Angels of Clay by Madeleine Eskedahl

 

Angels of Clay, the third book in Madeleine Eskedahl’s Matakana series, begins with what appears to be an attempt to scam a young Lotto winner. As usual, the beautiful country north of Auckland is a major player in the story, with Bill and Annika Granger taking the leads.

Sergeant Bill Granger and hunky Dwayne Johnson look-alike Constable Niko Sopoaga are called to the scene of what appears to be a murder, where the victim’s body has been shaped like a snow angel albeit in a clay pit.  Apart from this shocking discovery there is a lot going on in Matakana in the lead up to Christmas, not the least of which is the worrying email Bill has received from police head office in Wellington that they are considering closing the Matakana police station; and, as well, Bill’s family tree appears to have sprouted an added wing.

Bill hands the murder case over to Orewa CIB, and he and Niko carry on with finding the gang of kids who are terrorising local shop keepers and who are now wanted for assault. Then comes a phone call which sees them tearing out of the station again.

There are a couple of troubled marriages in Matakana this Christmas, and memories are being revived of the American marines who were stationed in Matakana during the Second World War. In short, lots of interesting threads to the story, and tons of atmospheric background.

Angels of Clay is sure to be another winner for Madeleine Eskedahl. Madeleine in some ways reminds me of Minette Walters while at the same time having a style which is all her own.

Published by Matheson Bay Press