Book Reviews

Review: The Body on the Roundabout

Dorset is both geographically and culturally far from London. For some, a chance to get back into journalism after taking the blame for someone else is worth whatever they have to do (or suffer).

In Faith Eckersall's The Body on the Roundabout, Harry Hedges is fresh out of prison after being set up at his London based reporter job. His former manager has connected him with a job as the editor at a small weekly newspaper in the village of Piddlington Minster in south west England.

His ancient Mini (formerly his mother's) doesn't always start on first try. As Harry steps out of his car in front of the Piddlington Gazette's office, his first impression of the place is tempered by the fact that he firmly plants his foot into a rather large bit of dog excrement.

His two employees include Hattie (a young woman who frequently disappears for long periods of time) and Ray (a hefty, wizened man who may enjoy visiting his bookie a bit too much). The office also is home to Ignatius, a oversized chocolate Labrador who everyone but Harry loves.

As someone who used to work in media, I chuckled when Harry first encountered the meddling townswoman who was obsessed with condition of the village roundabout and a derelict house. That Gladys Kravitz type of person is everywhere and works well in this book. Since she doesn't like the situation, everyone else is suppose to fix it for her.

Add into the mix the mysterious owner of the newspaper who is an incredibly wealthy man living in a nearby estate that the long time residents have never seen. He invites Harry to his home to ask (or rather order) the editor to find his long-lost sister despite a private investigator not being able to do so.

Soon, a body is discovered on the overgrown roundabout and Harry meets the uniquely named Sergeant Ophelia Starsky of the local police force. Things get even weirder when a second body is discovered within days at the same location.

Throughout the book, Eckersall does a great job describing the characters and locations. I've watched enough British television and movies to get the type of posh, London professional that Harry is as the story begins. Her experience as a journalist serves her well in both relating the feel of a small newspaper office and having a way with words.

I was less pleased with the constant trials that Harry has to suffer through. There's a slapstick feel with some events that made me think of him being a cross between Jack Tripper from "Three's Company" and Job. He kept having so many bad or awkward things happen to him. The term "putting a hat on a hat" came to mind.

All in all, I enjoy the relationships and settings of The Body on the Roundabout. I will definitely seek out future adventures of Harry and the residents of Piddlington Minster.