2025 Mystery Marathon

 

Last year Rick over at the Mystillery decided that we needed to stretch our mystery-reading muscles and start training for a Mystery Marathon. [Full disclosure: I've been in training for this since my mom introduced me to Nancy Drew.] For each marathon we need to read at least 26 mystery books plus one short story. It looks like I'll finish five marathons in 2024, but I'm going to keep my goal at one--and at that point I can claim my personal challenge complete--even though I may keep running.

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Short Story: 

Nightmare at Noon

 Nightmare at Noon (1951) by Stewart Sterling (Prentice Wenchell)

Fire Marshall and pyro-hunter Ben Pedley is on the hunt again when an out-of-control fire breaks out in the already heated noon at the beginning of July. The fire was started in the home of Pedley's nemesis, attorney Rudy "The Key" Denhom. Denhom earned his nickname as the lawyer who most often turned the defense key that would let slimy criminals go free after mistrials and hung juries botched up the works of justice. Most recently, Denhom had arranged for the mistrial in the case of Manno Bourne--a man against whom Pedley was sure they had an airtight case for arson.

Now it looks like the man who extinguished the flame of justice has been extinguished himself. The burned body wearing Denhom's pajamas and trademark wristwatch is pulled from the building. But certain signs make Pedley doubt that the body is really Denhom's. And when an investigation reveals that Denhom had written a $60,000 check to self, made reservations in an assumed name for a Mexican flight, and gotten pally with a man who could have taken his place in an identity parade, it begins to look like The Key had unlocked his own escape hatch. But what was he running from? The Bourne brothers who didn't seem completely satisfied with the results of the mistrial? A junior partner who seemed to take too much interest in his private affairs? The gaggle of women he'd gotten himself entangled with? Or something else? And did he really escape after all?

Meanwhile, Robin Kozpet, the junior partner, is squawking about how Pedley is running roughshod over the law firm--something about how the Marshall has it in for them, is intimidating Kozpet & the staff & Denhom's wife, is mishandling the fire investigating, and needs investigating himself--and the Commissioner is getting ready to hold a suspension meeting. Pedley is going to have to move fast to wrap up the investigation before he loses the power to investigate.

Stewart had his origins in the pulps and it shows. Pedley is a flashy, smart-mouthed investigator who doesn't always play by the rules and sometimes downright breaks them when "interviewing" a few of the more reluctant suspects. Action, excitement, and danger is far more important than plotting and clues, but generally the adventure is a fun ride and there are enough clues to satisfy most mystery buffs (as long as you remember that Stewart is no Christie when it comes to tight plotting). However, this one didn't quite meet up to the usual Stewart standard. The plot feels even more all over the place than usual and there are some very confusing bits that were hard to follow. There is an interesting twist on the identity of the corpse and there are clues to the motive though not clearly tying it to the culprit. Pedley holds the identifying clue close to his chest and we only get to see it at the end. ★★ and 1/2

First line: The perforated panel on the dash spoke hollowly: "Here's a funny one, skipper."

Last line: "If that's what she thought," Pedley said, "--she was right, wasn't she?"
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Deaths = 3 (one hit on head; one stabbed; two shot)

The Penny Detective (spoilers at the end)

 The Penny Detective (2014) by John Tallon Jones

Stanley Morris-Shannon (aka Morris, aka "Moggsy") is a detective. At least that's what he says. Up till now his cases have involved tracking down missing cats and dogs and photographing insurance liabilities (like dangerous cracks in sidewalks). But in walks Karl Ashford, minor league villain and tough guy, with an offer Morris can't refuse. Karl's brother Billy has been nabbed for the murder of his (Billy's) wife's ex-lover. And Karl says Billy didn't do it. Billy has an alibi. But, since the alibi consists of robbing a warehouse, they're not exactly keen to produce it for the cops. Karl wants Morris to track down the real killer so Billy will be cleared without need of an alibi. Oh...and have we mentioned that Billy's disappeared? Which, of course, has made the cops doubly suspicious. But the more Morris and his sidekick Shoddy dig up, the more it looks like Billy really did do it. But then things take an unexpected turn....

Spoilers ahead!

I would have loved to have been able to give this a glowing review. One of my Secret Santas in 2016 sent me this and the second Penny Detective novel as part of my gift. But I just can't do it. I'm not a huge private eye/hardboiled detective fan, but when I do read them I want them to be good. And this one just isn't. I assume the title is a reference to how much Morris Shannon's services are worth, because he certainly isn't a very good PI. Of course, he really hasn't been all that good or dedicated at any of the jobs he's had up till now, so why would opening up his own private detective business be any different? If he didn't have his ex-cop bestie Shoddy to do his leg work, he wouldn't be solving anything ever. And even when Shoddy serves him up clues on a silver platter, he takes an incredibly long time connecting the dots. Some of the time, he doesn't even connect them, but manages to stumble into the right answer anyway. Added to this, I found it annoying to be set up for some sort of crooked gangland argument turned murder only to find Shannon in the middle of a secret agent/double agent spy thing. the icing on this not-so-delicious cake was the need for a real editor. I don't know if G-L-R (Great Little Reads) is a publisher or Jones' self-publishing moniker, but the number of grammatical errors and editing gaffes is large enough that it was pretty distracting. If the story is engaging enough, I can ignore them and enjoy the story. But I wasn't invested enough in Shannon and his adventures to do that here. I seem to be the outlier among the folks who have given written reviews on Goodreads--so your mileage may vary. ★ and 1/2

First line: I was christened Stanley Morris-Shannon, but only my mum calls me Stanley, and only then when she is ticked off with me.

Last lines: I told him I would think it over.
                 And I still am.

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Deaths = 7 (one hit on head; one car bomb; two natural; three shot)

The Case of the One-Penny Orange

 The Case of the One-Penny Orange (1977) by E. V. Cunningham (Howard Melvin Fast)

This is the second Masao Masuto mystery and my first introduction to the Zen detective working on the Beverly Hills police force. The story opens with Masuto checking out a suspected robbery at the Beverly Hills mansion of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Briggs. When the couple returned from the funeral of Ellen Briggs's mother, they found the house ransacked. But upon closer inspection it seemed that absolutely nothing was taken. Masuto's boss knows that he likes odd little mysteries, so he tells the detective that he can take look if he wants even though "there's nothing in it." Masuto has barely begun interviewing the couple when a call comes through directing him to the shop of Ivan Gaycheck, a prominent stamp dealer. Once again there's been a break-in, but apparently no robbery. But this time there is a murder. Gaycheck has been killed by a .22-caliber bullet.

The deeper Masuto digs, the more he suspects a connection between the two non-robberies. And when he hears about the existence of an extremely rare stamp--the 1947 one-penny orange--he becomes even more certain. The trail leads him to the shadow of Nazi Germany and the Buchenwald concentration camp and winds up with him in a face-off with three bicycle-chain-wielding thugs. But did they kill Gaycheck? And what happened to the famous stamp?

