The Girl in the Yellow Dress - (Henry Johnstone 1930s Mystery) by Jane A Adams (Hardcover)

About the Book

1930, Leicestershire. Local miscreant Brady Brewer is convicted and hanged for the brutal murder of Sarah Downham, despite his protestations of innocence and his sister's pleas for DCI Henry Johnstone's help. Two weeks later, the body of another young woman is found nearby. Is a copycat killer on the loose, or was Brewer innocent after all?

Book Synopsis

Was the wrong man hanged for a young woman's murder, or is a copycat killer on the loose? DCI Henry Johnstone and DS Mickey Hitchens must crack a darkly complex case when the community close ranks.

1930, Leicestershire. Everyone in the quiet market town of East Harborough is convinced that local miscreant Brady Brewer is responsible for the brutal murder of Sarah Downham. Despite Brewer's protestations of innocence, and his sister's pleas for help from DCI Henry Johnstone and DS Mickey Hitchens, Brewer is convicted and hanged.

Two weeks after the hanging, a farmworker finds the body of another young woman less than a mile from where Sarah was found - and there are other disturbing similarities between the two murders. Is a copycat killer on the loose, or was Brewer innocent after all? Where is the missing yellow dress that Sarah wore the night she was murdered? As the locals close ranks, Henry and Mickey soon discover that reputations - and the truth - are all on the line . . .

From the Back Cover

JANE A. ADAMS
THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW DRESS

1930, Leicestershire. Everyone in the quiet market town of East Harborough is convinced that local miscreant Brady Brewer is responsible for the brutal murder of Sarah Downham. Despite Brewer's protestations of innocence, and his sister's pleas for help from DCI Henry Johnstone and DS Mickey Hitchens, Brewer is convicted and hanged.

Two weeks after the hanging, a farmworker finds the body of another young woman lying beside the road less than a mile from where Sarah was found - and there are other disturbing similarities between the two murders. Is a copycat killer on the loose, or was Brewer innocent after all? And where is the missing yellow dress that Sarah wore the night she was murdered? As the locals close ranks, Henry and Mickey soon discover that reputations - and the truth - are all on the line . . .

Review Quotes

A dense and atmospheric plot with plenty of surprises, authentic historical details, and intriguing characters . . . make this one a good pick for devotees of fans of British historical mysteries.

'Lovers of tweedy English murder mysteries will find much to like' -Publishers Weekly

'A fitting swan song for Adams' dynamic duo' -Kirkus Reviews

'Excellent . . . Adams effortlessly conveys the police procedures, business practices, and social mores of the period. Fans of golden age mysteries will be delighted' -Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Old Sins

A cautionary tale . . . about the perils of getting what you wish for-- "Kirkus Reviews on Bright Young Things"

Appealing characters . . . Fans of historical police procedurals will be satisfied-- "Publishers Weekly on The Good Wife"

Fast-paced fun-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Good Wife"

Vivid . . . well-constructed . . . will appeal to the Downton Abbey crowd-- "Booklist on The Good Wife"

About the Author

Jane A. Adams was born in Leicestershire, where she still lives. She has a degree in sociology and has held a variety of jobs, including lead vocalist in a folk rock band. She is now an artist and photographer, as well as a writer and Royal Literary Fund Fellow. Her first book, The Greenway, was shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey Award and for the Author's Club Best First Novel Award. As well as the Henry Johnstone series, Adams is the author of the highly acclaimed Naomi Blake and Rina Martin mystery series.