Another fun classic British mystery with characters I found very realistic. It was hard to follow the story in the beginning I don't know why, but I kept turning pages and found the conclusion a surprise. Thank you NetGalley!

Originally written in the 1950’s, this opportunity to read a ‘classic’ British mystery was not to be missed. Clever word-play, a touch of humor that never ventures into satirical send-ups and plenty of twists that add layers of possibility as you puzzle out the culprit, the story was atmospheric and engrossing. And the sense of multiple stories and agendas behind the scenes in this picturesque English village.

In this story, the market town of Flaxborough is finding a curious decrease in the group of movers and shakers: losing two members in a six month period. The second death just happens to be the neighbor of the first, and the investigation by DI Purbright and DS Love turn up several clues that point to murder. Being a particularly thorough man, Purbright’s digging along several possible trails leads to the uncovering of several ‘not as they appear at first look” situations that lead to a darker, and possibly menacing element in the village. Completely engaging as each new revelation is explored as others surface, the challenge in solving the puzzle before Purbright and Love do is a seriously difficult one – never once leading me to expect the twist at the end.

Yes, the attitudes are slightly dated, but the flow and language, similes and metaphors are poetic and clever: adding to the reader’s visualization and enjoyment. Bringing the sensibilities of a Christie novel, the story is about uncovering a motive and reason, rather than focusing on the more salacious elements of gore, gunshots and fast-paced chases. If you enjoy a British murder mystery, particularly those that harken back to the ‘good old days’, this is a series to put on your shelf.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9G5/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

A really entertaining and humorous mystery. Funny and interesting characters and a sound plot make this book really enjoyable.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Farrago and Netgalley

Read a third of the book and can't finish it. Will not leave any reviews anywhere

It took awhile to get the hang of the tone of the author, since this would be the first time I would be reading his work. Coffin, Scarcely Used is actually a murder mystery. The build up towards establishing that a murder or a series of murder really did occur was slow paced but intriguing that you would be hard put to stop reading. Inspector Purbright is an interesting and often times, almost nondescript protagonist. He's investigative style appears meandering but when everything else seems to be chaotic individual events, he seems to be able to see a pattern. Those who love cozy murder mysteries with a lot of eccentric characters and a not so easy to solve plot would love Coffin, Scarcely Used.

A great light read. No jumping at noises but a great story with lively characters and a solid mystery. I enjoyed my time with this book and look forward to spending time with more by this author.

A very interesting mystery! I enjoyed the character development and the story itself had plenty of twists and turns that I did not puzzle out. Very enjoyable and will definitely recommend it!

I do enjoy a good cozy mystery, and this series definitely qualifies as such. I am glad I got to start with the first book in the series, because I also read the second one, and I think it helps to read them in order. The plot is a little obscure if not to say silly, sure, but it is engaging, and the characters are fun to follow. Looking forward to see how this series develops!

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley. I found this to be a very charming and delightful read, two words I don't really use very often. I'm usually a reader of more "hard boiled" crime stories, but this was a very pleasant breath of fresh air. The plot is light, but complicated enough that it held my attention, the writing is quite witty and the cast of characters have a lot of potential. I will pick up more in the series and recommend this book. If you watch British crime shows on PBS, then think of the Fr. Brown mysteries. Different series of course, but same tone and feeling.

Coffin, Scarcely Used
By
Colin Watson

I truly didn’t know what to expect when I began reading this book. I didn’t have much cover love for it...it was simply too plain and beige for me. However it was a unique surprise as I read it. Funny, quirky characters plus not just one murder but multiple murders that were not very ordinary. I won’t tell you how the murders occurred...you will have much more fun reading about them.

Quirky characters include the officer in charge...Purbright...as well as quite a few more. Even the housekeeper of one of the victims is quirky!

I think readers will enjoy the marshmallow scene...especially the one that got stuck!

One of Purbight’s thoughts that stuck in my head was this...these cases were filled with “enigmas, contradictions, deductions and doubts.” That pretty much describes this enjoyable book.

Readers who love this kind of thought provoking mystery will love this series. I can see why this author wrote so many of these books.

My copy came to me from the publisher and NetGalley and Amazon. I read and reviewed it because I wanted to.

Good old fashion British murder mystery. Enjoyed the intrigue and multiple characters.

This book is ok but a little difficult for me to read because of the British terms etc. Decided not to read the other two books.

When I saw this title I knew I had to look at the synopsis of the book, and I like this type of mystery so I was definitely up for giving it a go! This book was originally published in the 1950s, but for some reason seems to have been overlooked all this time. You can definitely feel the time period whilst reading, and personally, I found that added a nice touch to the experience and the plotline as it is 100% a product of its time in the best way.

