Margery Allingham (1904–1966)

Nothing much happens. At Socrates Close, we move from room to room while characters share the stage. There are several red herrings, several things that can cause hounds to run off on the incorrect track – all of which is good writing, I think. Yet, at the end of the day, between all the brocade and pipe smoking, we all just plod along occasionally checking in with the dour Inspector Oates.

In the last book Campion was nearly incomprehensible with his non-stop chattering and sarcasm. In this, he retains a few well-placed remarks, but overall has mellowed a bit – this is the form of Campion I like best so far.… (more)

I read this in 2015, it was first published in 1929. It is the first of the “Albert Campion” mysteries written by the author. It is the first novel by this author that I have read. Overall, I was unimpressed. The main complaint that I have is that the pacing for this story is uncomfortably off-kilter. The main character, believe it or not, is not Campion, but a young Dr. George Abbershaw.

It is difficult to be told that most of the characters are skilled, academic professionals and then also watch them act and think so stupidly. Coupled with the unending circular plot and this novel just is not very good. Nevertheless, I think because it is the first novel in the series, one should not write off this author/series.

The author sharpens her blade and the writing improves exponentially as the series continues, but readers who begin the series just need to find patience and work through this opener.… (more)

This whodunnit consists largely of an endless parade of extravagantly eccentric characters of different kinds, interacting in their own peculiar ways in an obscure corner of London. There is much mystery, but Albert Campion gets to the bottom of it in the end.

I found it readable and mildly entertaining, but rather over the top. Allingham apparently set out to paint pictures of as many distinctive characters as she could think of, and stuff them all into the same book, so that there's hardly room for anyone normal.

When I found out what had been going on in the end, most of it took me completely by surprise. However, I'm no amateur detective, and when reading this kind of book I make no attempt to solve the case before the hero does. I just read it as a story and observe.

Not one of my favourite Campion stories, though it's not a bad one. A pity that we see nothing of his wife Amanda, apart from a brief message at the end; but I suppose she wouldn't fit into this story.… (more)