An interesting look at Beverly Hills in the 1970s and at a first-generation Japanese man making his way at that time. I found the historical ties to WWII interesting and well-played--especially since this was written well before the current WWII historical mystery explosion (at least it seems like an explosion to me--I see them everywhere). The plot neatly ties the modern murders to the historical background and I thought the wrap-up was a nice touch--Masuto has echoes of Holmes and Poirot serving out their own brand of justice. Fortunately, his Zen background allows him to conveniently ignore the law he serves. ★★★ and 1/2.

First line: They say that a house that might sell for a hundred thousand dollars in Scarsdale, New York, would easily fetch a quarter of a million on a good street in Beverly Hills, and without such niceties as cellar and attic.

Last line: "Then don't answer the phone, dear one," Masuto said, closing his eyes and relaxing into the heat of the bath.

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Deaths = 4 (two shot; one beaten to death; one heart attack)

Death for a Dietitian

 Death for a Dietitian (1988) by E. X. Giroux

A departure novel for Giroux--her usual sleuth barrister Robert Forsythe is buried in cases and so when Gavin Lebonhom, aspiring mystery author, invites Robert and his secretary Miss Abigail Sanderson, to a celebrity mystery murder party (with murder plot written by the author himself) set at an isolated inn on an island, Sandy opts to go. It helps that Gavin is married to one of Sandy's friends' daughter. Since Forsythe (known for his sideline in detective work) won't be on hand to play detective for the murder party, Sandy is asked to take his place. She's not sure she can fill her boss's shoes, but she can't turn down a challenge.

Among her fellow guests are Jamaican pop star Reggie Knight, romance novelist, Dolores Carter-White, society's favorite hostess Sybil Montrose, and world-famous chef's chef Felix Caspari and his wife/dogsbody, Alice. Also on hand are the island's handy-woman, Fran Hornblower, and cook, Heilkje. In addition to being a well-known chef, Felix is also known as an incorrigible practical joker and Gavin fears that Felix will ruin the mystery of the plot with one of his jokes. He's right to be concerned because Felix does have a "funny" little surprise planned...except a killer decides to surprise Felix with a deadly joke of their own.

In keeping with mystery tradition, a heavy storm cuts the island off from the mainland. In placid weather, the island is reachable by boat or a somewhat dilapidated causeway--but just to make sure no one can get away, the killer bashes in the bottom of the boat and cuts the phone lines. Are there more victims on the killers to-do list? When questions are asked about connections to the dead man, it winds up that everyone except Sandy has connections to the dead man. So, Sandy is elected to investigate while they wait for the storm to subside. Will she be able to unmask the killer before the island turns into a version of And Then There Were None?

Sandy does a pretty good job filling Robert's shoes and I found this entry in the series to be a nice change of pace. Usually Sandy is doing the research/leg work to help Robert figure things out. Here she has to rely on conversations with the suspects and her observations over the course of the party. She has no access to materials/information that could help verify what the others say. With those handicaps, she does very well indeed. Giroux provides a nice set of red herrings to keep readers guessing and I didn't catch on until right before the close. ★★★

First line: Robert Forsythe cursed explosively and jabbed the bell connecting his desk with his secretary's.

Last line: "Amen." Robert Forsythe touched his glass to hers and they both drank.
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Deaths = 7 (two car accident; two natural; one shot; two stabbed)

Heberden's Seat

 Heberden's Seat (1979) by Douglas Clark

This is the eleventh book in the Masters & Green mystery series by Clark--and one of the last two that I've been able to get hold of. I still need to find three more to have read all of them. In this outing, Detective Superintendent Masters, Detective Inspector Green, and Detective Sergeants Reed & Berger are heading back to London after sorting out a case of murder, theft, and thuggery in Middlesborough. They opt to take the scenic route rather than the motorway and wind up taking in much more of the scenery than planned when the car gives up the ghost right near a remote church with handy cemetery for burying the car if it is beyond help. While Reed and Berger head to the nearest village in search of assistance, Masters and Green take a tour of the redundant (no longer operational) church and make a nasty discovery: a dead body in a well.

Once the local force arrive, their DCI, Webb, asks the Scotland Yard team for assistance. It seems there has been both a rash of disappearances (of local men) and outbreaks of arson and Webb suspects a link though he has no real proof. And when the body is identified as one of the missing men, he's sure he needs help from Masters and company. Everything seems to revolve around the interest two of the missing men took in the church--a church that was being put up for sale. Is there something of value in or near the church that's worth killing for? Has someone been using the church as a meeting place--someone who doesn't want to see the property sold? And what do the five fires have to do with anything? And--as with most of Clark's mysteries--there is an unusual method of murder employed in two of the deaths and if Masters can't figure out how it was done, then the case will go unsolved.

This has been a pretty difficult 2-3 weeks. I've gotten a bit behind on writing up reviews and I'm not going to have a whole lot to say beyond giving the plots and a brief reaction for a while. 😞 What I can tell you is that Clark has once again delivered a nifty police procedural with a murder method that isn't your typical, run-of-the-mill poisoning. Yes--two of the men were poisoned, but how? And with what? The autopsies don't show anything. How can you prove poisoning if the analysis doesn't show it happened? Clark will tell us. I always enjoy his unusual murder methods, because I learn something new without info dumps. Masters explains everything, but in a way that is very interesting. Full marks for method...and for keeping me in the dark. I should have known who did it--but I missed it. ★★★★

Finished on 11/3/24

First line: "Even I know," said Detective Chief Inspector Green, "that you don't switch off the engine and freewill uphill.

Last line: They both sounded as though they contained hard, metallic objects.
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Deaths = 3 (two poisoned; one hit on head)

Eleven Came Back

 Eleven Came Back (1943) by Mabel Seeley

When Martha and Dane Chapple, owners of a small radio network in the Minneapolis area, receive a phone call from their top investor, George Talbot, telling them that he's pulling out and selling his share to Mrs. Parent, a power-mad, vindictive woman, they have his call traced. It winds up he was calling from Delphine Parent's Wyoming ranch, the Lady Luck. So, the Chapples hustle on out to the ranch to try and talk Talbot out of the deal.

But Talbot is adamant that he wants out and Delphine is on a mad, power-seeking trip. She wants to hold the strings to a radio network that will allow her to control what the people hear. The Chapples try to convince her that their small network will never give her the influence she seeks, but Delphine knows what she wants and refuses to be swayed. She tries to smooth everything over by inviting Martha and Dane to join her house party as guests. They grab at the chance to have more time to persuade either Talbot or Delphine.

