This is a perfect example of a cozy mystery. The characters frequently repair to a book-lined library, where they have tea and toast before a warm fire while it snows outside. If that isn’t cozy, I don’t know what is.
The Victorian library belongs to wealthy amateur detective Charles Lenox. His trusty butler, Graham, also resides there. Why is it fictional butlers are never mere servants? They always have an emotional bond with their employers, almost friendship, dating back to some important event which creates a secret loyalty. But I digress. There is also a neighbor, Lady Jane, who seems to share a mutual attraction with Charles. A few other friends and relatives often gather about the fireplace, too.
A maid has been killed in a nearby household and Scotland Yard is barking up the wrong tree. The title of the book is from the poison that killed the maid, one that is so rare and expensive that finding the culprit ought to be easy. When a prominent member of society is murdered in the same house as the maid, things grow murkier. There is a lot of Wodehousian humor woven through the unraveling of the mystery, which keeps things lively.
Charles’s brother, Edmund, a member of Parliament, tells him of a theft near his country estate.
“Well, it was not so much that there was a silver thief as that there was a matter of misplaced silver.”
“Who could have misplaced so much silver? Did you think of insurance fraud?”
“It was a fork, to be precise.”
Lenox raised his eyebrows. “One fork you say?”
“But a serving fork, you know, so it was really quite large. And of good silver. Very well made. And old. An heirloom, really.”
“How many men were assigned to the case? Did you break up the silver ring?”
“It had fallen under a chair, you see….”
Dialogue such as that, along with charming characters, makes this a highly enjoyable read. There is already a second book out in this series, which I am quite eager to read. I’m hoping that there are many more adventures for Charles and his circle in the years to come.
St. Martin’s Minotaur 2007 309 pp. ISBN-13: 978-0-312-35977-5
Hi
Just moved into the area, Read you blog and you might want to check out my mystery blog.
C.Apana
Where DO you find them, Jacks?
Definitely sounds like my sort of book.
Ah … the great tradition of the detective’s butler/manservant /companion.
Magersfontein Lugg, Bunter … such terrific characters in their own right.
Jackie, funny review. Love that fork discussion. Tea and toast in front of the fire while it snows outside, sounds wonderful. I’ve never read a cozy mystery before. Will be sure to review one before the year is through.
This sounds great, Jackie, a real comfort read. It sounds as though the relationship between Lady Jane and Charles is suitably coy to stretch it out over a whole series. I’ll make sure and look this one up.
This book sounds worth a try. I’ve been looking for a cozy crime read for a while.
Clorinda
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