WYCLIFFE AND THE THREE-TOED PUSSY appeared in 1968. It launched a mystery series that lasted over 30 years and over 20 books. The mystery is set in the village of Kergwyns in Cornwall. The bizarre murder of a beautiful young woman puzzles Detective Superintendent Wycliffe because the only thing taken from the crime scene is the shoe and stocking from her left leg – exposing the murdered woman’s deformed foot. Wycliffe finds the victim sexually manipulated the men in her life. Wycliffe reminds me of Miss Marple who could dissect small town life. If you enjoy traditional detection, I highly recommend WYCLIFFE AND THE THREE-TOED PUSSY.
Thanks George – I am only familiar with the TV version but have never actually looked at the books – this sounds in every way the right way to start – thanks.
Sergio, I enjoyed this first Wycliffe book. I need to find the TV series on Netflix.
THREE-TOED PUSSY (as the original title was before they retitled it to fit with the rest of the series) was the only Burley/Wycliffe book I read, some 35 years ago. I sued to pick up the paperbacks all the time in England to sell (and they did sell fairly well), especially the few eaarly ones that didn’t have a U.S. edition. I believe one was his actual first book, A TASTE OF POWER, one of two featuring schoolmaster Henry Pym.
Frankly, I found the television series a little dull, other than the Cornish scenery.
/end Wycliffe/Burley update
Jeff, if the TV version was anything like the books, the pacing had to be “deliberate.”
I read a bunch (not all 30) of these about ten years ago and really enjoyed them. I like the slower pace. I shall have to look for the TV series. Right now we’re working our way through all 100 episodes of the Midsommer Murders.
Deb, I picked up five sets of MIDSOMMER MURDERS at BJ’s Warehoue. Like you, I hope to watch them over this Summer.
They are showing (as usual) Midsomer Murders over and over here but haven’t shown the Wycliffes in some time. We’re also getting Inspector George Gently, New Tricks, Rosemary & Thyme, Scott & Bailey and Father Brown.
Jeff, Diane and I really enjoy SCOTT & BAILEY. We’re hoping our local PBS station buys the new season.
I have read a few of the Wycliffe series in the last couple of years and really enjoyed them. I like the length and they have a different feel. I will be reading more of them.
Tracy, that’s been my experience with Wycliffe, too. I like the leisurely pace and the exploration of Small Town life.