The Case of the Fallen Hero: An Inspector David Graham Cozy Mystery

I have to admit that I read this book out of order, but it did not have any impact on my enjoyment of the location and main characters. Taking a leisurely Sunday stroll towards Orgueil Castle, Inspector Graham hears a scream and rushes toward the source. There he discovers a woman cradling a bleeding body, with injuries consistent with a devastating fall. The woman runs away, leaving Graham with the body and a mystery...one that only deepens when he learns that the victim was the groom at yesterday's wedding celebration at the castle. Trying to get to learn whether the fall was accidental or deliberate proves to be more difficult for Graham and his second-in-command, Janice Harding, when they encounter a truly unique cast of potential suspects. In the meantime, the other two members of his team are looking to solve another mystery: the disappearance of a group of four musicians on the Castle site. I really enjoyed this story and love the character interactions. I can't wait for book 5 in this series.

The 3rd book in the Inspector David Graham series was good, I preferred the other two better. While I enjoyed changing who I thought was the murderer, I never expected the ending in this book….definitely a shocking twist. The story seemed to drag a bit, plus I’m not sure why the quartet’s story line was even in the book. I am enjoying the interactions between Graham and his sergeant, and seeing the other two officers in Jersey constabulary office. I’m hoping the next book in this series returns to the style of the first two books, but all in all, it still had me anxious to know who the actual killer was.

This is the third of the Inspector Graham books that I read and thoroughly loved. While the first two mysteries are well written and very enjoyable, it is as if the author slipped the bonds holding her back and found her true voice with this one. I loved the behind-the-scenes discussion of the string quartet and their foray into forbidden territory and art, as well as the examination of island's WWII history. There were sufficient "red herrings" to keep me guessing until the end, and Ms. Golden hones the intrigue with each book. These books certainly have the potential to become a PBS series with the likeable character of Inspector Graham and his fellow officers. I read the "teaser" chapter for the next book, but I cannot find it online yet...cannot wait to read it.