Fire in the Thatch

By: E.C.R. Lorac

Narrated by: Kris Dyer

The Second World War is drawing to a close. Nicholas Vaughan, released from the army after an accident, takes refuge in Devon renting a thatched cottage in the beautiful countryside at Mallory Fitzjohn. Hard work and rural peace seem to make this a happy bachelor life.

On a nearby farm lives the bored, flirtatious June St Cyres, an exile from London while her husband is a Japanese POW. June’s presence attracts fashionable visitors of dubious character and threatens to spoil Vaughan’s prized seclusion.

When Little Thatch is destroyed in a blaze, all Vaughan’s work goes up in smoke, and Inspector Macdonald is drafted in to uncover a motive for murder.

©2018 E. C. R. Lorac (P)2018 Soundings

LITTLE QUIBBLE WITH NARRATOR

In my opinion the book and performance, as well as the production were all… if not remarkable, certainly not lacking. There was one thing, however, that bugged me for the length of the novel. Due to the importance and frequency of this term’s presence, I might add, I do not feel as if I am picking nits here; Is not “Cyrus” pronounced “sigh-russ”? What is going on with this “St. Sius” detritus? I could not for the life of me find any supporting information in favor of this pronunciation on the almighty, omniscient inter-web. And you know; the IW is never wrong 😑.

Please advice. Much obliged.

ECR Lorac is a master!

Lorac's writing deserves more exposure. Wish all her books would be recorded. I can't get enough...

Devon mystery

The first victim is a likeable newcomer to the Devon countryside. Beautifully performed. recommended

Madness

Convoluted and dated, but interesting. Characters seem superfluous to plot, and often without purpose or necessity to story.

Have recently discovered Lorac’s work

Having read so many excellent British mystery novels, I was thrilled to discover a new writer I had never heard of before. I think the mysteries are well crafted with interesting character development. I also find the narration helpful to unfolding the nuances of the characters and plot. But what I absolutely love about Lorac’s work is her ability to create the synergy between the landscapes and terra firma in which we grow and live and the characters and character of her novels. I find this compelling and unique to her style of writing.