Food of Ghosts (Book Review by Dot Scribbles)
Food of Ghosts is the first in a series of books about DS Townsend. I haven’t read anything by this author before but I really enjoyed this book.The book is set on the tiny island of Tarawa, Louisa is originally from the island but she is visiting from Edinburgh where she now lives and works. Her job is to teach local police basic detecting skills but when a man is found dead with his eyes gouged out, she is put in charge of a full blown murder investigation. However, this is not Edinburgy; Louisa really has her work cut out, there is no forensic unit and her colleagues don’t have a clue how to investigate anything. As more bodies begin piling up, Louisa is majorly under pressure.I found this book really interesting, the island setting adds a totally different element to the standard detective story; it adds a lot of humour due to Louisa finding herself in so many bizarre situations. Her OCD makes her job even harder but makes her character more interesting, her problem is quite individual, it was a breath of fresh air compared to the drink problem or recent divorce that most fictional detectives are experiencing.Food of Ghosts reminded me a little of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. As with those books, the case being investigated is interesting but it is the setting and the characters which make the book.