The other guests include what appears to be hangs-on, sycophants, or victims of her dictatorial ways. Among them are her current husband, the rich Jim Parent (from whom she gets the funds to pursue her "interests"); Delphine's ex-husband Jock Huddleston and his gold-digging trophy wife Deidre; Rolf Gaden, a Norwegian refugee who speaks in aid of a fund for other refugees, Evelyn Anson, Delphine's secretary, and Lolly Sheehan who seems to have been invited purely for entertainment value. After a somewhat intense dinner, where Delphine reveals that she once knew a blackmailer who had photographic proof that someone was a murderer. Martha is sure the story was told for a purpose and the atmosphere immediately changed from that moment on. 

The group is maneuvered into a moonlight ride up the mountain. Twelve riders (ten house guests and their hosts plus two ranch hands to guide and manage the horses) head up the mountain, but only eleven come back. In the middle of a (insane to my mind) madcap game of hide and seek in the darkness, Lolly falls to her death from a bridge overlooking a falls. When the sheriff and park rangers who are called to the scene investigate it appears that no one was close enough to have had a hand in the death. A verdict of suicide is brought in. But Martha is sure it was murder and so is Dane and others in the party. When Delphine is killed next, the evidence all seems to point to Dane. After all, he really didn't want the deal between George and Delphine to go through did he? Martha knows he didn't do it, but can she find a way to prove it?

There are several things to like about this one. First, the setting and atmosphere are terrific. Set in the shadow of the Grand Tetons, Seeley does a great job setting her scene. And tense atmosphere is also built and managed well. Seen through Martha's point of view, we really get the feeling that Dane is going to be railroaded into being arrested. It was very interesting that the first death was not the expected death. It took a while to figure out why Lolly had to die and the explanation works. But the reader still expects Delphine to be bumped off first.

A few things kept this from rating any higher. Although Martha's point of view helps set up the atmosphere, she isn't really a lead character that I took to. I definitely didn't want Dane set up for a crime he didn't commit, but I was pretty meh when it came to rooting for Martha. She comes across as very scatter-brained and indecisive. Dane must be the brains behind their radio network success. And I'm baffled by this bunch of adults playing hide and seek on the mountainside. I'm not saying that adults might not be silly and do such a thing, but after meeting this group I really find it difficult to believe that they would. It's a perfectly good  device for getting the group separated and nobody really knowing where anyone else was--but it would have gone down better if the groundwork had been laid that made me believe they would do it. 

Side Note: I'm really curious how Jim Parent managed to get so rich. He's Native American and stereotypically depicted (disappointingly so) as illiterate, drunk, and lazy. Did the man get lucky and just trip over a hunk of gold?

This was the first Seeley mystery I ever read. Somehow, even though my brief pre-blogging review said "Not quite as good as anticipated. But a solid mystery," it spurred me on to look for other mysteries by her. I'd say my feeling is about the same. It's a good solid mystery--one I'd like to be able to rate higher, but just can't. ★★★

First line: To begin with, there wasn't anything about our going to the Lady Luck to indicate that we were getting into murder

Last lines: Free. That was a word. Free.

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Deaths =  5 (one fell from height; one alcohol poisoning; one hit on head; one suicide; one shot)

Murder on the Moor

 Murder on the Moor (2011) by C. S. Challinor

Barrister Rex Graves has been talked into a house party at the renovated hunting lodge he plans to share with his current lady, Helen d'Arcy. He just wanted a nice quiet weekend, but she thinks it would be great to have a housewarming. They invite Rex's friend Alistair Frazer, who has just come off a disappointing trial loss--he thought for sure they had nailed the villain behind a series of child murders, but the man was found not guilty; Cuthbert and Estelle Farquharson, a local laird and lady who had donated generously to a charity run by Rex's mum; the Allerdice family--Hamish, Shona, Donnie, and Flora, who run the local hotel; and a tag-along guest of the Allerdices, Rob Roy, a freelance journalist in search of Nessie's cousin who is rumored to live in the hotel's loch. Rex isn't too thrilled with his guests. Cuthbert is a trigger-happy huntsman who isn't pleased when Rex tells him he doesn't allow hunting on his property. The men make free with his liquor cabinet without so much as a by-your-leave, Rob Roy wants to start rumors about another Nessie cousin in Rex's loch (giving Rex disturbing visions of creature-hunting tourists tramping all around the lake), and Shona seems awfully furtive about something. It's shaping up to be a swell weekend...and then his slightly off-balance ex-girlfriend, Moira Wilcox, crashes the party. It's raining cats and dogs and the road is washing out, so he can't exactly send her packing. It's really going to be a swell weekend.

So, yeah. After a long evening spent with people he wished were anywhere else but at his hunting lodge, Rex heads to bed. The next morning isn't much better. The rain won't quit, the road is definitely not fit for vehicles, the landline goes out, and the working cell phones either have dead batteries and no charger or go missing altogether. The television works just fine and there's news of another young girl who's been murdered. Alastair is beating himself up over losing the case against the man he's certain is the killer. Oh...and did I mention that Moira winds up dead? Last seen, she was heading for the shared bathroom for a soak. When disgruntled fellow guests complain about the locked door and the need for the facilities in the morning, Rex grabs a ladder and climbs up to see if Moira has had an accident....there's nobody there and there's water all over the floor. A quick search of the lodge reveals that Moira is nowhere to be found. Then Rob and Cuthbert come rowing up to shore with Moira in the boat. She had been found drowned....And Rex is pretty sure it's not an accident or suicide. That most likely means that a killer slept under his roof last night....but why would they have killed Moira? She didn't know anyone else in the party. Or did she?

Fourth book in the Rex Graves series. Props for atmosphere--it gives the isolated country house feel. Though how isolated are you if the hotel/village is within reasonable walking distance? But the rainstorm and the feeling of isolation (no matter how real) does make for a tense, desolate situation. Having a mad child killer on the loose also adds bonus tension. I enjoy Rex's character very much and I absolutely sympathize with his feelings about unwanted house guests--especially when you're going to add murder to the mix. Atmosphere and characters get a high rating. The mystery plot--is adequate. But I have to say that I knew as soon as she showed up that Moira wasn't going to make it long, though I didn't know why. I also spotted the killer fairly quickly. A bit more mystery and actual possibilities of other suspects (there really isn't much in the way of motives for any of them) would have increased the rating. But it is a good, solid cozy mystery with a closed circle mystery vibe. ★★★

First line: "It's a pig in a poke," the first McCallum decreed, shaking his head dubiously at the cast-iron radiator in the guest bedroom of Rex's converted hunting lodge.

Last line: Inside, embedded in navy moire silk, sparkled a diamond ring, its setting in the shape of a heart.
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Deaths =  3 (two strangled; one drowned)

You'll Die Today

 You'll Die Today (1979) by Marjorie J. Grove

Maxine "Max" Reynolds is a Hollywood gossip columnist who seems to attract murders wherever she goes. Her last two assignments wound up with murders that she helped solve and which gave her gossip newspaper terrific scoops. When her editors send her to cover a film opening in San Francisco they mention that they wouldn't mind if she brought home another big story. But surely it won't be a case of third time a charm (maybe that should be jinx)...or will it?

