Next of Kin
This novel is set in 1936 at a time when the nation was shaken by the scandal of Edward VIII’s affair with Mrs. Simpson and the ensuing abdication crisis. The characters are upper class, one of them a prominent member of the establishment closely involved with the manipulation of the crisis. This enables the writer to introduce the feeling of disquiet that permeated the country as a background to the edgy main plot.
At first, I was irritated by some careless writing, especially the slipshod speech of the main characters. Surely in the 1930s only icily correct speech was acceptable in high society. However, as I read further I became so absorbed in the story that these lapses did not matter.
Next of Kin does not depend very much on suspense but rapid twists of plot keep the reader’s interest to the end. I can recommend it to those who enjoy a fast-paced thriller.
