Sergeant Cluff Stands Firm is the first in Gil North’s Sgt. Cluff crime series, one of the titles in the British Library Crime Classics series. In the 60s, North’s series was very successful and was even made into a TV series, but it’s long been forgotten and out of print. Luckily North’s first two novels, along with a variety of other forgotten British crime classics, are available again. I’ve been following Guy’s (His Futile Preoccupations) progress through the British Library Crime Classics series in the last couple of months and was keen on finally trying them for myself. Reading his review of North’s second Cluff novel finally made me pick up one of the books. I liked what he wrote about book two The Methods of Sergeant Cluff, so much, that I thought it was worthwhile to start the series at the beginning. (Of course, he reviewed book one too (here’s the review) but for some reason I never saw that review.)
The series is set in Yorkshire. Descriptions of the bleak landscape, the rough weather, the lonely moors are part of the appeal. And the main character Sergeant Cluff, of course. Cluff is one of those silent, loner type detectives. He mostly keeps to himself, lives outside of the small village, gets in trouble with his superiors. That might not sound all that likable but as soon as I found out that, like Hamish Macbeth, he’s a lover of animals and owns a cat and a dog, I was won over. Sometimes an animal loving character can be depicted as a misanthrope, but while Cluff is wary of fellow humans, he’s a very empathic, compassionate man. And it takes a man like that, someone who observes people, feels compassion, to detect that something’s fishy, when they find the body of Amy Wright.
Amy Wright is found dead, in her bed, in her gas-filled house. She’s a woman in her forties, who, after a life of taking care of her mother, got married to a much younger man. A useless man with the reputation of being a womanizer. It seems obvious that Amy committed suicide. While Sgt. Cluff can’t find proof that it isn’t a suicide, he still thinks she might have been murdered and finds it odd that her husband has disappeared.
When his superior doesn’t want him to pursue the case, Cluff takes a vacation, investigates on his own, uncovers some very dark secrets, and puts himself in danger.
I was so surprised by this book. It starts a bit like a cozy mystery but then quickly turns into a realistic, bleak tale of disappointment and greed. I liked that not the whole book was told from Cluff’s point of view. The points of view of other characters were included which gave the impression the book was far more substantial than it is (it has only 155 pages). The descriptions of the landscape, and the time, Yorkshire in the 60s, was something else I appreciated. This is a old-fashioned, but changing world. Another surprise was that the book which initially felt quite pensive, picked up speed and turned into a real page-turner towards the end.
As soon as I had finished, I ordered book two in the series. I think that tells you how much I liked it. Cluff reminded me of M. C. Beaton’s Hamish Macbeth. I’m pretty sure, she knew North’s series. Her series is more on the cozy side and Hamish is less of a loner. Nonetheless, there are parallels— the love for animals, the compassion and the strong sense of place. And I will definitely read more of the British Library Crime Classics.
Beauty is a Sleeping Cat 
I have a couple of the British Library Crime Classics – they make the perfect winter treat to cosy up to on chilly dark nights by the fire, don’t they? This one does sound good, especially if it puts you in mind of Hamish Macbeth, (I’m a bit of a fan), so I shall keep an eye out for a copy!
I agree. I really needed something like this. Grat atmosphere but not fluffy. I’m a total Hamish Macbeth fan. This one here is chillier. It seems book two is even much better. I’m looking forward to that. I hope you’ll enjoy it as well. I need to get a few more of those books.
I preferred book 2, you’re right. In this book, I thought the crime really fit the landscape well
I thought so too. I’m looking forward to reading the next one. I wouldn’t gave picked th S if you hadn’t written about it as the title wasn’t promising.
I’m a huge fan of the BL crime classics as you probably know, but this is one I haven’t yet read. They’re pure delight and ideal when you need a comforting read!
They are. I think I saw some of your reviews. I’ll have to go back and see which ones to pick next. The second in this series, of course but there’s so much more.
Like you, I’ve been following Guy’s reviews of the BLCC series with great interest. To be honest, if I had the capacity I would probably end up reading quite a few of them myself, but as time is short I’ve been trying to be a little more selective. This one does sound good. I like what you say about compassion in Cluff’s character too – that’s a definite selling point for me.
I know. Time is so scarce. I’ll pick those he liked the mist and what appeals personally. I don’t think they are all for me. But I really liked this one. His compassion makes him such a great character.
You really enjoyed this one!! Hpe you love the rest of the series as well. 🙂 Great review
I did. 🙂 Thanks, Resh Susan.
Oh, this sounds like a wonderful series, Caroline. I’m a fan of Hamish Macbeth too.
This is bleaker but I think you’ll like it. The setting and character are wonderful.
I’ve been wanting to read this for a while. It sounds perfect for my current mood.
Seems like we are all in similar moods for one reason or the other. I hope you’ll enjoy it too.
Your description of how this book turned somewhat dark makes it sound very appealing.
I love it when old books come back into print.
I do too. I think they are doing a great job with this series. I really like their choices.
I’ve read one of these British classic series and have two more to read. Many of them look appealing -like this one – but I just wish I had more time!
I wish the same. But they reall are appealing.
It does sound very good. I noticed this one when Guy reviewed it. I’d rather not start a new series, but at least it’s short and the move from cosy to something darker is interesting.
Do you have any sense how many books are in the series?
Yes, I have. There are 11 titles but only this one and the second are available so far.
It’s an interesting mix. It’s never properly cozy but it feels that way initially but then it deals with darker stuff. I’m always reluctant to start a new series but I was too keen on this.
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