"Overture To Death"

"Overture To Death" is the 8th novel in the Chief Detective-Inspector  Roderick Alleyn series by Ngaio Marsh.

The Scene:  a little English Village where two spinster ladies are vying for the affection of the widowed Rector of the local parish whose daughter has fallen in love with the local squire's son and the squire's cousin (one of the local spinsters) feels the match is unsuitable. 

When it is decided a play will be produced to raise funds for a new piano for the parish hall, the major characters become involved in the production under the guidance of the rector's daughter, Dinah.  However, when one of the local spinsters is killed by a gunshot from the piano when playing the opening piece, everyone comes under suspicion and Alleyn and his team are called in to help the local constabulary solve the murder.

Neither of the spinsters is particularly well liked so there are plenty of suspects but, as usual, Alleyn and his team employ their methodical way of detecting and come up with a prime suspect.

It's another great read from Ngaio Marsh!  pazt