Page 50 - Demo

50 Phonebox Magazine | July 2025His latest novel is written in a combination of styles; there is the light-hearted depiction of life in the village and also in the monastery, both of them illustrating diffi cult personal relationships %u2013 wherever people live in a community, problems are likely to arise. However, there are some almost lyrical passages as the author describes entering the monastery chapel in darkness and the eff ect it has upon Canon Clement, his main character. There is a detailed description of a lecture he is persuaded to give to the novice monks, with some %u2018in-jokes%u2019 about certain aspects of the subject.Although the death of one of the monks occurs earlier in the book, it is not discovered to be a murder until much later and it is towards the end of the novel that the mood becomes dark as the tragic death is related to events which have Reviewed by Thelma ShackladyMurder at the Monastery by Richard ColesWell known as a television celebrity, Richard Coles has also made his name as an author, both with autobiographical books, including the very personal %u2018Madness of Grief%u2019 and also detective novels, including %u2018Murder Before Evensong%u2019. occurred earlier in the lives of several of the inhabitants of the monastery. The transition from the light-hearted approach to one much more sinister is cleverly handled.Interwoven with the time Daniel spends in the monastery, to which he has fl ed after a personal crisis, there is the depiction of the life he has left and the people involved in that life. This is handled with a light touch and a humorous approach. Ultimately, of course, he returns having solved the mystery and unravelled the threads which lead into a rather murky past, to take up his daily life once more, but with a fi nal twist, which leaves the reader smiling.I thoroughly enjoyed reading this latest contribution from a talented writer, so much so that, having fi nished it, I turned back to the beginning and read it again, picking up the hints and nuances which I missed BookshopTel: 01234 714592 | Stanley Court, OlneyBOOK REVIEWthe fi rst time round. I appreciated the sly humour and self-deprecation which made the book such fun to read, and the clever way in which it built up to a climax which revealed so much about the characters portrayed. The comment from the Daily Telegraph sums it up succinctly %u2013 %u2018A very moreish read%u2019.Thelma ShackladyWWW.HEARCLEARATHOME.COMOffice: 01604 357291 or Mobile: 07909 291993Email: polly@hearclearathome.comHear Clear At HomeEARWAX REMOVAL SPECIALISTOffering Both Microsuction and Water Irrigation Consultation %u00a310(including referral if needed)One Ear Wax Removal %u00a330(plus %u00a310 for second ear)DOG WALKING AND PET SERVICESBY HANNAH%u2019S HOUNDSCOVERING OLNEY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES%u2022 Dog walking %u2022 Cat sitting %u2022 Feeding %u2022 Pop-in visits07841 486087HANNAHSHOUNDSOLNEY@GMAIL.COMGive us a callfor more detailsCOVERING OLNEY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES icaremk.comWhen a loved one needs support, trust mattersCare You Can Count OnPost-hospital recoveryComplex conditions24/7 live-in careEar syringingI Care MK provides nurse-led home care across Olney, Newport Pagnell & nearby villages01908 464487