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Lamb to the Slaughter (Di Marjory Fleming) | 
 enlarge | Author: Aline Templeton
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Category: Book
List Price: £11.99
Buy New: £8.39
You Save: £3.60 (30%)
Avg. Customer Rating:  3 reviews
Sales Rank: 25980
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 320
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 6 x 1.3
ISBN: 034092229X
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.914
EAN: 9780340922293
ASIN: 034092229X
Publication Date: June 26, 2008
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews:
 Lamb to the Slaughter - Aline Templeton September 7, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
The rural setting with a community forced to face up to a potential supermarket development, newcomers to the community and teenagers growing up in a claustrophic environment could have all added a strong atmosphere and depth to the plot. It didn't because the characters are stereotypical with no new dimension to them.
The plot is good, with twists and red herrings that prevents you from easily identifiying the murderer.
In the third of this series - "Lying Dead" - I felt stronger development of the main characters was needed. In this novel, Tam McNee's character is drawn out and this is done well with flaws in his character (ie. jealousy of one of the team) that gives him human characteristics. However the interplay between himself and the main character DI Fleming remains wooden and unconvincing.
Fleming, who is presented as a tough DI, juggling her family and work, seems dependant upon McNee to solve the crime. There are considerable references to her being "tough" but we are told this time and after time and this is needed as it does not come through in actions and dialogue.
There is attempt at humour and this is needed to bring the writing to life.
Overall a satisfying read but lacking in tension and real characters.
 Family life+police procedural September 5, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I love the way that DI Marge Fleming moves seamlessly but credibly between family life with its awkwardness and a gritty murder mystery. The Scottish police procedure is excellently researched without being obtrusive. I always look forward to the next which is a sure sign of a successful series.
Templeton is always a pleasure September 3, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER (Pol. Proc-DI Marge Fleming-England-Cont) - VG
Templeton, Aline - 4th in series
Hodder & Stoughton, 2008, UK Hardcover - ISBN; 9780340922286
First Sentence: `No,' the woman said..
The small town of Kirkluce, England is in the midst of a debate on whether to allow the building of a superstore. There is a debate as to whether elderly Colonel Carmichael who owns the property currently containing a craft center and flats. Instead of showing up at a town meeting and announcing whether he would sell the property, the Colonel is found the next morning murdered by a shotgun blast.
An elderly woman is being terrorized by teens on motorcycles. She claims she fired over their heads, but one young man is dead from a shotgun blast. DI Marge Fleming and her team need to sort out the lies from the truth and find the killer or killers.
Being one who loves good characters, Ms. Templeton certainly fills that need. Marge, with her husband, children and the farm, make a refreshing contrast from the usual angst-ridden, relationship-challenged policeman. There are touching, normal human interludes to offset the investigation. But with a nickname of "Big Marge," she's no pushover either. Her canny sidekick, and friend, Tam McNee is here still quoting Robbie Burns.
Having the story set in a small, rural town, where the residents know each other, provides a different and interesting dynamic than a large city. Templeton's style is a formula of introducing all of the possible suspects prior to the crime, but it works. The story's plot is well done with a lot of possible villains but no one who really stands out.
Just when you think you know the villain, maybe you don't. This makes the revelation at the end all the more effective and has a greater impact. It is always a pleasure to read an Aline Templeton book.
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