3.5 out of 5 stars
Halloween Bingo 2025
I’ve been wanting to try something by Marsh for some time and this first Roderick Alleyn mystery was ideal for the purpose of this game. I am quite spoiled by Agatha Christie, so I was unsure how I would feel about this author. My first impression was that the tale was very much like Georgette Heyer’s Envious Casca. I was a bit bored, thinking foolishly that I knew where things were headed. Shortly after this, Marsh seized the plot and turned it in her own direction, reigniting my interest.
Marsh is every bit as good at misdirection as Christie. Unfortunately, she included a bizarre Russian subplot which contributed very little to my way of thinking. However, I did like Nigel Bathgate, reporter and cousin of the murder victim, who rather outcompetes Alleyn for main character status. Marsh is economical with character descriptions, letting their actions tell the reader about them. We are invited to make our own conclusions about them. And of course, my conclusions were cockeyed.
Alleyn reminded me of P.D. James’ Adam Dalgliesh, though at this point I still prefer James’ creation. Nevertheless, I think there will be more Chief DI Alleyn in my future.
I read this book for the Parlour Room Mystery square of my Halloween Bingo card.
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