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• Beyond even the mystery genre, one of my favorite novels, period.

• The author has meticulously researched the Six Towns of Stoke and displays a near encyclopaedic knowledge of the pottery industry at the end of the 1950's. Nicholson, a P.I., is hired by the paterfamilias of the Shentall's pottery firm to investigate the theft of new designs or 'intellectual property' as we would now call it. He cannot take his eyes off the chief suspect Mrs Corinna Wakefield who is top designer but an outsider to the rest of the fiercely insular company. Nicholson's routine investigation is dramatically upset by something very nasty in the 'kill'- Stoke slang for kiln. A crime which could have been solved and discreetly swept under the carpet is thus dramatically overtaken. Who are the suspects now and are the crimes connected? I felt I should have liked this book more than I did. Although out of print for a long time, this was, after all, a Golden Dagger winner in 1961. It did have an odd 'kitchen-sink drama' feel, it was determinedly 'provincial' and did have working class characters who weren't just servants, constables or mutes. The problem was the 'voice' of Nicholson as lead character. The thoughts and actions of Nicholson betrayed a female author to the point of obtrusiveness. It is a good read; as much social history as detective story. Very strongly recommended for those from, or with an interest in, the Potteries.

• This mystery was enjoyable and well settled in the cozy vein — no overt violence — without being twee. I especially enjoyed the description of the factory. “In a different century” I did a short training stint/factory familiarization for managing a china shop. This story’s description of the process for making basic tableware is spot on, right down to the employee canteen, despite the difference of about 40 years between when the story was written and when I did my factory tour/training. For me, this familiar environment was a highlight I generally don’t find in mystery stories, mainly because I’m rarely (ie, never) involved in criminal events or killings which is probably the case for most readers. Mystery buffs who were china shop manageresses will probably find the story engrossing.

• Well written, well paced mystery with well-drawn characters. Why only four stars? I would do three and a half if I could.....one of the most depressing mysteries I've ever read!

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