Another good one from Wentworth. It kept me guessing right up until the end.
If you are one of those "Miss Silver" fans who loves the sardonic humor and sophistication of her friend Frank Abbott, you will enjoy the background information in this novel on his character, as the story takes place at the Abbott family mansion. We learn how Frank came by his wit, and how he changed professions from pursuit of a barristers position to becoming a detective for Scotland Yard. I found this information interesting as of all the Miss Silver "sidekicks" he is my favorite. Frank takes a more dominant role in this one, leaving Miss Silver to the back seat of detecting until the final chapters. While enjoying the development of Frank Abbott's character, I read Wentworth for Miss Silver. Seeing her take so little part in the mystery was disappointing.
Also, for those who read Wentworth mysteries for the romance which occupancies all her Miss Silver mysteries, this is the least developed of all I have read thus far. Cicely is separated from Grant for reasons undisclosed to the reader after a brief marriage that seemed to be blissful. When the reasons are revealed in the final chapter, they seem ridiculous- both the reason and the explanation. Where as in "The Case of William Smith" and "The Clock Strikes Twelve" the theme of a separated married couple is played out very well with the reader excitedly following the couples agony of separation, as well as being able to observe their thoughts toward one another, this couple is "lopsided". Cicely's feelings are portrayed very well and we have a good grasp of her personality and character, how much she loves Grant and is torn over their separation. However, Grant is underdeveloped and portrayed as cocky and aloof. This works well for Wentworth when the lead is a male- such as in Lonesome Road where Gale Brandon served as an "anchor" for Rachel Treherne, but Grant is a secondary character, and also the primary murder suspect. We are not privvy to his thoughts about Cicely aside that he sees the separation as a "game". So, I didn't find myself rooting for their reconciliation or enjoying their romance.
This isn't a traditional country house mystery, the character interviews and victims are found in different places and we are roaming about the village with Inspector Abbott as he interviews them. I think Wentworth, like Christie, excels in the English Country House mystery of books such as "Through the Wall", The Chinese Shawl", "The Clock Strikes Twelve", and even "The Ivory Dagger"- all books where Miss Silver also plays a stronger role as the companion to the victims family, and detective.
So, for Miss Silver enthusiasts, I think its a worthy addition for the background on Frank Abbott. But, as far as the mystery itself and fans of Miss Silver, and the romance subplot, a very weak installment.
Also, for those who read Wentworth mysteries for the romance which occupancies all her Miss Silver mysteries, this is the least developed of all I have read thus far. Cicely is separated from Grant for reasons undisclosed to the reader after a brief marriage that seemed to be blissful. When the reasons are revealed in the final chapter, they seem ridiculous- both the reason and the explanation. Where as in "The Case of William Smith" and "The Clock Strikes Twelve" the theme of a separated married couple is played out very well with the reader excitedly following the couples agony of separation, as well as being able to observe their thoughts toward one another, this couple is "lopsided". Cicely's feelings are portrayed very well and we have a good grasp of her personality and character, how much she loves Grant and is torn over their separation. However, Grant is underdeveloped and portrayed as cocky and aloof. This works well for Wentworth when the lead is a male- such as in Lonesome Road where Gale Brandon served as an "anchor" for Rachel Treherne, but Grant is a secondary character, and also the primary murder suspect. We are not privvy to his thoughts about Cicely aside that he sees the separation as a "game". So, I didn't find myself rooting for their reconciliation or enjoying their romance.
This isn't a traditional country house mystery, the character interviews and victims are found in different places and we are roaming about the village with Inspector Abbott as he interviews them. I think Wentworth, like Christie, excels in the English Country House mystery of books such as "Through the Wall", The Chinese Shawl", "The Clock Strikes Twelve", and even "The Ivory Dagger"- all books where Miss Silver also plays a stronger role as the companion to the victims family, and detective.
So, for Miss Silver enthusiasts, I think its a worthy addition for the background on Frank Abbott. But, as far as the mystery itself and fans of Miss Silver, and the romance subplot, a very weak installment.
