Review: JOSEPHINE - They Died In The Spring

They Died In The Spring is Josephine's second book that is intended for adults. It is also the second in the Chief Inspector Flecker series. It was first published in 1960. The picture to the right is of the first edition. It was made available as an ebook by Endeavour Press in 2017. That has been out of availability now. However the entire series is available as a entire ebook boxset  entitled Home County Mysteries by Lume Press in 2025. 

The blurb reads:-

Though he knew Colonel Barclay had antagonised the inhabitants of Winmore End by his threat to plough the village cricket field, Paul Barclay insisted afterwards that no thought of murder had occurred to him when he found his father's body sprawled on the track though the woods, with a shotgun beside it.

It was Dr. Hedley, the pathologist at Crossley Hospital, who gave the alarm, but by the time the body was in the mortuary and the larch plantation, much trampled by the search party, was devoid of clues. Then Hilda Schmidt, the Sinclairs' foreign home help, failed to return from a jaunt to London, and the Bretfordshire police, making no headway, asked for help from Scotland Yard.

Detective Chief Inspector James Flecker soon learned that the bombastic Colonel had fallen foul of a good many people, including his own family, and that Hilda Schimdt was not beloved by all. As Flecker's inquiry gathered speed, several solutions presented themselves and the most likely was one which, for reasons of his own, he contemplated with aversion...

Although it does come in the same series as Gin and Murder, it does not feature the same characters (bar Chief Inspector Flecker) as it, so if this is the only one that you can get hold of, it doesnt matter. Although I think that in general murder mystery books, bar the police, do not feature the same people (though I am no expert). It is also not set in the same villages or areas as Gin and Murder either.

Unlike Gin and Murder, there is no horsey element to it (bar a bit when a suspect says what she did with her horse that day - she went to a hunter trial). If you are reading this because you like murder mystery novels and came across Josephine's Pullein-Thompson's work, don't worry. However, if you only want to read this because of the horsey element, then it may not be for you. If like me, you want to read every single one of the Pullein-Thompson's books, bar their non-fictional work/anthologies, then go ahead. It is written to the same high standard as Gin and Murder.

(Oh and the slightly horsey element does return in the final book of the series: Murder Strikes Pink.)

To me, the plot is still decent enough, but this book was not as enjoyable as the previous ones. To me, the plot wasnt so strong and bar the horsey element, not enough to keep you hooked. Whereas Gin and Murder was quite a clever and intriguing plot, this one wasnt. Also, the pace of the book is faster than Gin and Murder, and therefore a little confusing at times. Again, like Gin and Murder, the majority of the book is taken up with the investigation.

Also, like Gin and Murder, there is a little swearing, though again pretty much minimal. Two things that I dont like about this book is that one character said that all people with mental health problems should be locked away (and the key thrown away). Also, someone in the book was referred to as having a "schizoid personality". Just because you have a mental health problem does not make you a murderer and it is this kind of talk that promotes stigmatism these days. Though, upon reflection, Josephine was writing a book set in the late 1950s/1960s, and at that time, people with mental health problems were generally locked away, forgotten about in hospitals. Neither was the treatment around that there is today. In fact statistics show that people with mental health problems are more likely to be a victim of crime rather than the perpetrator.

Review: JOSEPHINE - Pony Club Camp

Pony Club Camp is the fifth and final book in the Noel and Henry series (also known as the West Barsetshire Pony Club). Despite it's title, it is not related to the books Pony Club Cup, Pony Club Challenge and Pony Club Trek. It was first published in 1957. It was republished in 2021 as an ebook and in 2022 as an paperback by Jane Badger Books. It was illustrated by Sheila Rose although the illustrations do not appear in the ebook. 

The blurb reads:-

For the Pony Club member it is the high spot of the summer. Out come the tents and sleeping bags and torches. Into boxes go grooming kits, headcollars, mugs and plates, haynets, pyjamas, and buckets. Children and ponies arrives in one glorious great confusion as camp begins at last.

The first night is full of surprised! A week of mounted games, jumping, schooling, picnic rides and midnight feasts is crowned by the Pony Club Gymkhana - and some very surprising results.

