Will Heron review of Matthew Ross's The Red Admiral's Secret
'The Red Admiral's' Secret is the fantastic second book in Mathew Ross's 'the Poynter + Perry mysteries'. We join many of our favourite characters from the first novel, as Mark Poynter, sparky, builder and accidental sleuth becomes wrapped up in multiple murders all centering around The Admiral Guthrie pub.
Working for local footballing legend and celebrity Danny Kid and his brother's building firm, things go rapidly odd for Mark as he receives weird threats over what should be a simple building project. Soon after rescuing Danny from a suspected arson attack at his house, he finds his lifeless and very bloody body.
To make matters more complicated the bones of a young girl long since dead are found in the basement of the pub he is working on. An investigative journalist and the Police all seem to be interested, but nobody can piece together the pieces.
A range of local criminals all seem to be involved, if only Mark can get a minutes peace and quiet to work it all out; fat chance with builders needing paying, his phone constantly annoying him and constant threats from the mysterious Donaldson.
Are the murders connected?
Who is the mystery girl in the basement?
Mark somehow navigates his way through this intricate and delicately woven murder mystery, with time for a few pints along the way.
A marvellously well-written book, that will keep you gripped with twists and turns until the last page. A glimpse into the murky world of property developers, gangsters and celebrity footballers.