The first three stories were from three early mystery author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930), Wilkie Collins (1824-1889), and Robert Barr (1850-1912). All three were excellent, in different ways.
I have not read many of the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. "The Adventure of the Abbey Grange" had an unusual resolution and I enjoyed it very much. "A Marriage Tragedy" by Wilkie Collins was the longest story in the book (42 pages), more like a novelette, and also very entertaining. I had never heard of Robert Barr and was happy to have sampled one of his stories. "Lord Chizelrigg's Missing Fortune" features Eugène Valmont; Thomas Godfrey describes Valmont as "the first humorous detective." If you wish to learn more about Robert Barr, see the comments at the Golden Age of Detection Wiki.
Later in the book there were three stories that I especially liked, written by Golden Age mystery authors. "The Same To Us" by Margery Allingham is very brief (only 5 pages), humorous, and makes a good point. "The Man On The Roof" by Christianna Brand stars Inspector Cockrill from her well-known novel, Green for Danger, and is also humorous. "The Death Of Amy Robsart" by Cyril Hare features Inspector Mallett, one of his two continuing characters. It is more serious and very clever.
Two final stories that stood out for me were by authors still living and in mid-career when this book was published: Ruth Rendell and P. D. James. Both of the stories had unsettling endings. Rendell's story, "Fen Hall," tells of three boys on a camping trip on the grounds of an old country house in need of repair. "A Very Desirable Residence" by James is the strange tale of a man sentenced to prison for plotting to murder his wife.
If you enjoy short stories and you like the country-house mystery subgenre, you would probably enjoy the stories in this book.
Rick shares his thoughts on this books at Tip the Wink. That post includes a list of all the short stories in the book.
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Publisher: Mysterious Press, 1995. Orig. pub. 1988.
Length: 348 pages
Format: Hardcover
Setting: UK
Genre: Country house mysteries, short stories
Source: From my TBR pile.
14 comments:
Oooh, one to keep an eye out for. I especially like the sound of the Ruth Rendall and P.D. James. And Wilkie Collins was a good short story writer, I just recently read his 'Mrs. Badgery' and thought it was excellent, although not a crime story.
Tracy,
I simply love the country manor house genre, so I want to get a hold of this collection. The stories you've mentioned I haven't read, although I do have a complete collection of Holmes. So good when I'm in the mood. An excellent post!
Cath, I was surprised to like so many stories in this book. And after avoiding Wilkie Collins for years, I now am interested in finding more to read by him. The Moonstone is the novel I want to read next. Not sure when of course.
Thanks, Judith. I thought others might find country house stories appealing, too. Now I want to find more of them. I hope to be reading more Sherlock Holmes stories this year.
Very good review, Tracy, nicely done. As I said in the review, I enjoyed this a lot, even though I'd already read some of them. When I have a "like" on 90% or more in an anthology, I consider it a success. This is worth seeking out.
You've mentioned some authors whose work I really like, Tracy. I've read the Conan Doyle stories, and one or two of the others. The ones I haven't read look really interesting, too. You know, I'm glad you're doing this exploration of short stories. It's reminding me how much there is out there in excellent short stories; I haven't read enough of them lately...
I agree, Rick. I was surprised that all of the stories in this book were new to me. Now I want to read Murder at the Manor: Country House Mysteries from the British Library Crime Classics (although it does repeat three of the stories from this book).
Margot, it did take some effort to concentrate on reading short stories this month. I hope to keep the momentum going.
I don't think I will be seeking out a copy of this book, Tracy. I think I'm put off by the setting. I would enjoy a couple of them undoubtedly, but I have more than enough to get on with.
I've read Murder At The Manor too, and liked it but not quite as much as this one.
You did great reading short stories this month! Thanks for making the month a short story reading time. We'll do it again next year! My wrap-up will be Monday.
Col, as you can tell, I love the setting of the country house mystery. Glen does too, although ghost stories are his favorite. He has books and books of those, both on the kindle and in paper copies. I am now reading a book of short stories by Ruth Rendell, which might appeal to you more.
Thanks, Rick. I enjoyed reading short stories this month and especially reading the Country House mysteries. I am looking forward to doing it next year too. I am in the middle of the book of Ruth Rendell stories and will do a post on that when I finish it.
A good theme for a collection. If I didn't have so much else piled up, I would be considering it...
Moira, you probably have read some of these stories before, but they were all new to me. I certainly understand about reading piling up.
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