Almost finished with Martha Grimes’ The Stargazey (1998), featuring Richard Jury, Scotland Yard Chief Inspector, and Melrose Plant, Jury’s wealthy and perspicacious, friend: “‘Of course, having been married four times myself, I can tell you it’s a good thing to have an understanding right from the start that you’ll leave one another alone.’ “Melrose took the receiver from his ear and looked at it. Then he said, ‘Diane, doesn’t that rather defeat the purpose?’ “‘What purpose? …’” “‘You belong to one of those men’s clubs?’ [Jury asks] “‘Why is that so awful? I’m not out shooting orphans, for heaven’s sake.’ … Continue reading Crime Novel Excerpts – The Stargazey