The Crystal Crypt is the sixth book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series.
While it is a standalone mystery, many of the characters have been introduced in previous novels, and a couple of the minor plot points do refer back to hose earlier stories. However, there is a character list at the beginning of the novel for those who haven’t read all the previous stories (or who have read dozens of novels since the last Poppy Denby novel was released and needed a little reminder, ahem).
As with the previous Poppy Denby mysteries, The Crystal Crypt sets a solid mystery against a backdrop that gives insight into the culture and attitudes of the 1920s. Poppy, a female journalist, is herself a trendsetter of sorts, and in this novel she meets a female police constable while investigating the murder of a female scientist at Oxford University. Poppy therefore shows us what was considered ground-breaking science at the time, as well as showing us a woman’s place in society.
The novel is written in a somewhat distant point of view, almost omniscient. This usually frustrates me as a reader, but it works in this instance because it feels appropriate for the time setting. It gives the novel an Agatha Christie or Georgette Heyer feel, harking back to a time when bright young things were jolly and gay. Well, except for when they’re getting murdered in the workplace …
Yes, The Crystal Crypt is a murder mystery.
Poppy is asked to investigate by an acquaintance who worked with the victim, Dr June Leighton, and who believes June’s death was not the accident the police claim. Poppy uses her press credentials to find out more about June’s life and death, to determine whether there was a murder … and if so, who is the culprit.
Some murder mysteries have lots of potential evildoers with means, motive, and opportunity. The Crystal Crypt has less than most, so the focus is on the investigation, and it soon becomes obvious that someone has something to hide.
I enjoyed The Crystal Crypt, as I’ve enjoyed the other novels I’ve read in the series (the ones I haven’t read are waiting on my Kindle. This is a series that can definitely be read out of order).
I especially enjoyed the insights into Twenties culture, and learning a little more about the long struggle for gender quality. Recommended for mystery lovers, especially those who enjoy unique historical settings.
Thanks to Lion Fiction and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
About Fiona Veitch Smith
Formerly a professional journalist, Fiona Veitch Smith is now an author of books for adults and children. She has also written theatre plays and screenplays. Her adult mystery series, Poppy Denby Investigates, set in the 1920s, is published by Lion Fiction (paperback & ebook) and audiobook (HW Howes). The first book in the series, The Jazz Files, was shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Historical Dagger award, 2016. Other titles in the series include: The Kill Fee, The Death Beat, The Cairo Brief, and The Art Fiasco.
She has two standalone novels Pilate’s Daughter (Lume Books – formerly Endeavour Press) and The Peace Garden (Crafty Publishing)
Her books for children include the Young David and the Young Joseph picturebooks, published by SPCK, and a new series of graphic novels called The Time-twisters, published by SPCK in collaboration with the Faraday Institute at Cambridge University.
Fiona lives in Newcastle upon Tyne with her family.
Find Fiona online at:
About The Crystal Crypt
“But accidents can still happen… Perhaps there was something out of her control, something she couldn’t have foreseen…”
“Like someone plotting to kill her?”
In the city of dreaming spires, Poppy Denby is asked to investigate the mysterious death of an up-and-coming female scientist. But was it an accident or is something more sinister lurking in the shadows? And is Poppy the next target…
It’s 1924 and Poppy Denby is heading up to Northumberland to celebrate her father’s sixtieth birthday. She stops off in Newcastle en route to visit her Aunt Dot, who has temporarily relocated from London to renovate a house she’s inherited.
It is 1920. Twenty-two year old Poppy Denby moves from Northumberland to live with her paraplegic aunt in London. Aunt Dot, a suffragette, was injured in battles with the police in 1910. Her contacts prove invaluable. Poppy lands a position as an editorial assistant at the Daily Globe. Poppy has always wanted to be a journalist and laps up the atmosphere of the news room.