I always look forward to a new Janice Hallett novel and The Killer Question reminded me exactly why. It has all the hallmarks of her signature style with its epistolary format and clever layering of clues yet it still manages to feel fresh. I love a mystery that refuses to follow a simple formula and this one certainly kept me on my toes.
The story unfolds through a collection of emails, texts, police transcripts and other documents gathered by Dominic Eastwood as he pitches a true crime documentary about what happened to his aunt and uncle five years earlier. Mal and Sue Eastwood were the landlords of The Case Is Altered pub in rural Hertfordshire and their weekly quiz nights were the heart of the community. As we move back and forth between 2019 and 2024 we slowly piece together the tensions simmering beneath the surface of this cosy village setting. There are rival quiz teams, petty feuds, suspicions of cheating and a growing sense that something is very wrong. The joy of the book lies in sifting through these fragments and trying to work out what the crime actually was and who might be responsible.
One of the strongest elements for me was the pub quiz theme. It is such a fun backdrop and Hallett captures the spirit of quiz night perfectly. The team names, the weekly categories, the chaotic group chats and the way everyone takes it both seriously and not seriously at all made me smile. I would have happily read even more trivia. The mixed media format works beautifully here because each team communicates in its own voice. I especially enjoyed the frantic messages from Ami’s Manic Carrots and Fiona’s wonderfully unfiltered texts. The correspondence between the various pub owners was another highlight and added a lovely sense of community.
The plotting is as intricate as ever. I spotted a couple of twists but most of them blindsided me in the best way. I also appreciated that the mystery stays grounded in small town life. Not every crime needs to be an international conspiracy, and this one feels all the more believable for it. The humour is back in full force too and it helps bring the characters to life. Even with the large cast I never felt lost once I settled into the rhythm of the story.
Readers who enjoy unconventional mysteries, mixed media storytelling and cosy village settings will find a lot to love here. If you have ever taken a pub quiz far too seriously you will feel right at home. Fans of Hallett’s previous books will appreciate how she continues to innovate within her chosen format.
The Killer Question is a clever and entertaining mystery that balances charm with genuine suspense. It may just now be my absolute favourite of hers, it is certainly one I raced through with great enjoyment.
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the opportunity to read this book!
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, by Janice Hallett