If you are one of those "Miss Silver" fans who loves the sardonic humor and sophistication of her friend Frank Abbott, you will enjoy the background information in this novel on his character, as the story takes place at the Abbott family mansion. We learn how Frank came by his wit, and how he changed professions from pursuit of a barristers position to becoming a detective for Scotland Yard. I found this information interesting as of all the Miss Silver "sidekicks" he is my favorite. Frank takes a more dominant role in this one, leaving Miss Silver to the back seat of detecting until the final chapters. While enjoying the development of Frank Abbott's character, I read Wentworth for Miss Silver. Seeing her take so little part in the mystery was disappointing.
Also, for those who read Wentworth mysteries for the romance which occupancies all her Miss Silver mysteries, this is the least developed of all I have read thus far. Cicely is separated from Grant for reasons undisclosed to the reader after a brief marriage that seemed to be blissful. When the reasons are revealed in the final chapter, they seem ridiculous- both the reason and the explanation. Where as in "The Case of William Smith" and "The Clock Strikes Twelve" the theme of a separated married couple is played out very well with the reader excitedly following the couples agony of separation, as well as being able to observe their thoughts toward one another, this couple is "lopsided". Cicely's feelings are portrayed very well and we have a good grasp of her personality and character, how much she loves Grant and is torn over their separation. However, Grant is underdeveloped and portrayed as cocky and aloof. This works well for Wentworth when the lead is a male- such as in Lonesome Road where Gale Brandon served as an "anchor" for Rachel Treherne, but Grant is a secondary character, and also the primary murder suspect. We are not privy to his thoughts about Cicely aside that he sees the separation as a "game". So, I didn't find myself rooting for their reconciliation or enjoying their romance.
This isn't a traditional country house mystery, the character interviews and victims are found in different places and we are roaming about the village with Inspector Abbott as he interviews them. I think Wentworth, like Christie, excels in the English Country House mystery of books such as "Through the Wall", The Chinese Shawl", "The Clock Strikes Twelve", and even "The Ivory Dagger"- all books where Miss Silver also plays a stronger role as the companion to the victims family, and detective.
So, for Miss Silver enthusiasts, I think its a worthy addition for the background on Frank Abbott. But, as far as the mystery itself and fans of Miss Silver, and the romance subplot, a very weak installment.
Also, for those who read Wentworth mysteries for the romance which occupancies all her Miss Silver mysteries, this is the least developed of all I have read thus far. Cicely is separated from Grant for reasons undisclosed to the reader after a brief marriage that seemed to be blissful. When the reasons are revealed in the final chapter, they seem ridiculous- both the reason and the explanation. Where as in "The Case of William Smith" and "The Clock Strikes Twelve" the theme of a separated married couple is played out very well with the reader excitedly following the couples agony of separation, as well as being able to observe their thoughts toward one another, this couple is "lopsided". Cicely's feelings are portrayed very well and we have a good grasp of her personality and character, how much she loves Grant and is torn over their separation. However, Grant is underdeveloped and portrayed as cocky and aloof. This works well for Wentworth when the lead is a male- such as in Lonesome Road where Gale Brandon served as an "anchor" for Rachel Treherne, but Grant is a secondary character, and also the primary murder suspect. We are not privy to his thoughts about Cicely aside that he sees the separation as a "game". So, I didn't find myself rooting for their reconciliation or enjoying their romance.
This isn't a traditional country house mystery, the character interviews and victims are found in different places and we are roaming about the village with Inspector Abbott as he interviews them. I think Wentworth, like Christie, excels in the English Country House mystery of books such as "Through the Wall", The Chinese Shawl", "The Clock Strikes Twelve", and even "The Ivory Dagger"- all books where Miss Silver also plays a stronger role as the companion to the victims family, and detective.
So, for Miss Silver enthusiasts, I think its a worthy addition for the background on Frank Abbott. But, as far as the mystery itself and fans of Miss Silver, and the romance subplot, a very weak installment.
