The Nursing Home Murder

Inspector Alleyn Mystery: 2

ISBN: 0-8161-7591-8 Order from: Amazon.com

A mannered investigation of a murder, this early work features simplified, rather steretypical characters and an awkward plot.

Reviewed by David on November 15, 2003

Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural)

Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of The Nursing Home Murder.

The Home Secretary is a controversial figure. After collapsing during the introduction of vocally opposed bill, he is rushed to a hospital for an urgent surgery. However, the relatively routine operation proves to be a fatal risk to the stricken politician, as the operating room is filled with his deadly enemies.

Inspector Alleyn and his sidekick Sergeant Fox are faced with a complex situation. A cast of characters, all of whom are acting suspiciously, plus a clutch of medical professionals with a grudge all had an opportunity to murder the Home Secretary. Plus, a number of left-wing politicians and their supporters all exclaiming praises for the untimely death of the victim.

Full Review: In this early novel, Marsh shows little subtlety that make her later mysteries such a joy. The people filling this book are colorful but in very stereotypical ways; the motivations are expressed in overblown melodrama. The resolution, while not totally unexpected, seems contrived. The politics, both of the opposition, and of the more sympathetic Alleyn seem simplified in the extreme and ... unenlightened to say the least.

The book, while not without some amusing character portrayals, is both dated and unpolished, and would appeal more to completists than to fans of Ms. Marsh's more polished work.

Overall: 4.5; Plot: 4.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 4.5; World-building: 4.5; Originality: 5.5;

ISBN: 0-8161-7591-8 Order from: Amazon.com