Miss Teatime shines

Flaxborough is in the grip of an epidemic of sexually aroused old men who are prowling, peeping, and chasing women around town, scaring them and putting the town on edge. Miss Teatime's newest venture, an herb company over in Moldham Meres, is implicated in this surge in virility, and her sales are off. Since she knows her mixture is harmless, Miss Teatime sets out to find the root of this economically disastrous calumny and, in the process, witnesses a death.

This #6 in the Flaxborough series is otherwise a rather middling mystery except for the way it spotlights Miss Teatime as an extraordinarily quick witted and clever tongued opponent. DI Purbright is just along for the ride.

A fishy fiasco in Flaxborough stretches poor D.I. Purbright to his limit in this wonderful offering from Colin Watson. Wonderfully engaging, enigmatic characters and an often bonkers plot - this series just gets better and better. Seriously ...not to be missed. Fantastically entertaining.

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When a staid librarian arrives at Detective Inspector Purbright’s office to relate a tale of being nearly assaulted while walking home (saved only by the fact that she managed to get a better grip on the gentleman than he was able to get on her) Purbright thinks it might be a one-time occurrence. And after all, with her description of the man sidling away, how many elderly men could their possibly be that fit that description, so it would be easy enough to capture him.

But, as it turns out, there are quite a few actually. In fact, Purbright is puzzled when there is another attack on a young girl who was saved by a passing doctor who seemed to take his time before calling the police. Dr. Meadows, the rescuer, seemed even less concerned because the girl was not injured, and he took a bit of time before even calling the police and then only at the girl's insistence; but Purbright also soon finds that when a respected alderman attacks his assistant and later dies in an accident that Dr. Meadows may know more than he is telling. Even so, he finds it interesting that at the inquest Dr. Meadows blames the alderman’s strange actions on an herbal drug called “Samson’s Salad”. He also learns that the herbal mix is being marketed by none other than Miss Lucilla Teatime, a con artist that Purbright has come in contact with before.

But is it the herbs that is causing the strange behavior in the elderly men or is it something else - something Dr. Meadows knows more about than he’s saying? When Dr. Meadows is later found dead in his surgery, Purbright is convinced the death was not a natural one; but proving that fact and finding out who killed him may be more difficult than even the intrepid Purbright ever imagined...

I truly enjoy this series, as I find Purbright a fascinating man. He senses things are not right when others say they are and he is usually the one who is correct. This time, he's after a bevy of elderly gentlemen who seem to be after women who are out in the evening - even taking to peeping in their windows. When he visits Dr. Meadows he professes to know nothing about these occurrences, but Purbright soon finds that his old friend Lucilla Teatime is involved in the situation.

Miss Teatime is involved indeed, but not in any nefarious dealings. She is the manufacturer of "Samson's Salad" which seems harmless enough; but once she speaks with Sergeant Love she gets a clearer idea that something may be afoot that can benefit her financially - Miss Teatime never misses an opportunity to fatten her purse.

But Purbright discovers that Dr. Meadows was killed because he knew more about the situation than he was telling, and with the coroner refusing to do an autopsy on the man he must find another way to prove it, and it is quite enjoyable to follow along as he conducts his investigation into a killer while watching Miss Teatime conduct her own.

When the end comes and we discover who the killer is and how it was done it is satisfying indeed. This is the sixth book in the series and I look forward to the next. Recommended.

Each book in this series is a separate story with recurring characters who play out their roles with dry humour and a slightly complicated mystery.
There is always a hint of at least some mildly offensive stereotype portrayed in each book. The unique aspect is that despite being a judgemental sort of person, I can see past that to the very twisted and unique way of narration in order to enjoy the tale! They are small books and contain an abundance of dry humour. This particular story starts of with the town of Flaxborough suddenly becoming unsafe for women, especially after it becomes dark. More than efficient criminals, they seem more like bumbling novices who seem to make a fool of themselves. The culprit scuttles like a crab when fleeing the scene, and this gives this unknown person the tag 'The flaxborough crab'. Then things get murkier and revealing much more information would spoil the reading. Lucy Teatime(a sort of con artist from the previous books) is back and plays a significant role in this story and Inspector Purbright and his sidekick Sid Love actually solve this one and there are a lot of strange conversations to keep the story moving.This story has to be read slowly, to provide time for those chuckles that are bound to escape when as you congratulate yourself on identifying a particularly sly barb hidden among other words( I definitely did!)

I am growing very fond of these stories being reprinted by publishers, originally having been written years ago. I am glad I have a chance to read a whole lot of them.

Surprise! Surprise! I have visited Flaxborough again and you just never know what will be happening here. I knew about 5 paragraphs in that this was going to be an original story with a very curious mystery. Young women in Flaxborough are being attacked by old men on the streets and in the parks. Initially, Inspector Purbright and Sergeant Love assume that they are looking for one person who is a repeat offender but is that the whole story? Maybe, maybe not. And then, while Sergeant Love is investigating Samson’s Salad he finds Miss Teatime at the helm of the venture. What would Flaxborough be without Miss Teatime? Colin Watson has once again pulled out all the stops with this mystery.

