In the third installment of the Max Tudor series, our namesake hero is starting to get a little weary of bringing murderers to justice. After all, he retired from MI5 and entered the church because he was looking to solve problems of a much less deadly nature, even if those problems are often just as serious to the people involved. Now that he’s solved two murders since his arrival at Nether Monkslip, he’s quite content to focus on tending to his flock, expanding his priestly influence and being in (discreet, or so he believes,) love with Awena Owen, the unconventional owner of the local New Age shop. Nether Monkslip isn’t the kind of town to find joy in violent deaths either, much preferring to focus on occurrences as benignly exciting as the achievements of the local writer’s group, the opening of a trendy new restaurant and the return of a native son who made good on the London stage.
But then, of course, another murderer strikes. The local police inspector, DCI Cotton, trusts Max’s instincts, having worked with him on the previous murders. Others aren’t as enthused by Max’s involvement, or so he fears. When Max is summoned to meet the local bishop soon after news of the latest murder breaks, he braces himself for a dressing down, on either this subject or his relationship with the decidedly un-Anglican Awena. Fortunately for him, the interview goes much better than expected, at least on the murder front:
With the exquisite timing for which the man was famous, the bishop turned, just as Max was beginning to relax, and said, “We can’t have any more of this, Max. Whatever is going on, you have to get to the bottom of it. Root it out, as it were. With your special skills, you should be of invaluable assistance to the police. I wonder,” he added softly, after an appraising glance at Max. “I wonder… Has it ever occured to you God may have brought you to Nether Monkslip for a purpose? For this purpose?”
Max could think of no reply. It seemed to him a highly doubtful hypothesis. On later reflection, he would find he didn’t much care for the idea, for didn’t it mean more people might be murdered in Nether Monkslip?
Given the go-ahead, Max races to solve the crime before the perpetrator can strike again. Along the way, he uncovers more secrets than he ever suspected might be hidden by the inhabitants of such a quiet village, including one that dates back decades to the horrors of World War II.
While I greatly enjoy how the gentle humor of the Max Tudor series serves as deft counterpoint to the murders each book revolves around, a large part of the appeal, to me, lies in the more serious contemplation of religion, mortality and, most of all, love. Max’s remarkable background allows for diverse episodes to be contrasted to excellent effect, such as when he considers the power of his feelings for Awena:
In his undercover days, Max had on several occasions pretended to be married. The pretense had helped him avoid tricky situations where he was being invited to party with the bad guys. He’d often been tested but had found that establishing the rules early on made his later refusals believable. The worst criminals had instantly understood when he said he loved his wife, a fact that had astonished Max every time it happened. They would not have believed him if he’s claimed ethical scruples, of course, but love was the great universal, even for men who dealt in piping the sewage of terrorism into the country.
Of course, the path of true love never did run smooth, but I finished the book confident in Max and Awena’s integrity and mutual devotion. I suppose that really means that I’m confident in G. M. Malliet’s ability to tell a thoughtful, nuanced story, though I am hoping that the next book in the series has more from Suzanna Winship and DCI Cotton (I am not above saying I ship this pair.) It’s almost a shame that murder pretty much has to be a part of the equation, though Ms Malliet handles these cozy mysteries with intelligence and a keen sensitivity to what would drive a soul to such extreme lengths. It’s always nice to read a mystery novel that makes you care as much for the supporting cast as it does for those directly involved.
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To enter for a chance to win a hardcover copy of Pagan Spring by G. M. Malliet, make sure you're a registered member of the site and simply leave a comment below.
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Pagan Spring Comment Sweepstakes: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase does not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of 50 United States, D.C., and Canada (excluding Quebec), who are 18 years or older as of the date of entry. To enter, complete the “Post a Comment” entry at https://www.criminalelement.com/blogs/2013/10/fresh-meat-pagan-spring-by-g-m-malliet-doreen-sheridan-traditional-max-tudor-mystery beginning at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) October 8, 2013. Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 a.m. ET October 15, 2013. Void outside the United States and Canada and where prohibited by law. Please see full details and official rules here. Sponsor: Macmillan, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010.
