Originally penned some time around 1938, this is a very twee, and gentile murder mystery.
I would like to think, that like Nostradamus, the prediction of world war being in full throw during the setting of the book. Were, that of the author. However, I think that this may have been edited into the work to give it the extra impetus. Not that this detracts from the story itself.
It is everything that you would expect from a work that is circa 80 years old. A part of the Crime Club books. Having read some of the blurb at the start of it, Mr. Hull, helped Agatha Christie hone her skills for the Murder Mystery genre, that was popular at the time of the original release. However, I digress.
To the story. Like I have already said, it twee, gentile and exponentially British. In a tongue of the time, there are times when you are left wondering about a word or two. But it flows. You don't necessarily need a dictionary with you. Because sometimes the words just leaves a satisfying buzz in your ear as all the others around it draw you in.
A man back from the war, discharged on medical grounds, an MD, Government contracts, accountants and London's finest. The twists and turns, meander. Not in a bad way. But, are present.
A very British framing, featuring manipulation, coercion and suggestion.
This may not be for everyone, but it does give insight into just how different things were. It does take a little getting used to the prose. But overall, a good read.
Status: Completed
Rating: 3.9 / 5.0