Can you tell that I just can’t get enough of this series? I just love how clever the stories are and the quirky characters. But Inspector Purbright is always there to bring order back to the wacky world of Flaxborough. I found the imagery in this one to be so hilarious I just couldn’t stop reading. This series continues to be the perfect place to tickle your funny bone and your brain all in one sitting. This is book 6 and if you haven’t picked up one of the books in The Flaxborough Series yet, what are you waiting for?

Flaxborough has a considerable amount of depravity lurking beneath its surface respectability, but the case of the Flaxborough Crab is something else again -- young women are being accosted by an elderly miscreant who escapes with a lurching sideways gait.

The police think they've got the culprit early on, but the attacks continue. In the end, the situation is much more complex than it seemed at first.

Like all the Flaxborough chronicles, this one is tightly plotted, witty, and filled with intriguing characters.

I found this book absolutely charming, the story was intriguing yet with some humour attached to it. I love the characters in the story and certainly the women characters are depicted as self sufficient and strong. Colin Watson can be a little hit and miss but this mystery is really very good.

The first Flaxborough mystery that I had to give a hard pass to - there's a bit too much Benny Hill in it's approach to sexual assault and sexual harassment for my taste, even when one allows for the mores of the time. Not sure how this one wrapped up as I put this one down after the like 30th joke about women's fear of rape.

Inspector Purbright is hard at work again as a rash of odd assaults plague Flaxborough. Women of all ages and descriptions are being grabbed, peeped at through windows, and even having their undergarments stolen off the clothesline! And every time the suspect runs off in a strange sideways scuttle like a crab. But can there be more than one culprit? And what is causing the behavior? After a suspect accidentally drowns while pursuing a woman, the autopsy reveals some abnormalities. The inquest also finds that the man had been taking medication prescribed by his doctor as well as herbal remedies he obtained by mail order. Could any of those have caused the strange attacks?

The number of reported assaults mount, patrols are stepped up, vigilante groups begin to form, and still there are no answers. Purbright and his faithful constables follow up on leads concerning the medication and herbal remedies, learning that the herbs come from a nearby farm that has recently changed hands. The deceased suspect's doctor is known to participate in drug trials, but maintains that he has never prescribed anything dangerous. When will it all end?

Those familiar with Flaxborough from previous installments in the series will recognize Purbright and other recurring characters, including Miss Lucy Teatime. Set in an English village in the mid-twentieth century, the novels all deal with crimes investigated by Purbright and the rest of the Flaxborough constabulary in a methodical and respectful way. There are no computers or rogue agents picking locks to find evidence, just a patient gathering of facts and fitting them together.

The women of Flaxborough are being bothered by elderly men who act inappropriately and scamper away like crabs. It's weird and the police are taking notice. When one of these men drowns an inquest brings the problem to a wider audience and implicates a local business.

In this delightful addition to the series, you'll find the regulars on the Police Department, some familiar folks in town, and plenty of new eccentrics. These folks combined with an intriguing plot and gentle social satire make for great light reading.

Another good story by Colin Watson. I like the fact that the same people turn up, I'm getting agood mental image of Flaxborough, which is something I like when reading. These are lovely gentle stories. This one is humerous, exciting and has a devilish murder. I think we'll be seeing more of Miss Teatime too.

This is the sixth novel in the humorous crime series written by Colin Watson and featuring Detective Inspector Purbright and Sergeant Love. Originally published in 1969, this is a charming and witty police procedural book set in Flaxborough, a town filled with eccentric characters and strange events.

This novel focuses on a spate of rather inept attacks on young women. Various culprits and theories are presented, leading Purbright back to Miss Lucilla Edith Cavill Teatime, a regular in this series (and a favourite of mine).

This is an easy read and one that fits into the category of cosy crime. There's nothing particularly grim here, even if the subject matter (sexual attacks) has the potential to be disturbing - it's all handled with a light touch and Watson's gentle humour and there never seems to be real threat to the women. It's probably not the strongest plot of the series, but enjoyable nevertheless.

*3 to 3.5 stars. Farrago Books has been republishing these British police procedurals written by Colin Watson in the 1960s and they have been a delight to read--witty, wry and intriguing.

In this outing, an elderly molester of women has been plaguing the town of Flaxborough--so far, he has only succeeded in frightening his victims and runs away in a strange, crab-like manner. When a suspect has a deadly mishap but the attacks continue, the local police are scratching their heads. What is it that could be driving usually respectable older men to such randy behavior??

Once again, the delightful Miss Teatime helps Inspector Purbright and Sergeant Love with their investigation. Watson's character descriptions are always so amusing.

I do have a quibble or two with the story however: attempted rape is a serious subject that is perhaps addressed in too light a manner in this story from an earlier era when society may have had the idea or misapprehension that women really want to be 'ravished' by the likes of some dashing, handsome man like Rudolph Valentino in the Sheik. Take me to your Casbah!