It will. She's all set to meet Carson Stamp, the film's producer, when he's scheduled to appear on a late night radio talk show. But he doesn't appear and she winds up being interviewed in his place. When the hosts switch to taking caller question an indistinct voice comes on to ask:

"--do you know that Carson Stamp is dead, Miss Reynolds?"

At first Max and the hosts think they've got a crank on the line, but the caller starts giving hints about where to find Stamp's body and Max begins to believe them. The clues are a bit obscure and it takes some time for her to figure them out, but she eventually realizes that they point to a particular phone booth in Chinatown. Beside the body are a handful of pink unstruck matches and tiny balls of foil--more clues?

When Shelby Duncan, a fellow columnist who was on Max's list of people to interview in connection with Stamp's murder, is found with the same items beside it, Max is sure the matches and foil must mean something. And she better figure out what quick, because the murderer has her on the list of victims. As they tell her the next time she appears on the radio show:

"I understand you found Shelby Duncan's body this afternoon....I was wondering if you know that you're next on my list?"

Max works with Lt. Brogan to interview suspects and track down clues--clues that are given to the reader through both the story and the illustrations that accompany it. And, in the traditional detective fiction style, there is a grand wrap-up scene with all the suspects gathered in the radio station. Max does herself proud and brings the crime home to the killer...as well as producing another killer story for her paper.

I'm very proud of myself--I picked up all the clues in this Zebra Puzzler. The mysteries aren't terribly complex and generally I can spot the killer, but I don't alway spot all the clues that are given. I got them this time, though. These books are perfect for when you want a bit of challenge, but aren't expecting complex plotting or intricate motives. A nice, simple little murder plot with pictures. And a good, solid ★★★ book.

First line: Max Reynolds was still sleeping when the phone began ringing.

Last line: It was cold and dark and she was sitting very close to Rob and that was enough.
***************

Deaths: 4 (one heart attack; three shot)

The X'ed-Out X-ray

 The X'ed-Out X-Ray (2005) by Ron Roy

When Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose go to a Penelope Gwinn concert, they expect to have a lot of fun. Penelope's fans are all "Penguins"--so dressing up like the black and white birds is part of the whole concert experience. There will be good music and good food at the concessions stand--all shared with good friends. Who knew there'd also be a good mystery to solve?

At intermission, the kids go to the carnival-style area for snacks and fun. There's a carousel to ride and when they hear a shout and see a crowd gather, Dink kneels on his green dragon for a better look. And promptly falls off the carousel and hurts his arm. This sends him to the medic's tent where Dr. Fleming wraps his arm and tells him he needs to come and have his arm x-rayed. 

Meanwhile, a thief, posing as an ardent fan in search of an autograph, has stolen Penelope's diamond penguin necklace. That's what all the hub-bub was about. The rest of the concert is cancelled and even though everyone is searched as they leave the grounds there is no sign of the stolen necklace. Given what they saw just before and during intermission, the kids think they have a few clues to follow. Will they be able to get the missing penguin back to Penelope?

This was a fun chapter-book mystery. The plot isn't terribly complicated, but I didn't expect it to be. Also unexpected was the nifty map of the small town where Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose live that can be found at the front of the book. Very cute and reminiscent of Golden Age mystery maps. It would have been even more so if it had been specifically of the Bushnell Park area where the mystery takes place. I also enjoyed the way the kids reasoned their way through the clues. A very nicely plotted mystery for the intended age group and I would expect kids to enjoy it even more than I did. ★★★

First line: "I'm not dressing like a penguin and you can't make me!" Josh said.

Last lines: Penelope gave him a kiss. then she kissed Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose.

Wicked Uncle

 Wicked Uncle (aka Spotlight; 1947) by Patricia Wentworth

Dorinda Brown needs a job. She lost her parents when young and went to live with her Aunt Mary and her husband (always known as the "Wicked Uncle"). The Wicked Uncle took Aunt Mary for everything he could and then left her. So when Aunt Mary died there was just a tiny annuity left which doesn't quite meet her needs. So she takes a position with the wealthy Oakley family as a secretary to Linnet Oakley, whose nerves won't allow her to answer the telephone or see most people in person. It's not exactly the best thing going in the way of jobs, but beggars can't be choosers.

When the Oakleys go to their country house, they are invited to dinner by their neighbor Gregory Porlock and he insists that they bring along Dorinda because his numbers are uneven. Before the party, Mrs. Oakley sends Dorinda to town to buy a suitable frock (nothing the poor girl has with her will "do") and some luminous paint for her son's playroom clock. While at the high-end shop (which carries everything from "suitable frocks" to luminous paint), Dorinda is accused of shoplifting. If not for Miss Silver, she would have been carted off to the police station and been forced to miss the dinner party. But Miss Silver saw another woman slip her hand into Dorinda's pocket and plant the item in question. The real question is--why? Miss Silver is sure that something nasty is afoot and gives Dorinda her card; telling her to call on the elderly sleuth if anything should come up.

So, Dorinda makes it back to the Oakleys in time for the party and off they go to Porlock's house.The last person Dorinda expects to see as her host is her Wicked Uncle (only his name should be Glen Porteous). And wicked he is. He's blackmailing just about everybody on the guest list--from Mrs. Oakley over the fact that they were once married...but never divorced to Mr. Tote who carried on some shady black market business during the war to Moira Lane who purloined her aunt's bracelet and pawned it to Mr. Masterman who may have caused his aunt's death and certainly has suppressed her will to Leonard Carroll who probably sold secrets to the enemy during the war. Porlock (as we'll continue to call him) has pleasant little chats with all of them to let them know he has the goods on them and they'd pay up--with money or juicy gossip--or he'll just have to let the proper authorities know.

When the lights go out unexpectedly during a game of charades, none of us should be surprised that Porlock is found dead from a stab in the back after the lights come back on. All we need to find out is which of his victims couldn't take the pressure and did away with the source of their trouble? Chief Inspector Lamb and Detective Sergeant Lamb are soon on the spot to find out. And Miss Silver arrives soon as well after Dorinda calls her in. And it is Miss Maud Silver who points the police in the right direction.

This was a prime example of Wentworth's Miss Silver mysteries. Young woman in the thick of things--check. Personable man for her to wind up romantically involved with--check. {This means they did not do it--check. Nor really a spoiler because this is the general set-up in Wentworth mysteries.} Miss Silver knitting in hand and cough at the ready--check. Though I must say that I didn't notice Miss Silver coughing nearly as much this time around. Inspector Lamb blustering about--claiming not to be happy about Miss Silver's involvement; irritated by Abbott's educated ways; but ultimately following Miss Silver's lead--check. There are plenty of suspects and motives and red herrings spread about to keep armchair detectives busy. All making for a nice mystery outing. 

