Blame the Dead explained

Blame the Dead
Author:Gavin Lyall
Cover Artist:Colin Andrews
Country:United Kingdom
Language:English
Publisher:Hodder & Stoughton
Release Date:1972
Media Type:Print
Pages:376
Isbn:9781448200856
Preceded By:Freedom's Battle: The War in the Air 1939-1945

Blame the Dead is the sixth novel by English author Gavin Lyall, first published in December 1972. It was followed by Judas Country which was the final novel written by the author in the first person narrative.

Plot introduction

James Card, security consultant and ex-British Army intelligence officer takes on a job as bodyguard to Lloyd's of London underwriter Martin Fenwick for a trip to France. When his client is assassinated, he takes matters into his own hands to track down the killer. His only clue is a children's colouring book in a plain brown paper wrapper package. Fenwick’s young, beautiful widow is strangely without any sorrow at her husband’s death, but their son David, is grimly determined that he will find his father’s murderer regardless of the risk.

Literary significance & criticism

The novel was praised the Chicago Tribune as “Lyall at his fleet and fearful best".