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Death at the Alma Mater by G. M. Malliet Find this book in our catalog
This is a very satisfying, if predictable murder mystery in the traditional mold. The Alma Mater in the title is St. Michael’s, a fictitious college of Cambridge University in England in dire need of an infusion of cash to fix its crumbling infrastructure. In order to woo prospective donors, the Dean and the Bursar have taken to organizing weekend getaways for groups of its most rich and successful alumni at the college. Of course, when these old college-mates are thrown together in the dubious comfort of the undergraduates' lodgings to partake of indigestible formal dinners, murder is bound to ensue. Being forced to relive old loves and rivalries is bound to bring animosities to the fore. Sure enough, when one of the guests is found strangled at the boathouse, Inspector St. Just discovers that nearly everyone had a possible motive for murder.

Fans of a cozy mystery will enjoy this one, as will fans of mysteries with a collegiate setting. It might even appeal to lovers of the Father Cadfael series by Ellis Peters, since the Cambridge college and its traditions have an almost monastic ambience.

Unlike some cozies, this book avoids cuteness, but it does have some humor in the foibles and quirks of some of the characters. The author draws them well, with insight, and with wit. Readers will recognize certain types, but will appreciate their eccentricities.

The tone is civilized. The taking of a life is condemned, but there is the constant assumption that the murderer will be exposed and that good will triumph over evil. The plotting is elegant: there are plenty of red herrings and clues for the reader. Unfortunately, one vital piece of information is known only to the Inspector and not revealed to the reader until the end. No matter, this is still a satisfying and quick read and well worth the effort.

Labels: British, Cambridge, closed community, college, cozy, England, humorous, murder mystery, quick read, satisfying, traditional, witty