FORGOTTEN BOOKS #277: WYCLIFFE AND THE THREE-TOED PUSSY By W. J. Burley

WYCLIFFE AND THE THREE-TOED PUSSY
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.

10 thoughts on “FORGOTTEN BOOKS #277: WYCLIFFE AND THE THREE-TOED PUSSY By W. J. Burley

  1. Jeff Meyerson

    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

    Reply
  2. Deb

    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.

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  3. Jeff Meyerson

    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.

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  4. TracyK

    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.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      Tracy, that’s been my experience with Wycliffe, too. I like the leisurely pace and the exploration of Small Town life.

      Reply

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