I took umbrage from this statement in particular, "{Miss Butters, the assistant librarian} certainly was not apprehensive of being raped: that particular fantasy she considered to be the prerogative of the pretty and the bird-brained." Oh no! Rape is not a fantasy and is more about power than sex, in reality, and therefore, no woman is entirely safe. Take back the night!

I also would have liked to learn the science behind the actual cause of this temporary madness. Inquiring minds want to know!

Thanks once again to Farrago and NetGalley for allowing me access to an arc of this mystery.

DI Purbright is back in this sixth book in the Flaxborough series. This time he is after a man referred to as the Flaxborough Crab. The man has attempted to accost several women, who are sharp-witted enough to have escaped his clutches. By a surprising turn of events, the case seems to have suddenly solved itself. However, there is much more to be discovered.

What a quick and smartly humorous book! I look forward to reading all of the books in this series by Colin Watson.

Many thanks to Farrago Books and to NetGalley for this book for review.

“Something or other is sending half the over-sixties round the twist” in the Flaxborough Crab.

A rash of panty theft, quick grope and runs, and window peeping has befallen Flaxborough. The perps are described as elderly men who scuttle away sideways like a crab. When an esteemed villager is accidentally killed while perpetrating an attack, the police rest easy. But hours later, two more incidents are reported. What is causing the disruption of the usual calmness of Flaxborough life?

This is the sixth book in the Flaxborough Mystery series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. By using metaphors, the Flaxborough Crab successfully combines naughty details with a totally clean story line that is fine for all ages. Some of the metaphors, especially at the senior picnic using flowers, are laugh-out-loud funny. The mystery is more of a whydunnit than the traditional whodunnit.

The Flaxborough Crab is highly recommended for 20th century police procedural and British cozy mystery fans. It could be likened to a 1950’s precursor of the Stephanie Plum series with the elderly women of the village playing a clean version of Lula. Seriously, this book is funny! 5 stars!

Thanks to the publisher, Farrago Books, and NetGalley for a copy. I can’t wait for the next in the series!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

Reading these novels in order, I really appreciate the various characters; the kind but astute Inspector Purbright, the youthful-looking and long-suffering Sergeant Love, Chief Constable Chubb, who has to be "managed" by Purbright, and of course Miss Teatime, who manages to be on the side of the angels, even while pursuing her less than legal activities.

This was an enjoyable story, although its attitude to sexual harassment/assault on women is very much "of the time". The women here fight off their attackers wth contemptuous ease and take things in their stride, but I don't think this storyline would be written today. A satisfactory plot and resolution.

I'm very much enjoying this series.

The sixth Flaxborough Chronicle has not worn as well as the others so far in this otherwise delightful series. The jokes here are broader and the general background of elderly men accosting younger women and assaulting them is not at all amusing. Attitudes have changed too radically since the 1960’s and much of the “seaside postcard”-type humour seems misplaced.

Murder comes late in the story. Miss Teatime’s latest scams are also rather more unsavoury than usual. Inspector Purbright treats the issues more seriously than most, but the detection element is rather perfunctory.

This is not one I will return to. There are flashes of wit but they are not sufficient to outweigh the unpleasantness of the underlying situation.

Thank you to NetGalley and Farrago (Prelude Books Ltd.) for the digital ARC.

The discovery of Colin Watson's Flaxborough novels has been a joy. They are compact gems of wit, acute observation and plotting and every one so far has been an absolute pleasure.

The Flaxborough Crab is the sixth in the series, in which women of the town are subjected to thoroughly inept attempted sexual assaults (which they are often amusingly well able to deal with), apparently by an elderly perpetrator. Things, naturally, become more complex and Purbright and Love find themselves widening their investigation as the magnificent Miss Lucy Teatime also becomes involved.

It's typical Watson – and I mean that as the highest compliment. His portraits of the characters of the town are as shrewd and acerbic as ever and the writing is a masterclass in beautifully crafted prose and dry wit. This, as a "Treat" is being inflicted on the elderly by some of the town's worthies, will give a flavour:
"The chief organiser of the treat bustled into the room, rubbing his hands and saying "Fine! Fine!" over and over again. He hosed the Darbys and Joans with his smile and inflicted a vigorous handshake upon as many as lacked the presence of mind to feign earnest search for something on the floor." ("Hosed". Brilliant!)

Flaxborough Crab is a hugely enjoyable instalment in a wonderful series. Very warmly recommended.

(My thanks to Farrago Books for an ARC via NetGalley.)

'My God, Sid! The whole bloody town's infested with sexual maniacs! What the hell are we going to do?'

Another brilliantly comic take on the traditional English village mystery from Watson. Here over-60s men turn into rather inept sexual predators and peeping toms, with Mr Grope demanding his 'conjuggling rights' - and, as ever, the fragrant though decidedly dodgy Miss Lucilla Teatime joins forces with Inspector Purbright to Restore Order.

Watson's comic eye is as sharp as ever - a veritable delight!