Act 1V: – The Way To Dusty Death

Sir Morris Oxford lies critically wounded in Stratford Hospital. Oliver Lawrence, whose cunning plan put him there, thought his revenge was complete but it takes a lot to kill a King.

Readalong: 12th Jan – 12th Feb
Genre: Crime Fiction
Publisher: The Bullington Press

Boundless ambition collides headlong with the cold fury of revenge as we enter the final scene of this tragedy. There can be no hiding place for those that harbour secrets. As Toby Marlowe and Fred Williams try desperately to catch their killer a huge storm surges into Stratford and drowns all hope of a happy resolution.

On the dark streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, something wicked this way comes!

My Review

This is Act IV in The Shakespeare Murders series and it really is the last in the series. And what a conclusion! It was certainly dark – very dark indeed as Oliver descends into madness in true Shakespearean fashion. But the humour is always present. My favourite is the ridiculous conversation between Toby and the owner of the boat moored next to Felix.

‘Can you remember the name of his boat?’
‘Yes.’
‘Feel like sharing?’
‘Something about twigs.’
Toby’s heart gave a lurch. ‘How about Styx?’
‘That’s what I said.’
Toby wrote it down on his notepad and held it up to him.
‘That’s it. I told him that’s not how you spell sticks.’
‘….that’s the boat we’re looking for.’
‘Why, are you the spelling police?’

I don’t know why but it just tickled me. There’s more but I won’t carry on.

It’s 1972 and Sleep No More is all a bit Ashes to Ashes meets Endeavour, but with lots of Shakespearean quotes and references, instead of classical music.

I have to admit that while I’ve probably seen Hamlet about six times AND studied it for English A Level, I have never actually seen Macbeth ie the Scottish play. It’s bad luck to name it apparently and I’m very superstitious. Damn, I just did. At least it’s not Friday 13th – that’s tomorrow – oh no!

Morris Oxford has been stabbed. He’s not dead yet and Lady Beatrice doesn’t seem to be very upset, but then there is ‘something of the night about her’. Isn’t that what Ann Widdecombe said about former MP Michael Howard in 1997? ‘Sinister, untrustworthy, and vampiric.’ Not sure about the vampiric, but definitely the rest.

The body count is mounting and police officers Fred and Toby still don’t have a clue what Oliver looks like now or where he is hiding. But others have seen him – or at least they think it’s him.

I’m not sure why but I was rooting for Felix. Having told Oliver that he no longer has the stomach for more killing, thus putting his own life in danger, he needs a contingency plan. I really wanted him to get away.

Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of the #SleepNoMore readalong.

About the Author

Guy Hale was born in Worcestershire, England. His first job was as a Professional Golfer. He also played Rugby and raced motorcycles until his mid-twenties. When this failed to kill him he started writing plays, mostly two handers which he performed in pubs and assorted venues with his mate, Andy.

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