I really enjoyed Dorinda's character in this, although she did seem just a little bit slow on the uptake when it came to Justin Leigh and who he really was in love with. And even though she loved him, she seemed intent on pushing him into Moira Lane's arms because "Moira's the type of girl you should be with." But I did like the way she refused to be talked into being the nanny for the horrid little Marty in addition to being Mrs. Oakley's secretary. She may have been desperate for a job...but she wasn't that desperate. I did figure out who did it--but I didn't catch all the clues. So, good for Wentworth for keeping some of the secrets to herself until the wrap up.  ★★★★

First line: When Dorinda Brown came into the Heather Club at four o'clock on January eighth she hadn't the slightest idea that she had just made the first step upon a road which was going to take her into some curious places.

Last lines: "Don't worry," he said. "Pure gold doesn't rust."
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Deaths = 7 (one stabbed; three natural; one hit on head; one hanged; one fell from height)

Find a Crooked Sixpence

 Find a Crooked Sixpence (1970) by Estelle Thompson

Dr. Jacqueline Freeman's friend Dr. Arthur Pembroke in Willowbank, Australia is planning to take an extended vacation and needs someone to cover his practice. He invites Jackie to come and look over the area about a year ahead so she can see if she thinks she'd like to do it. During her preliminary visit, there is a major rainstorm and flood during which a bridge is washed out. The wife of playwright Carl Shrader is found murdered. Their farm was cut off when bridge collapsed and if Carl had not obviously been on the wrong side of the river when the murder occurred, he would have been arrested immediately. You see, Carl and his wife Eleanor had a big fight earlier that was overheard and implied that she was involved with another man. And there doesn't seem to be another motive anywhere...not even robbery. But when a man can't swim and there weren't any boats readily available, it's difficult to pin a murder on him. So, the murder goes unsolved.

When Jackie returns to Willowbank to take over the practice, she finds herself more and more attracted to Carl. The villagers obviously think Carl killed his wife--even if there doesn't seem to be a way for him to have done so. Carl swears he's innocent and she believes him, so she begins asking questions...questions that draw the attention of the killer and puts her life in danger. There is a near-miss in a shooting incident that results in a phone call:

"I wanted you to know I am sorry," the whisper said hoarsely....

"About this morning?" I suggested pleasantly. "About the shooting accident, is that it?"

***

"It was no accident. You have to die. I just wanted you to know I regret that fact.

At this point, Jackie has no idea why she has to die. Apparently, her questions and/or observations have given her some knowledge that is dangerous to someone. But she doesn't know what...or who. And if she doesn't find out soon, the next time they might not miss.

This was my first mystery by Australian author Thompson. She appears to have written stand-alones rather than settling on a series character. The plot follows in the woman-in-danger tradition--though both Jackie and Carl face dangers--so there is a bit of a Gothic feel. It's a solid story but I can't say that I felt a great connection to either of our main characters. A bit more depth would have gone a long way. The mystery itself was interesting and there were definitely clues that could have been picked up...if I had just seen them. I didn't. That didn't prevent me from focusing on the culprit. I just couldn't have told you (from clues) why I suspected them. ★★★  for this outing, but I am interested in seeing how she does in the other title I have sitting on the TBR pile (Hunter in the Dark).

First line: The rain was easing a little, I thought, as I pulled upon the door of the car and slid hurriedly behind the wheel; but it was still heavy enough to dampen my clothes quickly, and to bring the summer dusk prematurely over the tiny town.

Last line: "Then, let's go and invite the nice policeman to our wedding," I said, and together we went out into the moonlight.
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Deaths = 3 (one hit on head; two natural)

Never Cross a Vampire

 Never Cross a Vampire (1980) by Stuart Kaminsky

Stuart Kaminsky's Toby Peters has a double-feature in store for him in his fifth recorded case. First up is Dracula himself, Bela Lugosi. Someone has been sending America's favorite vampire threatening messages and nasty little packages. Lugosi hires the Hollywood private eye to look into the case. Peters meets a whole group of vampire-wannabes who seem to dote on Hollywood's Count, but does one of them think they can replace Lugosi as the king of vampires? Before Peters can get very far into the suspects and motives behind the poison pen, he's asked to take on a second case. This time it's the murder of an agent and the prime suspect is William Faulkner, a southern author who has decided to try his hand at screenwriting.

The case looks pretty black against Faulkner. Not only did the dying man identify him as the culprit, but the man's wife also claimed to have been present and fingered the author as well. The curious thing is...when Peters interviews her and shows her a picture from his wallet (asking her, "Is this the man?"), she identifies the man as Faulkner. But it's not--it's Harry James [Peters doesn't say so, but I'm guessing this is a reference to the musician/band leader]. So something is definitely fishy. And then the two cases seem to intertwine and Peters has to figure out if they really are related. And he better do it before the killer decides to add Peters to the body count.

The Kaminsky novels are fun and high in nostalgia for those of us who grew up with the old black and white movies playing every Saturday and Sunday afternoon (when there wasn't a bazillion channels/streaming services/what-have-you). He's got old Hollywood down to a T (or should that be down to an H?). It's also good for those who like their private eyes more soft- than hard-boiled. I mentioned in my last review that Peters doesn't really fit the 1930s/40s tough guy detective bill--he gets beat up (quite often by his own brother, police Lieutenant Phil Pevsner), shot at, and framed for murders more often than most private eyes do in an entire series. And--as with his adventure with Errol Flynn, it's the Hollywood star who saves his bacon when the bad guy is ready to write "The End" on Peters' life story. Lugosi, in full Dracula kit, scares the bejeebers out of the culprit and Peters lives to face another day.

I wasn't quite sure how I liked the meshing of the two stories, but Kaminsky did manage to bring it off in a fairly satisfactory way. I spotted what was going on with Faulkner, though I didn't quite get the culprit right. ★★★ and 1/2 stars for a fun romp.

First line: A pudgy vampire with a soiled black cape sat on a coffin across from me sipping a bottle of Hires Root Beer through a soggy straw.

Last line: I tucked the envelope back in my jacket, crawled into the dental chair, adjusted my back so I wouldn't lie on the sore spot, and fell asleep to the lullaby of traffic, battles, and dead dreams that floated up from Hoover Street, penetrated the walls, and surrounded me with a familiar blanket.
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Deaths = 4 (three shot; one fell from height)

The Mystery of the Coughing Dragon

 The Mystery of the Coughing Dragon (1970) by Nick West

Jupe, Pete, and Bob, the Three Investigators, are off on another adventure. This time Alfred Hitchcock calls on the boys to help out a friend. Mr. Henry Allen's Irish Setter Red Rover has gone missing. And Allen thinks that maybe a dragon has run off with his beloved pet. When he was out searching for the dog, he swears he saw a dragon come out of the sea and enter one of the caves below his house on the cliff. Red Rover isn't the only dog that's gone missing in the little town of Seaside. Several other pet owners are missing their furry friends as well. 