Colin Watson wrote a fun, cute mystery book in an Agatha Christie-esque style which will keep anyone who is a fan of the genre interested and entertained throughout. There are some very interesting characters throughout and the story develops in an odd and interesting way, leaving me confused but pleased as I read. Watching the characters interact, and learning more about them as they reveal traits and implicate themselves in the crimes, was very fun for me, as well as discovering an interesting and well-developed plot.

This book is the first in the Flaxborough Chronicles, and I am definitely looking into carrying on the series. It’s a pity that these books weren’t more well known in their time and I am really grateful to Netgalley for providing an eCopy in return for an unbiased review, as although this was not one of my favourite books so far this year it is definitely a book I am glad to have read.

A “police procedural “ type mystery that in many ways is also a “cozy” mystery. Interesting characters, and a non-obvious plot.

I enjoy "discovering'' mystery authors that I somehow missed over the years. Colin Watson wrote a series of mystery novels, The Flaxborough Chronicles, in the 1950s. Set in a small English town, the stories follow the investigations of DI Walter Purbright. There are 12 novels in the series.

I am delighted that I found this book available for review or I might never have found this series! Reminiscent of Agatha Christie, the story is a semi-cozy mystery (no spurting blood, over-the-top cussing, or gory details, etc) and rather light, but still a police procedural. There are a few adult moments, but nothing too bad. PG-13 sort of stuff. With plenty of dry wit and humor, the mystery moves along with insights into small town life, gossip and quirky residents. I'm definitely going to read the rest of this series!

The Basics: Six months previous, a well-known resident of Flaxborough died. There really wasn't anything strange about the death, other than the smallness of his funeral (insert small town gossip here). But now, one of his neighbors has also popped off this mortal coil....and this time there is something very strange indeed. At first it appears to be a suicide, but closer inspection shows it may have been staged to hide a murder. What's going on in the seemingly sleepy hamlet of Flaxborough? DI Purbright is on the case!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is a bit dated....but I love classic whodunits and this book reminded me so much of the wit and fun of Agatha Christie novels. Purbright is a delightful main character....a bit bumbling,but dedicated to his job and doing things right. He is also not swayed by social position, power or money. He wants to know the truth....no matter what that truth is. To me, Purbright is like an English version of Columbo. He might seem a bit lacking occasionally to those on the outside, but he's actually quite astute and watching/observing everything.

Great book! I will definitely be reading this entire 12-book series! The humor and mystery combine into a wonderful story! Classic mystery lovers will enjoy this series!

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Farrago via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

A witty lil ditty of a crime book, the first of 12 novels set in the seaport town of highly respectable Flaxborough. (looks are deceiving!). Originally published in 1958 I this was quite risque for the times given the author includes lots of sex in this book and uses sex in such a tawdry way! Such fun indeed!

Highly readable and very well paced, a plot to make you laugh and quirky characters to make you laugh even more so, this book was just so off-beat and such a fun read!

Thank you NetGalley and Farrago for the advance digital copy!

Thanks to netgalley, for providing this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a fun read. It's certainly dated (first published in 1958), but if you don't insist on up to the minute details, it's quite enjoyable. The characters are interesting - I imagine that we'll get more character development of the policemen as the series goes along - but even in this first book, they're likable and interesting.

What jumps out the most is the humor - not slapstick, broad humor, but a funny way of putting things, almost sardonic, in a way that made me chuckle. The plot twists about, so that even though you have a pretty good idea of who the bad guys are, there are a few unexpected twist and turns.

It was fun to read. It appears that this is a re-issue of the series, and the 2nd and 3d books are out, so I will definitely look for them.

one death, another death, suddenly two murders, the inspector leads us step by step to the conclusion

Received in exchange for a honest review.

this is a quaint, fun and quirky English mystery.

Inspector Purbright comes off as this quirky man who goes after things like a dog with a bone and just bumbling along when really he is crafty and smart. He is on the seen with the death of Mr. Gwill which just didn’t sit right with him. As he looks there, more things unfold and a past death becomes more and more at the forefront as more bodies turn up and a association is exposed.

Purbright is the right character to be the main one in this series. He’s quirky, congenial and disarming. He also sees what others do not and allow the evidence to unfold in front of him as it comes along. He has the inquisitiveness to ask the right questions but also have those question not seem to be important to those asking so they don’t get defensive.

The story was entertaining, full of twists and turns and the reveal of the culprit or culprits and why is not one that you would think of. so many plots and subplots that come together to give the big picture of what is going on that it keeps you entwined in the story and at the edge of your seat will just enjoying this English mystery and working with Purbright to figure out who killed who and why.

A fun, humorous murder mystery. My favorite kind! A solid plot and fun characters. What more could you ask for?

I enjoyed the the camaraderie between Purbright and Sgt. Love. Several mysteries going at once, some type of shady business going between a group of upright citizens and throw in two murders to boot. One by electrocution and one by poison. It ticks all the boxes!