Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death

Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death by James Runcie Summary: It is 1953, Sidney Chambers is the vicar in the village of Grantchester.  He is a lover of warm beer, jazz and backgammon.  He never intends to become a detective.  When a man’s suicide is called into question, Sidney finds himself being pulled into the mystery.  He soon befriends the inspector on the case, Geordie Keating, who tasks Sidney with finding the truth.  Once word gets out that Sidney can solve a mystery, his services are requested time and again.  After all, everyone trusts a clergy and they can go where policeman cannot.  Sidney soon discovers that being a detecting clergyman is a full time job that barely leaves him time for his beer, jazz and backgammon. Angie's Comments: I really enjoyed this series of interconnected short-story mysteries. The character of Sidney Chambers is extremely likable. While mystery solving priests and parsons are not new to the genre, he is a great addition.  The setting of 1950s is also a change for me.  I have read a lot of mysteries set in the 1920s and 1930s but not a lot in the 1950s.  I have not read many books set in the time right after World War II and found this world interesting.  It was fascinating to see how the people were affected by World War II not long after it was over.   I especially liked the jazz element in several of the stories. Request this item