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Skeleton in the Grass
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Plot Summary of Skeleton in the Grass
"
The impending war (WWII) is not the only thing on the minds of the people of this pastoral English village. Sarah Causley has just assumed the duties as governess at Hallam House (it's 1936). All seem so laid-back and peaceful. That is, until the viciousness of the community comes out, directed at the Hallams. On top of that, the malice has turned to murder, when a corpse (and a skeleton) is left upon the pristine lawns of Hallam House. Robert Barnard, ever the expert, clearly is in charge of this suspenseful work--a book that cannot be put down until it's finished!
Barnard is a master of suspense and "Skeleton in the Grass" is a good example of his work. "

Bill Hobbs, Resident Scholar

Review Analysis of Skeleton in the Grass
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
How difficult to spot villain? - Very difficult--no foreshadowing/clues
Time/era of story: - 1930's-1950's
Spying/Terrorism Thriller Yes
What % of story relates directly to the mystery, not the subplot? - 80%
Kind of investigator - british mystery (I say!)
Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Crime Thriller Yes
Murder Mystery (killer unknown) Yes
General Crime (including known murderer) Yes
Who's the criminal enemy here? - finding a known killer

Main Character
Gender - Female
Profession/status: - servant
Age: - 20's-30's
How much violence does he/she use? - none
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Average intelligence
Physique - average physique

Main Adversary
Identity: - Male
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - an average amount
Motive of antagonist - insanity
How sensitive is this character? - hard edged
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - average physique

Setting
Europe Yes
European country: - England/UK

Style
Person - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths
How many deaths? - 1
Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
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