The boys don't really believe in dragons (do they?), but they decide that the cave deserves their attention too. But when a sabotaged staircase leading down to the beach collapses, it begins to look like someone doesn't want them investigating. Jupe is the one who tumbles down the staircase. Then Bob falls in a hole in the cave. Men in diving suits menace them with spear guns. And....they see the dragon! They escape safely and after they all calm down, Jupe realizes there were some odd things about the dragon and when he figures out what they mean he realizes that there's more going on than just missing dogs.

This is another just plain good fun mystery from my favorite three investigators. It's not too far removed from a Scooby Doo episode--because of course the dragon isn't a real live fire-breathing dragon. But it's a great cover for what's really going on. I love it when I can revisit favorite mystery series from my childhood and still get a kick out of them as an adult. The Three Investigators deliver almost every time. This one is particularly good for the town of Seaside and the background information that Bob manages to dig up on the caverns beneath Allen's house. The interactions between the boys are very good in this one as well. The culprit is fairly obvious (it's not too difficult when there aren't many suspects running around), but knowing this is aimed at a juvenile audience I don't expect intricate plotting. ★★★  and 1/2

First line: "I wonder," Jupiter Jones said one morning, "how we would go about attempting the biggest robbery ever seen in this area."

Last line: "Since I've just purchased that large buslike trailer for my vacations, perhaps it would be a good idea if I learned how to double-clutch the dragon in the cave first, before I ventured forth on the Los Angeles freeway!"
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Deaths = one suicide

The Lost Girls of Paris (spoilers at the end)

 The Lost Girls of Paris (2019) by Pam Jenoff

1946, Manhattan

Grace Healey is trying to rebuild her life life after losing her husband during the war. She works for a man who is helping immigrants rebuild their lives after coming to the United States during or after the war. She is late to work one morning and find it necessary to go through Grand Central Station to avoid a traffic jam resulting from an accident. The Station has haunting memories for her--it's where she waited in vain for her husband to arrive for a quick trip home before shipping out. An accident prevented her young soldier from ever leaving the States. When she sits down to get her bearings, she finds an abandoned suitcase tucked beneath a bench. Her curiosity gets the better of her and she the suitcase. Among an odd collection of items, including a pair of baby shoes, she finds a bundle of photographs—each of a different woman. In a moment of impulse, Grace takes the photographs and quickly leaves the station. She notices the name Trigg on the suitcase as she shoves it back under the bench. She's shocked later to read that Eleanor Trigg was killed in an auto accident earlier that day. When she returns to the Station, the suitcase is gone. Something about the faces in those photographs speaks to her and Grace decides to investigate.

1943-1944, London & France

When male agents in France begin to go missing at an alarming rate, Eleanor Trigg, confidential secretary to the Director of SOE (Special Operations Executive), suggests a force of female agents--young women are more plentiful in the occupied nation and it would be less likely that agents would be spotted. The Director makes her the head of the women's division and she supervises the training and deployment. Things go well until the Allied forces prepare for D-Day...and suddenly the largest ring of agents goes silent. Eleanor had suspected something was going wrong with the radio transmissions, but had been denied clearance to go to France herself and investigate. Twelve of Eleanor's agents go missing without a trace. 

Both Eleanor and Grace work to find out the truth behind the women's disappearance. And both are shocked to find betrayal at the heart of the answer. And having discovered the truth after Eleanor's death, Grace determines to find justice for the women who never made it home.

My take: First up, the good. I enjoyed Jenoff's prose. I found myself reading through this effortlessly and thoroughly enjoying her writing. I loved the build-up--both to Grace's involvement in the story and Eleanor setting up the women's division of SOE. I liked watching Grace and Eleanor try to figure out what went wrong with the mission. The relationship between Grace and Mark worked well and I do like that Marie decided she still needed to sort some things out personally before getting serious with him (instead of a nice tidy wrap-up to their romance and off into the sunset together). And I could tell that Jenoff did her research on this period of the war. 

But...SPOILERS!

Marie--the one agent of the twelve who actually makes it out of France (though we don't know it till the end)--seriously? She sticks to none of her training. None. When in danger, she's supposed to destroy her radio. She doesn't. When capture is ensured if she doesn't get the heck away from her "cover" apartment (and out of France all together), she stays put. When captured, the last thing she's supposed to do is give up her second code "check", she does. When her superior (also the man she loves after a very brief period) reminds her of her duty (not to do what the Germans tell her to do), she gives in to "save" him. Anyone with a smidgen of sense knows that as soon as she gives in, the Germans will kill them both because they'll have no more use for them. It's a miracle that she doesn't die.

Marie started out great. I like her character a lot. Until she got to France--where she fell in love and all her training went out the window. 

The story was pretty solid. The setting was great. The mystery and intrigue well done. I just wish Marie hadn't messed things up so royally in France. ★★★ and 1/2

First line: If not for the second-worst mistake of Grace Healey's life, she never would have found the suitcase.

Last line: She crossed the avenue toward Grand Central, unencumbered and unafraid, and started through the doors of the station, headed for the life that awaited her.
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Deaths = 10 (three hit by car; one bled to death; three boat sank; one shot; one poisoned; one blew up)

The Queen's Awards 8th Series

 The Queen's Awards 8th Series (1953) by Ellery Queen (ed)

This collection contains the winners of the Eighth Annual Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine "Detective" Short-Story Contest (quotations mine). These are supposedly the "blue ribbon mysteries of the season." And I have to say that these are the sorriest bunch of short stories I've read from any Queen collection. There are crimes involved in nearly all of these, but a large portion are not anything that I would call detective. For one thing, the word "detective" sortof implies that there will actually be a detective detecting. And there are definitely not nearly as many detectives as there are stories in the collection. The best of the bunch are "Miss Paisley's Cat," "High Court," and "Heaven Can Wait"--but that isn't saying a whole lot. ★★ for the collection--just. 

"My Brother Down There" by Steve Frazee: The story of a sheriff, his posse, and a trigger-happy civilian on a manhunt for four dangerous escaped criminals in the Rocky Mountains. [two shot]

"Miss Paisley's Cat" by Roy Vickers: When the angry bookie downstairs kills her beloved cat, the elderly Miss Paisley wants to kill him. And when he's found dead the next day she's sure she did. But the police won't believe her. [one stabbed]

"If a Body..." by A. H. Z. Carr: A disgruntled husband who believes his wife has played him false, decides to get rid of all his troubles at once... [one shot]

"The Betrayers" by Stanley Ellin: A man falls in love with his next door neighbor and when he thinks her abusive husband has killed her, he's willing to risk everything to avenger her. [one stabbed]

"The Quality of Mercy" by Eleazar Lipsky: When a distraught father nearly kills the nun he believes is keeping him from his daughter, the nun's mercy is much different than the court's.

