“Some people are in

On the last Saturday in August, politicos and socialites trade tidbits of gossip and sips of Pimm’s under the tasteful bunting of a Richmond garden party. They’d never guess that the police are just a stone’s throw away, pulling a body out of the river Thames.

Some people wish they were

The drowning appears to be a tragic accident – until Detective Caius Beauchamp gets an unexpected tip. The victim, it seems, had enemies in high places. Did being on the wrong side of them get her killed?

Either way, being out is absolute murder.”

Hello and welcome to damppebbles. Today I am delighted to share my review of The In Crowd by Charlotte Vassell. The In Crowd is published by Faber & Faber today (that’s Thursday 4th April 2024) and is available in hardcover, audio and digital formats with the paperback to follow. I chose to read a free ARC of The In Crowd but that has in no way influenced my review. My grateful thanks to Phoebe at Faber & Faber for sending me a proof copy.

Not far from the River Thames in well-to-do Richmond, a celebratory garden party is taking place. Those present are influential, rich and powerful. They’re monied to the gills and have the most important people in the land at their beck and call. They’re also blissfully unaware that a corpse is being dragged from the Thames a short distance away. Told to discover who the Jane Doe is, DI Caius Beauchamp, secretly assisted by someone who seems to know far too much, makes a startling discovery as to the woman’s identity. But that’s not the only investigation Caius has on his plate. With two cold cases to solve, with the team divided due to their increased workload and with pressure from above to get results fast, the pressure is really on…

I very much enjoyed the time I spent with The In Crowd, the second book in the DI Caius Beauchamp series. Confession time, I haven’t read the first book but I will certainly make sure that changes as soon as possible. This also means I can vouch for it when it comes to its standalone-ability. There were moments here and there and a couple of references I didn’t quite get, but overall I felt it stood on its own two feet. DI Caius Beauchamp is a dream! So very likeable, thoroughly engaging and generally an all round wonderful character. It doesn’t stop with just Caius though. His team – DS Matt Cheung and DC Amy Noakes – are as beautifully drawn as their senior officer. The wit, the humour and the banter between these three really gave the book a lovely warmth that you don’t tend to find in many police procedurals.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I loved The In Crowd. It’s such a well-written, well-plotted, clever tale which drew me into the story and kept me hooked. There’s a lot going on for the reader to get their teeth into. Alongside the two cold case investigations, there is a hint of romance in the air. A failed Tinder date results in what initially appears to be a lonely night ahead at the theatre for Caius. That is until he spies the woman in the striking hat, milliner Calliope Foster! A strange bond is formed between the two of them when a bad theatre production becomes one of the worst nights either of them have ever had at the theatre. But despite the odd circumstances, the spark is undeniable. I loved how well the author keeps these separate storylines running alongside each other. Everything comes together so beautifully in the end, it’s all so skilfully done. All in all, I found The In Crowd to be a very compelling, twisty, assured read, delivered with style and conviction. The characters are superb and wholly believable, whilst the plot moves at an intriguing pace. I’m excited to read more by this author in the future. Vassell is certainly an author to watch. An excellent, astutely told mystery. Highly recommended.

I chose to read and review a free ARC of The In Crowd. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

The In Crowd by Charlotte Vassell was published in the UK by Faber & Faber on 4th April 2024 and is available in hardcover, audio and digital formats with the paperback to follow (please note, the following links are affiliate links which means I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | Waterstones | Foyles | bookshop.org | Goodreads | damppebbles bookshop.org shop | damppebbles amazon.co.uk shop | damppebbles amazon.com shop |

Charlotte studied History at the University of Liverpool and completed a Master’s in Art History at SOAS before training as an actor at Drama Studio London. Other than treading the boards Charlotte has also worked in advertising, in executive search and as a purveyor of silk top hats.