As a long running fan of the Vinyl Detective series I have enjoyed the spin off series, the Paperback Sleuth though I have found it more difficult to connect with the characters. Cordelia Stanmer, sister of Stuart “Stinky” Stanmer, a recurring nemesis of the Vinyl Detective. Cordelia is certainly different from her brother but is also different from the Vinyl Detective. Cordelia is a sharp-tongued, morally flexible book fiend who’d pickpocket a nun for a first-edition pulp thriller, and I mean that as the highest compliment.
In this third installment, Cordelia’s back at it, roped in by none other than Erik Make Loud, retired rocker and Tinkler’s friend from the Vinyl Detective books who’s equal parts charm and catastrophe. He’s obsessed with WWII militaria, so he tasks the Paperback Sleuth with tracking down a pristine copy of the ultra-rare Commando Gold, a lurid ’60s paperback that may or may not actually exist. As always Cartmel weaves in these clever nods to and cameos from his other series.
Like all his stuff it barrels along and Cartmel can write a funny and interesting story. Cordelia’s inner monologue is sharp and cynical as ever. The plot has some good twists and turns and whilst it lacks the warmth of the sister series in some ways the main character is more interesting (the Vinyl Detractive is the least interesting person in his books). If you’re already a Vinyl Detective fan then there’s plenty you’ll recognise and enjoy though this might be a slightly darker series. I think I still prefer the Vinyl Detective series but these are a very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon and I can’t wait for the next installment in either series!