ISBN: 1-7680-9 Order from: Amazon.com
Diverting mystery with nice character portrayals, this novel nonetheless lacks the life and suspense of the better Campion stories.
Reviewed by David on May 07, 2005
Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth, Art)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Death of a Ghost.
Albert Campion is one of the distinguished guests at the annual party dedicated to the unveiling of a painting by the late and great John Lafadio. In addition to the usual repartee and backbiting, however, the glittering group is confronted with a murder.
Charming and aging Belle Lafadio, the widow of the painter, asks Albert to help. The police are stymied, and so is Albert, until another person is murdered. At last, it becomes a deadly struggle with a brilliant and fearless murderer—and the next target is Campion himself.
Full Review: The characters and the genteel world of pre-WW2 aristrocratic art is portrayed with wit and color. However, the main characters, for all the skill in their portrayal, do not grab the reader's attention. While the climax is suspenseful, much of the novel seems slow; with only intellectual curiousity compelling the reader.
Some of the other Campion novels engage the reader's sympathy much more directly, with an intense desire to know what happens to the characters.
This one is a bit lukewarm, and while diverting and pleasant, it remains less than memorable.
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 1934, Chivers Audio Books (Audio Editions Mystery Masters), 1987, Audio cassette, 8 cassettes
ISBN: 1-7680-9 Order from: Amazon.com