Review by Ian Keogh

The Case of the Simple Soul begins with a fire in a barn, and then moves to confirmation that Shauna and Jack have overcome the misunderstandings of The Case of the Good Boy and their relationship is back on track. To begin with, this is all gleaned second hand via a hilarious conversation between Lottie and Mildred, part of which is seen on the sample art, before developing into the real sweetness of young love. John Allison delivers this amusingly, but without cynicism, and there’s a great twisted Smiths reference in passing.

It also demonstrates why these slim-looking books actually take some time to read. The dialogue and pacing is so efficient, yet also funny, and any clunkiness about telling a story in daily episodes has long since departed. Compared with the first two books Allison has a far greater handle on who the six main cast members are, ensuring the personalities are distinct, and helping greatly with this is the life to Allison’s cartooning, whether it’s the expressions or Lottie playing with a frisbee. He positively relishes her sardonic character and has her deliver some great lines.

As ever, the title mystery is secondary to smart observations about how dull it can be growing up in a provincial town, especially when it rains so often. Because Jack has his mind on other matters, Linton and Sonny decide to investigate how the barn burned down, and are joined by new arrival in Tackleford, the Irish Colm. Also new is the alluring French assistant teacher, but of greater consequence is the troll under the bridge. Tackleford is no stranger to the rum and uncanny, so is this another supernatural occurrence, or just a poor soul? And can Lottie get him a date?

Once again, Allison masterfully ensures that elements seemingly introduced for the sake of a joke or a conversation piece actually have a greater relevance, despite a story that takes increasingly surreal turns. He plays fair with the mysteries as well, setting red herrings and a surprise revelation at the end. There are some great random jokes, mystery piled upon mystery and laughs all the way through, and the back-up of Lottie and Mildred ranking hypothetical husbands via career is great. What’s not to love? The Case of the Lonely One is up next.