Fear Stalks The Village by Ethel Lina White

Poisoned Pen and the British Library of Crime Classics, once again bring us a superior mystery originally published in 1932.

From the very first pages, I was captivated and held hostage by the prim and proper English setting oozing with peacefulness and serenity. There’s a quiet calm not just among the beautiful gardens, but also among the village residents.

It’s a picture perfect scene. It is springtime in the village. Quaint cottages, cobbled streets. Gardens flourishing with lilies and lavender. The scent of an abundance of herbs is floating lazily through the air.

The story unfolds with Miss Decima Asprey, known as the queen of the village. She’s a woman in her early 60’s, living in a stately manor. A well-respected fixture, known do gooder and a champion to underprivileged young women, she’s beyond reproach.

But when Miss Asprey receives a venomous poison pen letter slandering her good character, she’s shaken to the core. She frets over the letter, telling only her most trusted confidant about it. But the walls have ears. The village is small, people talk. Before she knows it, it everybody in the village has heard about the letter. They find it appalling that someone would strike out at such a pillar of their community.

But even more shocking, is the fact that more poison pen letters slowly seep into the village – to other residents! Just as hateful, just as vile. A suspicious death occurs. And that’s when it’s clear, Fear is stalking the village.

Fear prevents the police from being called in. Everyone has their secrets and they will do anything to keep them from being exposed, so they suffer in silence. Each of them suspiciously eyes their friends and neighbors – wondering if any of them are capable of sending the poison pen letters. Houses are shuttered, people begin keeping to themselves. Fear is winning.

Ignatius Brown has arrived in the village. A friend of the Rector and a wealthy amateur sleuth, he’s been called upon to flush out the culprit before Fear and death turn their idyllic village into an ominous and ghastly place, no longer recognizable for what it once was.

Ethel Lina White has an eloquent writing style. The characters are so authentic, you know them personally. You can sense their delight as they mingle over tea and scones or when they attend glorious garden parties. On the flip side, you’ll be deeply moved by their hardships.

And Ethel Lina White makes you feel their Fear. Fear has them in its clutches – no one can escape. More residents become victims.

Ignatius Brown has set a devious trap to catch the poison pen culprit and restore the village to the peaceful and pleasant place it once was. But Fear is on a subtle and deadly rampage. It may already be too late to save the village.

Fear Stalks the Village is a step back in time. Mystery buffs will be mesmerized by the village and it’s inhabitants. This is a truly unique mystery, skillfully written and a masterpiece of quiet suspense.

A copy of this book book and cover photo were provided by Poisoned Pen/Sourcebooks.