The blurb reads:-

This is the latest if Josephine Pullein-Thompson's well known pony stories. Many of the characters who appear in her earlier books such as One Day Event and Pony Club Team appear again here. The story revolves round a fortnight camp which is run by Major Holbrooke and in which a variety of all ages and sizes come to learn more about their difficult and enthralling hobby.

Although the first blurb refers to the later paperback edition I am using the full text in order to conduct my review: so as a consequence there may be references to things that are missing from paperback editions (bar Jane Badger's edition who uses the original text). I no longer own a edited edition to check. 

The beginning of the book sets the scene. Noel and Henry who have left school (there is talk of Henry and the army) are promoted to camp instructors by the Major. There is a mad dash by the rest of the members to find the money for the camp; naturally they are all excited. A Mrs Quayle (interestingly enough there is a Alison Quayle in the Woodbury Pony Club series. Though it has to be pointed out they are 2 completely different  characters. A fact of note is that both Quayle's appear in the last book in the series) is introduced as head of the Pony Club Camp. 

The second chapter is taken up by the setting up of the camp. Henry organises them by way of a whistle which proves effective. There is some new junior members appear such as Merry, the Barkhams and Judith Quayle. 

The next chapter is taken by practical tasks of the camp. Personally speaking i found it ok, nothing offensive. It certainly sets the scene. 

Chapter 4 is mainly taken up by the riding part. As per typical fashion as seen in the previous books, both rides (Noel is in charge of one and Henry the other) are completely useless.  They do some schooling and mounted games. 

The fifth chapter is taken up with practical horse care with some schooling from Noel. As per typical Josephine style there is some schooling technique but it's so brilliantly woven in you dont notice you're being taught.  There's also a scavenger hunt taking place with interesting results.  

Chapter 6 is taken up with a Sound Hunt. It's full of adventure. Interestingly Gay Milwood says it would be super if Noel and Henry married,  the first hint of romance in the book. 

The next chapter is taken up with the preparation for the forthcoming inspection by 3 friends of the Major (something announced towards the last of the previous chapter). It is remarked by Gay how Noel and Henry would make a good couple; there are plans by her to get them together.  There is jumping of which there is mixed results.  There is also practice for an activity ride.  The inspection commences and there is also Pony Club C and B tests taking place.  That is done with mainly excellent results.

The eighth chapter is taken up by practising for the ride that is going to take place that afternoon. It is referred to as Parents Afternoon and Gymkhana.  The Mounted Games takes place during the chapter, with rosettes won. There is also a jumping competition and a relay race. All of which are witnessed by parents. 

The ninth chapter is taken up by a ride on the Downs. Noel and Henry reminisce over events that took place in previous books. Gay talks about marriage, particularly by young people. This is rebutted by the Major. There is a party in this chapter too, which is enjoyed by all members. 

The 10th and final chapter is about the end of the camp. All members want to do it again as they are sad to leave. There are prizes given and that is the end of the book. 

It is generally a good book and gives a hint of an experience of Pony Camp. There is alluded to whether a kiss appeared in this book between Noel and Henry. Personally speaking I like to think it happened even if it was just a peck on the cheek. It's because of the romance that Josephine did not write any more books in this series as it was generally frowned upon at the time it was published. Still worth reading as it's not too explicit if you dont enjoy romance.  

Review: JOSEPHINE - One Day Event

One Day Event is this week's book. It is the fourth book in the ever popular Noel and Henry series (also known as the West Barsetshire Pony Club). It was first published in 1954. It has been republished several times, including in 2019 by Jane Badger Books. It is currently available as an ebook and paperback. 

The blurb reads (taken from the first image):-

WE HAVE already met Henry Thornton and his friends in Pony Club Team and The Radney Riding club. In One Day Event Josephine Pullein-Thompson describes what happens when Henry's uncle, who runs the local Pony Club, is hurt in a train accident. Henry and his friends, who riding has hitherto been more slapdash than the Major considers right, all fall to help look after his large stable. Henry organises the proceedings, helped by Noel Kettering, and in the course of exercising the Major's horses they all find themselves training fast. When the Major returns he is surprised to find how greatly their riding has improved and organises a cross-country course, the aim of which is to produce a well-schooled hunter or one day event horse. The Pony Club finds it difficult to keep up the exacting standard Major Holbrooke demands, but in the end the value of hard and constant training is proved. A great many hints of practical use will be found in this new story by Josephine Pullein-Thompson.