"The Stroke of Thirteen" by Lillian de la Torre: Dr. Samuel Johnson works to clear a man who has been found guilty of treason. The soldier's only alibi? A clock that struck thirteen.... [one hanged]

"Laugh It Off" by Charlotte Armstrong: A young woman has a reputation for making up suspenseful events. When George meets her for the first time, she swears that a man is following her and out to kill her. Her other friends tell him to ignore it--that it's how she gets her laughs, but she seems so very scared. Is it for real this time? 

"All of God's Children Got Shoes" by Howard Schoenfeld: A couple of tramps making their way south in the boxcars. One of them wants a pair of shoes--really bad.

"High Court" by Thomas Kyd: One of the passengers on an overnight flight to England is killed. An overbearing, snobbish man appoints himself the investigator. To his credit, he does find an interesting way to flush out the killer.  [one hit on head]

"Born Killer" by Dorothy Salisbury Davis: A dark story that explains a young man's fondness for suicide missions.. [one natural; one shot]

"On the Brink" by James Yaffe: Miss Hannah Aaronson has always been fond of her nephew. When he has a falling out with his father that turns bad enough for murder will she be able to save him from himself? [one natural]

"The Town Without a Straight Man" by Will Stanton: A small town's penchant for telling tall tales isn't quite as benign as it may seem.

"Mrrrar!" by Edgar Pangborn: Told from Timmy the cat's perspective...Timmy is the only witness to murder. But who is he going to tell? 

"The Silver Spurs" by E. C. Witham: A desperately pathetic story of a woman who drives her husband to drink...and possibly to murder. [one shot; one stabbed]

"The Panther" by Browning Norton: Some dark thing is stealing chickens and lambs at night. When the village remembers that a panther got loose from a traveling circus some time back, they believe they know what's getting their livestock. Bill and Bob Coulter determine to bring the panther down. [one shot]

"Heaven Can Wait" by G. B. Gilford: A mystery writer is murdered--stabbed in the back--and when he gets to the Pearly Gates, he wants to know who did it. When (to his surprise) they can't tell him, he's miserable. He just has to know and won't be happy till he does--well, Heaven can't have any misery hanging about, so he's sent back to earth to solve his own murder. [one stabbed]

First line (1st story): Now there were three left.

Last line (last story): "Didn't you know that all mystery writers go to Heaven?"

The Final Deduction

 The Final Deduction (1961) by Rex Stout

Just as I did ten years ago, I listened to this one as a book on CD during my road trip this past week. And I've mentioned before how much harder it is for me to do a full review when I listen. I just sit back and enjoy the performance. I mentioned in my previous review (which I'm shamelessly re-using below)  that Michael Prichard does an excellent job bringing Nero Wolfe and, especially, Archie Goodwin to life. This time around my son joined me on the trip up to my parents' house and he and I had enormous fun listening to Archie's wise-cracking run-down of Wolfe's latest case. I also realized during this listening session that if Archie had just stuck with his first deduction he might have beaten Nero to the punch in figuring out where the suitcase full of cash was stashed. 

The story opens with Archie losing a little bet with himself. Althea Vail, wealthy, society lady, arrives at the old brownstone with no appointment and asks to see Nero Wolfe--preferring not to tell Archie what about, but to tell Wolfe himself. Archie is convinced she's come to ask the world's best brain to ask him to tail her most current husband--that's what so often happens when an older woman (with money) marries a younger man (without). But Archie is wrong. Mrs. Vail has come because her husband, Jimmy Vail, disappeared over the weekend and she has received a ransom note. She doesn't want Wolfe to investigate the kidnappers or try to find her husband. What she wants is for him to ensure that her husband is returned, alive and unharmed, once she pays the ransom.

She refuses to share much detail with Wolfe--having been told by "Mr. Knapp" that she and her Jimmy would regret it if she talked to anyone--so, the great detective has few options. He decides to place an ad in The Gazette where Lon Cohen owes him favors (and any other papers who can make it happen before the ransom must be delivered):

If her property is not returned to her, or if it is damaged beyond repair, I have engaged to devote my time, energy, and talent, for as long as may be required, to ensure just and fitting requital; and she has determined to support me to the full extent of her resources. If you do not know enough of me to be aware of the significance of this engagement to your future, I advise you to inform yourself regarding my competence and my tenacity.

my hard copy

He also makes it clear that Mrs. Vail has not revealed any details in an effort to save Jimmy's life and then they all settle down to see what happens. Vail miraculously returns--tired, but safe and sound with instructions not to go to the authorities for 48 hours. It looks like Wolfe has earned a hefty fee ($60,000) for very little work. But that same day, the body of Mrs. Vail's secretary is found--run over by her own car--in the same location where the handover of the ransom money took place. Then Jimmy Vail is found dead in his own library, apparently killed by Benjamin Franklin. That is to say...a heavy bronze statue of the historical statesman (whose base was unsteady) toppled over and killed him in what seems to be an accident.

When Mrs. Vail's son comes to Wolfe wanting to hire him to find the ransom money (his mother has promised him the cash if he can locate it), the genius, satisfied with his recent fee, plans to turn him down. But Archie, true to form, goads his boss into action by threatening to take some of his leave time to do the legwork on his own and snag the hefty commission for himself. Wolfe can't do without Archie and takes the case--of course, he can't get involved with out solving the other crimes as well and it takes a rather ingenious "final deduction" to collar the criminal.

My son and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this on our six-hour (round-trip) journey to and from my parents' house. It was absorbing and interesting. And, despite guessing half the solution, I'm giving it ★★★★ for the entertaining reading/performance and the final twist that Stout gives the case. I'm tempted to give it just a little bit more for the added bonus of sharing the good time with my son.

First line: "Your name please?"

Last line: If you offered him ten thousand bucks to detect who swiped your hat at a cocktail party yesterday he wouldn't even bother to glare at you.

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Deaths = 2 (one run over by car; one crushed by statue)

Coronation Year

 Coronation Year (2023) by Jennifer Robson

It is 1953 and the year that the United Kingdom will see a new queen crowned. London is preparing to celebrate. Hundreds of visitors are expected and Edie Howard, owner of the Blue Lion Hotel, hopes that enough of them will want to stay at her establishment to help get the hotel back on its feet. The hotel has been in her family for generations and she doesn't want to see it fail. When she learns that the queen's route will bring her royal procession within feet of the hotel's front door, she's certain that her luck is about to change. Especially since she'll be able to charge well above the usual rates for guests to be so close to Queen Elizabeth II.

Edie isn't the only one hoping for a change in luck. James Geddes is a decorated war hero and a talented artist, but he needs a big break to make his mark in the art world. He gets his chance when a company on the processional route commissions a large painting to commemorate the day. This brings Jamie (as he's known) to the Blue Lion. A room fronting onto the street will give him the perfect view to help him create his masterpiece. Edie manages to provide a room with both a perfect view as well as a skylight to give the perfect lighting for an artist at work.

