on continues. As Thanet and Lineham struggle to really get to know the victim, they suddenly find themselves with no shortage of possible suspects. the case continues to strike home, as Thanet's wife want to see employment as their son starts school, and he wants her to stay home. As the case shadows and mirrors their lives the duo keeps searching for more clues, until inspiration breaks open the case! A solid sophomoric turn, making you glad you started reading the series!

In the second of the Inspector Luke Thanet mysteries, Thanet and his family are being dragged, albeit with some stress, into the 1960s and 1970s. An important plot theme involves World War II, and its memories, making this a particularly interesting story bridging the last half of the past century.

4 stars

Carrie Birch was found dead in an old unused outhouse in the back of a property. DI Luke Thanet and DS Mike Lineham respond to the call.

When examining her room, they find nothing too remarkable except for the nearly 10,000 pounds stuffed under her mattress. Where did it come from? A house cleaner and part-time carer does not make that much.

After interviewing neighbors and Carrie’s mother, they are exactly nowhere. He does get the impression that the people he talks to are evading his questions. Carries was non-descript, inoffensive, a doormat to her overbearing and nasty mother. The villagers all say these things, but stop there almost as if there is something more that should be said, but they do not. Thanet is frustrated.

At the same time, Thanet’s wife, Joan wants to go back to work but he doesn’t want anything to change. Lineham is planning his wedding with Louise, but his mother keeps conveniently having heart attacks before the wedding comes off. It has already happened twice and Louise and Lineham are getting worn out from the constant battle.

Thanet goes along investigating and chasing clues and finally he sees who it was that killed Carrie – and more importantly – why.

I like Thanet’s observations about the psychology of situations and people with whom he comes into contact. He is very observant and likes to ponder all possibilities. I like the characters and Thanet and Lineham’s interactions. This book is very well written and plotted. It is an easy and gentle read. The reader is lulled along with the investigation and suddenly, there is a conclusion. It is very satisfying. I will continue to read Dorothy Simpson’s novels.

I want to thank Netgalley and Open Road Integrated Media for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful book to read.

I am really enjoying these mysteries from Dorothy Simpson. I've read three now and I can only describe this as something I could see Agatha Christie writing if she was still alive. And I love Agatha Christie!! So it goes without saying the reason why I enjoy these books so much.

This is the second mystery featuring Luke Thanet and I believe a year or so has passed since the first book, or maybe even longer than that. He's still balancing work and home life. These are not gory or outrageous killings/mysteries. They're taking place in a rural England town and Thanet is a great detective, not unlike Hercule Poirot. They're short books but the mysteries and stories are fantastic.

**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was an ok story with an unexpected ending. It was not very original. Overall I was not happy with this book