#BlogTour ‘Those Who Know’ by Alis Hawkins

Harry Probert-Lloyd has inherited the estate of Glanteifi and appointed his assistant John as under-steward. But his true vocation, to be coroner, is under threat. Against his natural instincts, Harry must campaign if he is to be voted as coroner permanently by the local people and politicking is not his strength.

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On the hustings, Harry and John are called to examine the body of Nicholas Rowland, a radical and pioneering schoolteacher whose death may not be the accident it first appeared. What was Rowland’s real relationship with his eccentric patron, Miss Gwatkyn? And why does Harry’s rival for the post of coroner deny knowing him?

Harry’s determination to uncover the truth threatens to undermine both his campaign and his future.

Huge thanks to the wonderful Emily Glenister for inviting me on the blog tour, as a big fan of Alis’ work, and a burgeoning lover of Welsh fiction, I leapt at the chance to read ‘Those Who Know’.

I get the feeling, having read this novel, that the series is standing on a precipice, and about to go in an entirely new direction. After having established the geographical, political and cultural circumstances of Harry Probert-Lloyd’s life, it is as if he is about to dive into unchartered territory, involving his ‘necessary evil’ , Jonas Minniver who is pushing for him to become an elected coroner, and his battle to be seen as a legitimate contender for this position.

Suspicion swirls around him as the fact he doesn’t look squarely at people goes against him, (due to his encroaching blindness), he is a squire yet chooses to talk Welsh, and he has appointed the most unlikely candidate as his under-steward, John Davies. In contrast to this, the death of local school teacher ,Mr rowland, is a welcome distraction.

However, when it is looked into further, the injuries on Rowland’s body are inconsistent with a fall from a ladder. And then there is the matter of the money hidden in his suitcase. And to complicate things further, the small issue of his will…

Tackling political divides, the Education Act and the Anatomy Act alone would make for a hugely involved novel, let alone the facets of the office of coroner in the late 19th century, the burgeoning feminist movement and Anglo/Welsh feeling. Yet these 446 pages do not feel long enough!

The colloquial and intimate manner in which the alternating chapters, told from Harry and John’s perspectives, makes this an unmistakingly Welsh novel. However, it is not one which alienates a reader by being painfully Welsh-there are some writers who write what they think Welsh people would say and there are some writers who write naturally and succinctly without being obvious. All classes represented talk in a instantly recognisable way, and as such, this reader fell deeply into the story and was easily swept along with it.

It’s a historical novel,a whodunnit, a character study and a cultural cornerstone all in place, as Alis delves into the lack of opportunities and education afforded the children of Llandewi Brefi. That Mr Rowlands was so unviersally loved and appreciated for his efforts to bring learning to all those willing to attend his ‘cowshed academy’ is so very touching. And it immediately throws up suspects who would want his ambitions to create an accesible college curtailed. After all, going to church and school encourages dangerous free thinking and opinion forming, and in the ashes of the Rebecca Riots, free thinking Welsh people were not to be cultivated.

A novel of contrast between haves and have nots, and a man with limited vision who sees so much farther than those with 20/20 vision, this has fascintating insights into the way that juries were formed, post mortems were carried out and the stance against developing thinkers was thwarted. It is another cracking read from an author just getting into her stride with these wonderful characters, and as a Welsh person, I fully appreciate and embrace the visibility that Alis brings to her part of Wales, it’s history and all its charms. A truly wonderful read, I would recommend seeking out the ‘Teifi Valley’ novels and settling in for a good session of detection, solid characters and suspense.