Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )

I received a copy of the novel from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. Thank you.

The Methods of Sergeant Cluff is republished as part of the British Library Crime Classics.

In the introduction to the novel, Martin Edward describes Cluff as a maverick, a loner, “scornful of detectives who rely solely on supposed facts.” And this is the reason why I really could not appreciate the book. Cluff hovers like some angel of justice around the town of Gunnarshaw in Yorkshire. When a young woman is murdered Cluff immediately rejects the obvious suspect for no other reason than he knew the lad would not have done it. He concentrates on another suspect because he instinctively knew that person was involved. And in the end, he allows a second murder to occur because he knew that a conviction for the girl’s murder might not be secured in the courts. He does not bother with warrants, answers questions with questions (irritating after a while), follows his own brand of justice because he “knows” how the folks in his town think and act. Why is this man still on the police force? What town would really accept this type of rogue policeman? He gets results, but at what cost to the law?

I found the novel unnecessarily depressing. Yes, the landscape is dour and the economy depressing. All this sets the mood. But was it necessary to mention that the victim’s father had smelly socks? And “greasy” is used to describe complexions, river banks, streets, windows etc.

I really did have to force myself to finish this short novel. ( )