The action starts several months after the events of The Radney Riding Club. Henry, having done dreadfully at a dressage test, decides, along with Noel, to set up an enterprise schooling horses. This does not come to fruition as it says from the blurb that the Major and his wife are hurt in an accident. So both Henry and Noel return to the Major's residence to help exercise the horses. Susan and the Radcliffes from the previous book reappears in this book too. 

Most of the book is taken up with the children taking charge of the stables and running them. It has to be noted that there is a bit of hitting of horses on a ride: something that was acceptable when the book was first published. I am not sure if that has been taken out of later editions  as all consequent edition were edited (bar Jane Badger's). I am using the first edition and do not have a later edition to check.  Barring that, it's enjoyable to read. There is a far bit of lungeing and some schooling. 

In chapter 5 the Major seems to be in good spirits and suggests that Henry and the rest of the Pony Club do an One Day Event. This is met with mixed response; with some people reluctant and Noel convinced that she is hopeless.  But they are mostly happy with it as chapters 6, 7 and 8 are mostly taken up by schooling. It is not until chapter 9 that they actually tackle the cross country course and even then that's mainly schooling.

Chapter 10 is taken up with practising of the One Day Event.  This mainly focuses on the jumping side of things rather than the dressage. But it's a relatively short chapter.  

Chapter 11 is about the actual competition itself. The dressage isn't described in great detail but overall mixed. It must be noted that only the Pony Club members are involved in this competition; in previous books outside members are introduced/involved.  Then the showjumping commences. This is described in more detail with mixed results; none of the Pony Club members achieve a clear round. Finally the main event is upon us: the cross country. It is initially met with sheer horror as all the jumps seem formidable (at least from the members point of view). It mainly focuses on Noel's round and also John's. But the members have mostly good rounds and it is judged to be noted as bad as initially seemed. The results are announced though it has to be said that an archaic form of scoring is used unlike today. The ending is a bit abrupt: taking place after the results.

If you dont mind the lot of schooling (it is the most heavily weighed towards that of the series so far) then you might enjoy this book. It is an good read especially if you enjoy competition and children running a yard. Personally speaking it is my least favourite out of the series but it's still a well written book. 

Review: ALL THREE - It Began with Picotee: the new edition

This week's book is the new edition of It Began with Picotee. I say new, as not only does it contain their first full novel, It Began With Picotee,  it also contains bonus content.

It is published by Jane Badger Books and is currently available as an ebook and paperback edition.  I shall not review It Began with Picotee again, as apart from an unacceptable term (see previous review) being removed, it has not been edited. It contains the original illustrations by Rosemary Robertson. For the purposes of my review, I shall focus on the bonus content. 

The blurb reads:- 

The Pullein-Thompson sisters are the amongst the best known of the classic pony story authors. Most of their books have been printed and reprinted, but the stories they wrote when they started off are much harder to find. The sisters wrote their first works together, and they are gathered here in this volume. 

It Began with Picotee was their first full-length novel, written by all three during WWII. It has been out of print for nearly 80 years. 

Their earliest works, Cocktail Capitulates and The Road to Ruin, two short pieces that appeared in Riding Magazine, have been out of print for even longer.

This new edition brings these stories together for the first time, showing the sparky observation and solid equine knowledge that flowed through the Pullein-Thompsons' novels for decades to come. 

Hunting was legal when these stories were written, and they reflect that. 

The first bit of bonus content is Cocktail Capitulates: a bit that I touched briefly on in my previous review of It Began with Picotee.  Basically it is a story of how they school a pony. There is more to that, and is their first published work, and it is certainly interesting. 

The second bit of bonus content is The Road to Ruin. It is a story of a pony turned bad, and you can see where the early days of their writing talent shone. It reads like a fictional story rather than Cocktail Capitulates where it is obviously non fiction. To me, personally speaking, I preferred this one. But both Cocktail Capitulates and The Road to Ruin are equally good in terms of quality. 

The next bit is an history of their early works. Most of it has been taken from Jane Badger's Heroines on Horseback (previously reviewed). It is only really interesting if you haven't read Heroines on Horseback or have forgotten it. Either way it's an fascinating insight into the background of their early works. 

