With the help of contacts from his former PI days and Charles’ attractive assistant, the razor-sharp Maria Dupré, Langham tries to find the culprit before the incriminating pictures become public. However, it soon becomes apparent this is no ordinary case of extortion.
This is a fun old-fashioned mystery set amid London’s bustling literary community. There are occasional references to the war, and the neighborhoods and environs of the city are vividly described, but otherwise the historical backdrop isn’t prominent. As the tension ratchets ever higher, Langham and Maria begin falling in love, and their sweet, un-angsty romance is a pleasure to follow. A good-hearted, portly man who appreciates the finer things in life, Charles is quite an entertaining character, although some phrases he uses are overdone. He calls Langham "my dear boy" over thirty times in all!
The best part involves just sitting back and watching all the literary types – agents, editors, successful authors, disgruntled hacks, and a grande dame novelist in the Agatha Christie mold – interact within the sometimes congenial, sometimes cutthroat publishing scene. Langham is also a freelance critic of some note, and after an old friend offers to meet him for a pint, Langham tells him, “You’ve saved me from a dull evening of reading for review.” This reviewer, fortunately, had no such worries with this book.
Murder By the Book, first volume of the Langham and Dupré mysteries, was published in July 2013 by Crème de la Crime, a mystery imprint of Severn House ($28.95/£19.99, hb, 224pp). This may be the first historical I've read with a book reviewer as protagonist! This review first appeared in the Historical Novels Review's August issue as an online exclusive.
Speaking of London novelists in the fifties, I just read a book by Edmund Crispin and didn't like it. Is he an acquired taste?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of his work, but maybe someone else here has.
DeleteOoh that sounds good! I might have to look this one up. Thanks for the heads up, Sarah :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Kate! I'd think this one would be especially fun for an author or reviewer to read. Although it's set during an earlier age of fiction writing, some things just don't change!
DeleteThis sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Love, C.
So Eric Brown has a long list of Science Fiction titles.
ReplyDeleteIf this is the same Eric Brown. There are a lot of authors named Eric Brown. As well a lot of mystery novels titled Murder By the Book, including by Rex Stout!
It looks to be the same fellow! Here's his bio from the publisher's website.
DeleteI agree. The title may be catchy, but it's not unique.
Reading this review makes me want to go out and buy this book! It sounds like it has a lot of things I enjoy in a novel: romance, mystery and a twist!
ReplyDeleteCrime and mystery set in old London sounds like a perfect atmosphere for a thrilling and intriguing read. It's also refreshing that the main character is a novelist himself. And I also like when romance is a side part of a story, not the main thing. This seems like an interesting read
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts, Kristopher! I agree London is a great setting for a mystery about books.
DeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your review of “Murder By the Book”! It sounds like a really enjoyable read, especially for fans of classic mysteries. I love how you described the characters and the plot. The mix of mystery, romance, and the lively literary scene in 1955 London seems to make for a great story. Your review has definitely made me interested in Donald Langham’s adventures. I'll take a look at it in more details.
Hi Nelson, thanks for your detailed comments and your interest in the book!
Delete