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.
The Spoilt Kill
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Officer Dibble
Slip into Potteries crime
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 April 2010Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 July 2012Verified Purchase
Michael
Good, but depressing!
Reviewed in the United States on 11 December 2020Verified Purchase