Doreen Sheridan is a freelance writer living in Washington, D.C. She microblogs on Twitter @dvaleris.
Read all posts by Doreen Sheridan for Criminal Element.
My kind of book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Looks like a great read. Thanks.
Sounds great. Would love to win this.
I want to read this book SO BADLY!!!!!
“…highly doubtful hypothesis…?” I know we’ll find out differently.
I hope I win, it looks good.
haven’t read this series yet but glad to start!
This is a new to me series too. Sounds good though.
Sounds like an interesting series. I’d love to read it.
this sounds pretty good – If I win I will have to pick up the first two in this series – interesting that a MI5 member would become a cleric
[u][b]Would love to read this book.[/b][/u]
[u][b]Would love to read this book.[/b][/u]
I have to confess I haven’t read this series, but my Mom is a huge fan, so I am entering for her.
Not familiar with this one but looks good…
Big crush on Max! Love this series. I’d love to have my own copy for keeps. Thanks.
This looks really good!
Enjoyed reading the first one in the series. Yet to catch up with the second one.
I have really enjoyed Max Tudor’s previous two mysteries. I’m sure Pagan Spring will be as satisfying. He is an interesting character with his two disparate careers.
would love to read this my kind of book thanks for the chance
Same as above.
I have to confess I haven’t read this series, but my Mom is a huge fan, so I am entering for her.
I love GM’s books.
I haven’t run across this series before, but it sounds delightful.
Looks like it will be a good read. Would love to win!
I’ve enjoyed this series so far very much!
Okay, I think I’m signed in now. Still the same; Max Tudor’s mysteries are very fun to read and he is an interesting character, having gone from being a spy to being an Anglican priest.
Sounds interesting and I would like to read it.
Love a good mystery and this one sounds like fun.
I would love to win this book.
I love the series and would love to read the new installment
Nice cover
Who could possibly resist a title like PAGAN SPRING?! I can’t.
Enjoyed the first two titles in series.
love to win
I think Max Tudor is great, and I’d love to read his latest adventure. Plus, the title is grand!
Another new to me series. Hope this is as good as others i’ve found here.
Sounds great! Hope I win! 😉
I’ve been looking forward to this book! thanks for the giveaway.
another new to me author
A priest named Monkslip? Love it!
I’m currently reading A FATAL WINTER so I’m really looking forward to PAGAN SPRING! I love Max!
I’m currently reading A FATAL WINTER so I’m really looking forward to PAGAN SPRING! I love Max!
Max Tudor books are always a great read. The clerical theme makes them interesting in a different way.
This is a new to me author.
really looks good
this sounds good!
I can’t wait to read more about Max!
I would love to win this.
I would love to read this.
As an Episcopal Cleric (the American branch 0f the Chruch) I have a particular love for mysteries with clergy! I would love to continue reading this fine series.
I’ve been wanting to check out this series!
So excited a new book is out!
I like this series, would love to win the book.
I’ve read every book by this author and have been looking forward to this one. Good series.
I’m looking forward to the third in this series. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds great. Thx.
Sounds like a marvelous read! How have I missed these?
I have read her earlier series (which I liked a lot), but none of these yet.
Great giveaway.
Please enter me.
Sounds like a good book. I love mysteries. Would love to win. (fingers crossed)
cool
This will be the next winner in this intriguing series, one I always review favorably on Auntie M Writes. Would love to be able to add a review of the newest~
I loved the first 2 books in the series, can not wait to read this one.
This would be a great one to win for my first win ever.
I am just finishing “Blasphemy” on Audio CD – Douglas Preston’s 2nd book featuring ex-CIA agent turned monk turned detective Wyman Ford (after Tyrannosaur Canyon and before Impact). I wonder how (if) these two characters are similar, and how pronounced their differences might be.
another great one!
Sounds like a good read—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series.
I like this series and am totally crushing on Max!
Thanks for offering this chance at this book.
Sounds like a great mystery. I would love to win a copy. Thanks for this chance.
I’d like to read this one, thanks.
I can’t wait to read this. Thank-you for the great giveaway.
I have read this series yet but I’m looking forward to trying this author. Thank you for this giveaway.