There is an historical articles: one about how life has changed, at least monetary wise since it was first written (if like me you were born after decimalisation in the 1970s it's an alien world of shillings) and the two real life showjumpers that are mentioned. It certainly explains a lot to a modern audience. The second is how showjumping used to be scored in the past which adds interest and the third and final one is about publishing history. Jane makes it clear that an unfortunate word has been removed.

So I recommend this edition if you haven't read It Began with Picotee before and if you have then for the sheer bonus content if you dont own them already. It's clear that the PTs knew their stuff from the off. This edition provides an interesting and informative insight into the early years.

Review: JOSEPHINE - The Radney Riding Club

The Radney Riding Club is this week's book. It is the 3rd book in the ever popular Noel and Henry series (also known as the West Barsetshire Pony Club). It was first published in 1951.

The blurb reads:-

RADNEY RIDING CLUB.
Are you interested in forming a riding club to encourage better horsemanship in this district? If so, perhaps you would care to come to Radney Manor on August 5th at 2.30 P.M. to discuss the matter.
Please bring your horse.

This notice, sent out by Henry Thornton, marks the beginning of all the events in this book, which include a gymkhana organised by the club, and their entry in a horse trial.

It has been republished by Jane Badger Books, and at time of writing, is available in both ebook and paperback versions.  Both use the full original text. For this review I have used the paperback edition from Jane Badger Books, despite the picture and blurb being from a earlier (edited) reprint. 

The first chapter sets the scene, and we are introduced to David Rice-Greene, Christo Carstairs, Alex Turner,  Julie Naughton, Paula Swindon, Helen and Jannice Barbersley, plus the Marlowe Children (Fanny, Deborah and Graham).

The second chapter is the link to the Radney Riding Club.  Henry (who we met in a previous book) is so appalled by the riding standard he encounters at a local show, decides to form a riding club. There is the usual aftermath of a show, both fortunes and misfortunes included.

In the 3rd chapter we meet Noel again, who has appeared in previous books. There is a brief description of the previous book in the series goings on in case you are reading this out of order as there is a spoiler. Henry makes a reference to his meat ration, making this book set prior to 4th July 1954, as meat rationing stopped on that date. I like to think this book was set in what was, contemporary times.  Further on we have an inaugural meeting of the titular Riding Club, and without giving too much away, the reason for it's name.  They all try jumping, with mixed results. There is slight discriminatory modern day language: the term "looney-bin" is used once; which of course at the time it was published was acceptable. Thankfully we now live in enlightened times.

The next chapter is taken up mainly by schooling and the various antics of the Riding Club members. It is a good read to know that, without giving too much of the plot away, things don't always go right. 

The next chapter is taken by a rally. Once again things don't go right. It is given by a Colonel Sanderson, who doesn't give the greatest of impressions. 

The next few chapters are mixed. Henry has an idea to organise a show for members of the Riding Club. Henry organises a instructional rally for the older ones given by a General de Veriac. This chapter is full of tips on riding and is the sort of thing that Josephine excels at. You feel as though you're learning something without turning into a lecture. Yet it does not jar the story at all. 

There is a gymkhana in the story which is a mixed affair but overall a success.  

The final chapter is the fortunes of the Riding Club in an Event (dressage, cross country and show jumping) organised by a rival Riding Club. Some old faces appear. It is interesting to note that an historical form of scoring is used rather than a modern day one which may confuse the reader.

It is overall a good book. There's enough to keep the average reader interested without being swept away. However it's not so fast paced that you get confused. I really enjoyed this book. Bravo Josephine. 

Review: ALL THREE: It Began With Picotee

It Began With Picotee is this week's book. It is their first book, and like their mother, all 3 sisters collabrated to do it. It was first published in 1946, the same year as both Diana and Josephine published their first solo books.

It is illustrated by Rosemary Robertson, who was not only a friend of Josephine's, but also did their mother's They Bought Her A Pony.

The blurb reads:-

It began with Picotee, then came Tony, and Pengo and a whole host of other ponies. Some were amenable to discipline, others were decidedly not. But good, or bad, for the three girls who looked after them, the more ponies they had the more they liked it.

It Began With Picotee is rather an apt title, since this began which is was obviously a rather fruitful career for all 3 sisters.

