Ron K. (WhidbeyIslander) - , reviewed Mrs Bradley = Diana Rigg? Not even close. on 10/31/2008 + 694 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

The first in the Mrs. Bradley mysteries was probably more of a joy to readers in 1929. Mystery readers now know that Mrs. Bradley is the heroine, more often than not the sleuth who solves the case. But reading this book without that knowledge adds Mrs. Bradley to the list of suspects for the initial crime; knowing her future importance in the books written by Mitchell, we are sure she is not going to be hanged for the murder.

(Note: the casting of Dame Diana Rigg -- the quintessential English high society woman -- as Mrs. Bradley in the television shows might have been a smart move, but she couldn't be further from the description of the novel's Mrs. Bradley, who is described as being "dry without being shrivelled, and birdlike without being pretty." She reminded one of the house party of "a pterodactyl he had once seen in a German museum.")

The book is very well written, and a classic example of the English manor house murder where all the suspects are under one roof for the duration. Some of the happenings are a bit outlandish, but that's part of the fun.

I must have missed a few details since I didn't find all my questions answered at the end, but it was still a satisfying read.

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