I love this author. Can’t wait to read her latest.
looks good
Sometimes all it takes is a great cover to get me to pick it up. Just lovely!
[b]another great read! cudos[/b]
Love Max Tudor.
You can’t beat a good mystery can you?
I have loved the first two books and look forward to reading this one. Love the cover art!!
New book, Yay!
I haven’t read any of the series but sounds like a great one. Thanks for the giveaway.
[b]Love the series and want to continue![/b]
sounds like a great read…thanks!
Oh, to wander back to Nether Monkslip for another delightful episode of Max Tudor and his crazy, yet endearing, flock would be my delight. I have enjoyed the series thus far and would welcome the opportunity to read a hard copy version of the next installment in this series. Thanks for offering this opportunity to us.
Have read and enjoyed the first two. So glad to hear the third one is out. Thanks for the chance to win.
Count me in, please!
Think I will read all three!
Great series!
Odd career change, but I can’t wait to read it.
Clergy/Crime, I love the combination. It works for me every time. Can’t wait to read it.
Clergy/Crime, I love the combination. It works for me every time. Can’t wait to read it.
Looking forward to reading book #3… I appreciate the opportunity!
Thanks for the review & the chance to win.
Pagans, MI5, and an Anglican priest–my kind of mystery.
Would love to win!
Nice cover, intriguing story! Would love to read it!
New series. Just what I need for the fall. Count me in.
New author to me, would love to win this!
Awesome
I like smart mysteries.
i would love to read this.
would love to read this
MI5 agent who is now a priest still fighting crime, SWEET!! I have got to check this book out.
I love a good mystery book
Sounds like a great read!
Looks like a great twist would love to win
Looking forward to reading this!
Looking forward to this!
I love her work!
I’ll read anything that Malliet writes!
I enjoy this series – and would love to win!
cool luv 2 read this book
Fascinating! I have not read this series but will have to even if I don’t win! However I hope I do!!
JUST LOVE A GOOD MYSTERY.
Ready to win this and be really scared!
Groovy Pagan Spring!
I feel lucky
A really good series.
I always love a good murder mystery!
Thanks for the heads up on this series. It sounds like a great one. I love Elizabeth George and Charles Todd and this author sounds like he would fit right in with my favorites.
WHO WOULD NOT LIKE TO WIN A MAX TUDOR MYSTERY ADVENTURE? I CERTAINLY WOULD……THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.
Sounds like a great read. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
I hope I’m signed in, this looks like a wonderful book. Sometimes its so hard to enter your sweepstakes. I love books.
I’ve seen some really great reviews for this book; it’s definitely on my wish list. Thanks for the chance.
British and mystery I’m in.
I love reading authors I’ve never read! Like opening a present!
Sounds spectacular. Please enter me.
I’d love to read this.
I need a book to read!!!!!
Great gift for my husband!
Thanks for another chance.
I would love to read this book
This book looks great!
I’m always glad to discover a new-to-me series.
Looks good. I like series that take place in England. Don’t know why, just do.
Sounds terrific!
Sounds like a different “hero. ” He has my attention.
luv 2 read any of these books
Looks like a good read!
It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten involved in a series – this one sounds great!
im in like flynn 🙂 Thanks for the chance.
Sounds like a marvelous read. Would love to win.
I’m new to this series but would love to win a copy!
would love to read this, thanks
Sounds like a great readD
Sounds like a great readD
Nice looking book.
And so I find another series to be investigated – and it sounds good.
Thanks for then entry. I would love to read this one.
Seems like something I would enjoy reading.
Sounds great!
sounds like a good one!
I find this interesting, and would like to read this book.
I would like to read the work of G.M. Malliet!
I’m a huge fan of G.M. Malliet and would love to win!
Sounds like a wonderful book, would love to win 🙂
DebbieC
Thank you for the great giveaway please count me in 🙂
Agatha winner impressive
Loooooooks to be good read.
Thanks for chance to enter contest & good luck to all that enter:0)
I do not know this author. I’d love to read this book.
Sounds good – like a perfect vacation read.
Would really like the chance to read this book. Have not read the author before but it sounds like an interesting read.
Sounds like a great read!! Count me in!
I’d love to read this!