Book Review: Inspector Hobbes and the Common People

Inspector Hobbes and the Common People by Wilkie Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The fifth and final book in what’s become a beloved series for me, turned out to be a disappointment. Having said that, I read it cover to cover to glean what I wanted most out of my time spent with Andy Caplet, Inspector Hobbes and all the weirdly amusing folk in the fictitious town of Sorenchester, in the British Cotswolds.

There’s a crime and a mystery to solve, as usual, and plenty of sincere bumbling about to get the job done, but this time it all just felt darker and not in the good ways. Accident prone Andy was subjected to his usual handful of mishaps, but they all felt off-kilter, and just downright mean. The opening adventure took us far away from Sorenchester for a mountain excursion that left Andy really badly hurt and alone for a good chunk of the story. I was relieved when he finally got home, but the abuse at his expense didn’t let up. No more merry pratfalls this time around, just really awful situations that were hard to laugh at.

I can only guess why the author took this route. Since this book was published five years ago, I’m guessing he wanted to wrap things up and go out with a big bang. I would have been happy with just another hometown romp filled with stumbling goof-ups, plenty of good cozy cooking thanks to Hobbes housekeeper, and run ins with the locals.

The fact that I kept reading in spite of the plots says a lot, though. This would be my last chance to enjoy Inspector Hobbes and Company, and I just couldn’t walk away from characters I’ve grown to love. I sure wish I could have protected them more, though.

If the author happens to read this review – please know that you are an excellent storyteller and have brought some wonderful characters to life. They’ve endeared themselves to me. Perhaps consider writing a sixth book, a return to the cozy aspects of the series, with an honestly absurd local mystery to solve. I’d buy it in a heartbeat.