Smelling money in her perfume, George Kocharyan, the middle aged Armenian owner of the dingy looking office of Cambridge Confidential Services, gladly welcomes what he hopes to be his newest client. He could tell at a glance that Sylvia Booker is part of the elite world of the famous Cambridge University which is definitely not the part of town that he likes to go.

George is the one and only private investigator in his small one office company and his usual clients are minor frauds, insurance check and spying on spouses. He can barely pay Sandra, his part-time assistant and do everything person while all George's technology and computer training comes in bits and bytes from Jason, her college aged son.

Why would Sylvia come to him and not a larger firm that is more her style? Why would she want to spy on her daughter? Something still seems off to George, but Sylvia definitely has the cash and it is tempting, especially with the bills he has to pay. Besides, what could go wrong?

THE BURSAR'S WIFE is a British based murder mystery by E. G. Rodford and is the first book in a planned "George Kocharyan Mystery" series. Rodford is the crime loving pen name for the acclaimed Mischa Hillar who makes his home and knows the local haunts in Cambridge, England. THE BURSAR'S WIFE reads very well as a stand-alone book and sets the stage nicely for the new series.

The story starts a little slow and George is a quirky character that takes a bit to get used to him but once you do, you can't help but finding him as comfortable and as trustworthy as an old favourite pair of shoes. George seems to be muddling through life since his wife left him for a happy lesbian relationship. His clothes, his house (his old family home), his dating habits and computer all need updating, yet, George still manages to keep his moral fiber and good instincts sharp, despite some painful setbacks. He has a long list of dislikes including going near Morley at Cambridge University.

THE BURSAR'S WIFE is in some ways your typical sleuth story, yet, a little edgier with an intriguing mystery that grabs you. I just wanted to keep reading to find out how things turn out. You can't help but chuckle at George's caustic wit, despite the angst and Jason is an interesting younger sidekick. Rodford's characters are vividly sketched and realistic in attitudes and mannerisms. If you like British based mysteries and police related sleuthing you are sure to enjoy THE BURSAR'S WIFE! So, grab a copy and see how George does it right on the wrong side of town! Can't wait to read the next in the series -- The Runaway Maid!