Those Who Know

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 2020

Format: Paperback I purchased myself

Star Rating 6/5 One of my favourites

About Book: Beset on all sides, time is running out: to solve the case and to save his future....

Harry Probert-Lloyd has inherited the estate of Glanteifi and appointed his assistant John as under-steward. But his true vocation, to be coroner, is under threat. Against his natural instincts, Harry must campaign if he is to be voted as coroner permanently.

On the hustings, Harry and John are called to examine the body of Nicholas Rowland, a pioneering schoolteacher whose death may not be the accident it first appeared. What was Rowland’s real relationship with his eccentric patron, Miss Gwatkyn? And why does Harry’s rival for the post of coroner deny knowing him? 

Harry’s determination to uncover the truth threatens to undermine both his campaign and his career.

My Thoughts: Those Who Know" by Alis Hawkins is a masterfully crafted mystery novel that transports the reader to the rugged hills of Wales in the 1850s. The story follows the investigation of a gruesome murder, and the tangled web of secrets and lies that surround it. Hawkins' writing style is both evocative and engaging, with vivid descriptions of the Welsh countryside and its inhabitants. The characters are expertly developed, each with their own unique voice and perspective, and the dialogue is sharp and realistic. The mystery itself is well-plotted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the very end. But what truly sets "Those Who Know" apart is the way it explores themes of identity, class, and prejudice. The novel is an immersive experience that will leave readers questioning their own assumptions and biases. Overall, "Those Who Know" is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mystery, and a shining example of the genre done right. Alis Hawkins has truly outdone herself with this book, she has become one of my all-time favourite authors