ISBN: 157270201X Order from: Amazon.com
A conventional, but amusing and enjoyable stately home mystery, with red herrings and a dash of romance.
Reviewed by David on February 01, 2004
Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural, English Village)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of The Unfinished Clue. Retired General Sir Arthur Billington-Smith is a stereotypical example of wealthy gentry. He has a large house in the country, a blustery manner, and plenty of local influence. However, he has a thoroughtly nasty disposition, and his proclivities include making others miserable. A house party when his son visits with his intended bride is no different. He offends nearly everybody. So it's shocking, but not entirely surprising to his guests when Billington-Smith is found murdered.
Full Review: The conventions are all here, including a Scotland Yard inspector who arrives to assist the local police with the investigation, and plenty of motives and secrets among the house guests. There are also some likable characters, and others who are apalling but in rather amusing ways. The eventual resolution is a bit improbable, but with some solid detective work to get there. Some romance is resolved, making for an ultimately happy, light-hearted, cosy mystery, despite the dark subject matter.
The book is rather pat and superficial, but the colorful characters are well drawn, and Heyer shows her usual skill at creating sympathetic, sometimes witty entertainment, much like in her Regency Romances.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 4.5;
Copyright date 1934, Chivers Audio Books (Audio Editions Mystery Masters), 2001, Audio cassette, 6 cassettes
ISBN: 157270201X Order from: Amazon.com