The Postscript Murders

By Elly Griffiths

What it’s about?

The death of a ninety-year-old woman with a heart condition should not be suspicious. Detective Sergeant Harbinder Kaur certainly sees nothing out of the ordinary when Peggy’s caretaker, Natalka, begins to recount Peggy Smith’s passing.

But Natalka had a reason to be at the police station: while clearing out Peggy’s flat, she noticed an unusual number of crime novels, all dedicated to Peggy. And each psychological thriller included a mysterious postscript: PS: for PS. When a gunman breaks into the flat to steal a book and its author is found dead shortly thereafter—Detective Kaur begins to think that perhaps there is no such thing as an unsuspicious death after all.

And then things escalate: from an Aberdeen literary festival to the streets of Edinburgh, writers are being targeted. DS Kaur embarks on a road trip across Europe and reckons with how exactly authors can think up such realistic crimes . . .

What I think:

Despite all the murder, this is a surprisingly fun read.

The characters are wonderful and the unlikely team of friends that come together to solve Peggy’s murder are a fantastic combination.

There is a lot more to Peggy Smith than meets the eye. And Natalka becomes more convinced that Peggy’s death was not an accident.

This a complex mystery with a lot of characters and lots of twists and turns. It all comes together to a very satisfying conclusion.

I love DS Kaur who continues to grow and develop. Her family are also brilliant. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series which is out later this year.

I also like the ‘found family’ aspect of the books. Natalka brings together a disperate group of people who all knew Peggy in some capacity and they become invested in solving the crime to the extent that they put themselves in danger to do so. There’s a real love of crime fiction as well that is so clear from reading the book.

This is a really great series that stands ou9t in the book stores crowded crime shelves. There’s a relatability and humour to the books that is very engaging and the mysteries draw you in and keep you thinking.