It is, as the blurb suggests, the story of 3 sisters. How much is based on themselves I do not know, but I suspect rather a lot. The first chapter they acquire a second pony - Tony - and they take him hunting. At the time of writing, unlike today, hunting was a key feature of the countryside horsey scene. Thankfully it is not too graphic in it's description so if you accept that hunting went on, it's not liable to offend.

The second chapter is taken up by the girls acquiring yet another pony - Pengo - and without giving too much away, the fun and games they have with him. 

Then in the third chapter they acquire a pony called Imp who they rename Angus. Again like the previous chapter they have - albeit different - fun and games with him.

The fourth chapter is taken up with 3 more ponies that the sisters acquire. One is called Bronx, which the groom says "Mind you sit tight, Miss, 'e didn't 'alf cut some capers in the yard this morning". This is most likely based on the sisters experience themselves as the exact words were used in a 1941 article by the sisters in Riding Magazine.  Again like the first chapter there is a hunting scene but, nothing liable to offend. 

The next few chapters is taken up with schooling which I suspect Josephine may have a hand in. Certainly they acquire no more ponies although there is a horse show the results I will no divulge as to not spoil the story. 

The final chapter is entitled Plenty of Ponies unfortunately contains the n word but it's not used as an insult but a reference to a shade of brown. Thankfully it's the only occurrence of that unfortunate word. It may be noted that none of the PTs used racial slander in their pony books since. Though it you have to remember that this book was originally published and written in the 1940s where attitudes were completely different to a modern audience. 

I quite enjoyed this book. It's a bit rambling in places but overall a decent plot. It's not their finest work but then again you have to remember it's their first work. First works by authors rarely are. Overall a decent effort. 

Review: JOSEPHINE - Pony Club Team

Pony Club Team is the second book in the ever popular West Barsetshire aka the Noel and Henry series. It was first published in 1950, making it Josephine's fourth book.

The blurb reads:-

Christopher got his foot in the stirrups and jumped, but before he could swing his leg over, Fireworks was off at a gallop! Christopher tried to pull him up to get on, but he couldn't manage so he just hung on for grim death. They galloped past Glory. "Whoa, whoa," shouted June. The rest of the team turned at her shout. "Perhaps he'll stop when he gets here," said Roger.

But Fireworks didn't stop; he swerved and galloped towards the hedge. The Pony Club members stood helpless. Then Fireworks swerved again and Christopher lost hold of the saddle and fell. For a horrid moment he was mixed up with Fireworks' flying hoofs and then the pony galloped on as Christopher lay on the ground...

In 2019 Jane Badger Books published it as both an ebook and in paperback. It is this edition I am using, which as always, contains the full text. The blurb reads:-

Henry has good points, but he's keeping them well hidden.

The West Barsetshire Pony Club are trying to improve. The only way of making sure that they do is for the Major to take them back to basics and run a course for them: it's dressage all the way. Nothing runs smoothly, of course, and when the Major's nephew, Henry, arrives, sparks fly. 

Can the Major overcome the Pony Club's penchant for fighting, letting out his wife's prized birds, and destroying his farm walls, and turn them into a team who can win?

Continuing on from Six Ponies this book introduces some new characters and some old ones return. Most notable is the introduction of Henry, of which the series is sometimes partially named after. The characters June, the Radcliffes, Noel and Christopher all reappear.

It begins with a rally and like Six Ponies they are useless. Later on there is a test which is mixed fortunes, prompting the Major to organise a dressage rally for 2 weeks. This is generally met with disdain,  being called "dreary dressage". But at the time dressage did not have the popularity it commands today.  Indeed the first Olympic dressage medal won by Great Britain was only in recent times (2012), certainly a long time after Pony Club Team was first published. 

Like Six Ponies the Pony Club members quarrel though it's less catty than the previous book. It's wonderfully full of instruction/tips on riding without turning it into a lecture. 

There is some humour in this book too, as there is a humorous incident when the Major's wife's cockatoo breaks out of the home. Without giving too much away chaos and hilarity ensues. 

There are some hunting references in this book as it was written when attitudes towards hunting were different than today. But it's not graphic.

There is a moment of suspense as there's an incident involving one of the characters and their pony. It certainly makes thrilling reading.

Overall it's a wonderful book with enough interest and energy without boring the average reader. A book I personally recommend you read, especially if you have enjoyed Six Ponies.