LS081 Murder, They Read: A Clubabble Woman, by Reginald Hill

In A Clubbable Woman, the first novel in Reginald Hill’s acclaimed Dalziel and Pascoe series, Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel and his more refined partner, Peter Pascoe, investigate the death of Mary Connon, a rugby club wife found murdered in her Yorkshire home. Suspicion immediately falls on her husband, Sam, a former rugby star whose alibi is suspiciously vague. As the detectives probe deeper, they uncover a tight-knit, male-dominated world of sportsmen bound by long-standing loyalties and secrets. The investigation exposes layers of marital tension, jealousy, and unspoken grievances, as well as the claustrophobic dynamics of small-town social life. Dalziel’s blunt, intuitive approach contrasts with Pascoe’s more methodical reasoning, creating both tension and comic relief. Hill’s deft writing introduces a psychologically rich, character-driven mystery that departs from the formulaic whodunit. A Clubbable Woman sets the tone for a long-running series marked by wit, social commentary, and literary sophistication.

Two spaces are reserved for new WICE members. If no new WICE members have registered before 23 June, those two spaces will become available to the general WICE membership.

The book group meets at the organizer's apartment. The directions, door code, telephone number, etc., are sent in the 7-day and 1-day reminder emails, following registration.

Registration for the June meeting opens on 15 August 2025.