LemonSky reviewed Death in Lilac Time by Frances Crane
Review of 'Death in Lilac Time' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
Pat and Jean Abbott are on vacation in Kentucky when an old friend of Pat's, Dr Seth Godwin, asks him to help Jane Mallory, who has been accused of murdering her husband, Dick Mallory. Mallory was pathologically jealous of his wife, convinced she was cheating on him, even though she was completely innocent. A mentally unstable and vicious alcoholic, Mallory destroyed his health with his excesses, and took his misery out physically and emotionally on his poor wife. Jane left him for a while, but returned when she heard he was on his deathbed. Though in poor health, he was still able to hurt Jane. In an effort to calm Mallory down, Jane gave him what she believed to be the mild sedative prescribed by Dr Godwin. However, this was no sedative - it was cyanide!
It quickly becomes clear to the Abbotts that this is not a clear-cut case …
Pat and Jean Abbott are on vacation in Kentucky when an old friend of Pat's, Dr Seth Godwin, asks him to help Jane Mallory, who has been accused of murdering her husband, Dick Mallory. Mallory was pathologically jealous of his wife, convinced she was cheating on him, even though she was completely innocent. A mentally unstable and vicious alcoholic, Mallory destroyed his health with his excesses, and took his misery out physically and emotionally on his poor wife. Jane left him for a while, but returned when she heard he was on his deathbed. Though in poor health, he was still able to hurt Jane. In an effort to calm Mallory down, Jane gave him what she believed to be the mild sedative prescribed by Dr Godwin. However, this was no sedative - it was cyanide!
It quickly becomes clear to the Abbotts that this is not a clear-cut case of murder. Jane Mallory is an unlikely killer, and it would have been profoundly stupid of her to kill her estranged husband in such a fashion. It is also evident that there are many people who are glad to be rid of Dick Mallory, even though most of the suspicion rests with Jane. There are two more deaths before the Abbotts finally close the case.
I really enjoyed this mystery. It had a touch of southern gothic about it. Nothing is as it seems for there is a lot of deception and playacting going on. Dick Mallory was not the only twisted character in this cast. The only weak point is Jane Mallory, who comes across as rather dull and uninteresting. Even though I did figure out who did it about 2/3 of the way through, it was still fun watching Pat Abbott catch them. I also enjoyed the knockdown, drag-out fight between the investigating police detective, Lt King, and Dr Godwin, with Lt King threatening to arrest Pat Abbott because the latter did not try to help him in the fight! Very funny.
If you enjoy this book, I recommend [b:The Man in Gray|18217365|The Man in Gray|Frances Crane|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1374323771s/18217365.jpg|18136890], also by Frances Crane.