And then there is Stella Donati, a young Italian photographer, who has tried to break into the photography business. When an advertisement for "Photographer Wanted" appears in the London magazine Picture Weekly, she has little hope that they will want a girl from Italy with no professional experience. But the editor is impressed by the raw talent displayed in the portfolio of photos she sends and she finds herself in London. Her parents, lost to the Nazi concentration camps, were friends of Edie's family, so when Stella writes to ask for a room Edie is more than happy to give the girl a place to stay while she finds her feet. She's also going to be in the perfect spot to take pictures of the queen's procession.

But then...just when things are looking good at Blue Lion, a determined man tries to talk Edie into selling her hotel. And after she repeatedly turns him down anonymous threats centered on Coronation Day and the Blue Lion begin to appear. Someone wants Edie and her regular guests out of the hotel--but is it the thwarted buyer or someone else. Edie, Jamie, and Stella wind up risking their lives in their efforts to get to the bottom of the threats and save Coronation Day for the Queen...and for the hotel. 

This is a lovely look at the 1950s when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned. Terrific historical detail with a cast of engaging characters. I enjoyed meeting Edie, Jamie, and Stella as well as the regular guests in the hotel and the staff. And I wouldn't mind reading another story that featured them. The only real disappointment was the mystery portion of the story. It wasn't nearly strong as the basic story and historical details nor were there many clues to be had or much detection going on. If the mystery had been as well done as the rest of the story then this would have been a five-star outing with no questions asked. ★★★★

First line: A gale from the east had swept across the city late the evening before, scouring away the worst of the smog, and the rare sight of London's night sky had inspired Edie to open her curtains and raise the fraying blackout blind.

Last line: "I can't imagine anything better," she said, and she looped her arm through his, and together they stepped into the welcoming light of their bright and beckoning future.
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Deaths = 4 (two in concentration camp; two natural)

Wycliffe & the Guild of Nine

 Wycliffe & the Guild of Nine (2000) by W. J. Burley

Francine Lemarque is the newest member of the Guild of Nine, an artist's colony housed in the disused mining buildings on moor west of St. Ives. The small community is owned by Archer and his wife Lina who have differing ideas about how things work. Archer put the guild together based on astrology and numerology. The number nine is extremely important to him and so it's important to have nine members at all times (at the moment, they're one short). Lina wants to get the Guild turning a better profit and is hoping to expand their artistic offerings.

This is where Francine comes in. Francine is the recent recipient of a large legacy and is thinking seriously of investing in the Guild. But rather than just hand over the cash, she's been asking a lot of questions. Some of them very awkward. And before she can get answers and make a decision, she is found dead--the victim of a blocked vent on a heater. 

When Chief Superintendent Wycliffe learns the victim's identity, he's surprised. He knew Francine from an early case. She had shot and killed her natural father--a man who wasn't even close to being beloved by much of anyone. He'd always wondered what became of her upon her release. Now he wonders if the earlier case has any bearing on her death--or is it truly connected to her questions about the Guild. He and his team find both connections to the past and some present-day secrets that members of the Guild would just as soon not have had known. More deaths follow and Wycliffe finally finds the thread that leads him to the killer.

An enjoyable entry (and the last!) in the Wycliffe series. It had been a while since I read any of these mysteries and it was good to visit with Wycliffe again. He's a good solid copper who relies on his wits to solve the mysteries--well, his wits and his excellent team. There are several members who are specialists (in following the money, making connections between apparently disconnected items, putting witnesses at their ease, etc.) and they all work together to get to the solution. This mystery has several well-placed red herrings which may or may not distract the reader. I have to say that I spotted the killer, but only because I managed to latch onto one of the clues and wouldn't let anything put me off. ★★★

First line: Archer's Guild of Nine was a craft colony on the site of a disused mine on the seaward slope of the moor, west of St. Ives.

Last line: "Odd, your attitude to that girl, considering that in her short life she caused so many people so much grief."
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Deaths = 8 (one shot; one gassed; three natural; two strangled; one hit by car)

Seven Keys to Baldpate

 Seven Keys to Baldpate (1913) by Earl Derr Biggers

William Magee is a well-known pulp writer who wants to prove to his critics that he can write a serious novel. Of course, to write a serious novel one must barricade oneself away--away from friends and family, away from parties and plays, away from anything that might distract the "great author" from deep thoughts and serious plots. While brainstorming places to go for such intense authorial endeavors, his friend Hal Bentley finally suggest Baldpate Inn, owned by his father, It's a summer resort that stands empty in mid-winter. There will be no staff and no guests to interrupt a man playing with fictional realities. 

So off Magee goes to Baldpate--no running water, no heat (save for the fireplace in his room), and no food (save for canned goods and the occasional meal sent up by the caretaker's wife)--for a period of quiet contemplation. Or at least that's what he expects. He's barely gotten settled in his room, when the first of a parade of visitors arrives--each with what they believe to be the only key to the inn. There's the first man who hides a package in the lobby safe and who makes a phone call to someone called Andy. There's a pretty girl and her mother. And the crooked mayor of a nearby city with his hired strong man in tow. And a professor of Comparative Literature who may not be what he seems. And a professional hermit. And a dark figure who wrestles with the mayor and his sidekick. And a second mysterious pretty girl. And they all want the package in the safe--even if they all won't say so. Magee finds himself with a dilemma when both of the pretty girls ask for his help in getting the package. But his loyalties are with the first one--a young woman who stole his heart as soon as he saw her crying at the railway station. But will he be aiding the cause of justice or helping a lovely thief? Only time will tell.

This was an extraordinarily fun outing from the author of the Charlie Chan mystery series. With everyone popping in and out of the inn, with the addition of a hermit who becomes the chef for the group at Baldpate, with Magee as the befuddled hero, the plot reads as though Biggers planned for the story to be filmed. And...it was...six times from 1917 (silent) to 1947. I sampled two of the movies and they, too, were fun but came with slightly different endings from the book and each other. And I'm not sure which ending I like best. The book is straight forward. There's a crime and a solution and our hero wins out in the end. The films are less so. In the first, Magee is writing his book to fulfill a bet. Everybody that shows up and everything that happens is just part of a plot by the man with whom Magee has made the bet to prevent Magee from winning. In the second, everything that happens at the house is really just the plot of the story Magee is writing. When we reach the end none of it "really" happened, except on the page. The lead-up to those twists is very good in each film and the endings are both a surprise and satisfying all in one.

The book is just one wild ride full of humor and outrageous shenanigans. If you're looking for an intricate, well-clued puzzle, then this isn't it. But if you're looking for a good time and a fun read, then this just might fit the bill. ★★★★

First line: A young woman was crying bitterly in the waiting-room of the railway station at Upper Asquewan Falls, New York.

Last line: "Why. darling," he explained gently, "this is it."
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Deaths = one shot