An Author Bites the Dust

Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte #11

by Arthur W. Upfield

Although used to dealing in character assassination and verbal backstabbing, the literary clique gathered at the house party of Mervyn Blake, famous author and critic, is shocked when their host is found dead in his writing room.  The cause of death cannot be determined. 

Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, foregoing a vacation to assist the police in the investigation, quickly adapts himself to the world of literary hates and jealousies, a far cry from the bush characters of the inland plains he knows so well.  Clues are scant---a cat, a Ping-Pong ball, an alcoholic gardener---but Bony's observation of human nature and some shrewd literary sleuthing lead him to the crime's ingenious solution.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Australia, Crime, Detective, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1948

About the author

Aka Arthur Upfield

Arthur William Upfield (1 September 1890 – 13 February 1964) was an Australian writer, best known for his works of detective fiction featuring Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte ('Bony') of the Queensland Police Force, a half-caste Aborigine.

Born in England, Upfield moved to Australia in 1910 and fought with the Australian military during the First World War. Following his war service, he travelled extensively throughout Australia, obtaining a knowledge of Australian Aboriginal culture that would later be used extensively in his written works. In addition to his detective fiction, Upfield was also a member of the Australian Geological Society and was involved in numerous scientific expeditions. Upfield's works remained popular after his death, and in the 1970s were the basis for an Australian television series entitled "Boney".

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the eleventh book in this fascinating series and this time it is not set in the outback. Instead the action takes place in a town in the Yarra Valley. Bony is supposed to be back home with his wife on holiday but instead he is following up on a case of murder which appears to have been mishandled in an earlier investigation.

Bony still gets to use his super bushman skills and he actually finally identifies the murderer using footprints in the dirt. He seems to enjoy himself enormously in this story and I did too. I was a little bit sorry for his poor wife left at home though. Another really entertaining read in this great series

[Catsalive · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although used to dealing in character assassination and verbal backstabbing, the literary clique gathered at the house party of Mervyn Blake, famous author and critic, is shocked when their host is found dead in his writing room. The cause of death cannot be determined.

Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, foregoing a vacation to assist the police in the investigation, quickly adapts himself to the world of literary hates and jealousies, a far cry from the bush characters of the inland plains he knows so well. Clues are scant---a cat, a Ping-Pong ball, an alcoholic gardener---but Bony's observation of human nature and some shrewd literary sleuthing lead him to the crime's ingenious solution.

A delightful read as ever, & a book is always better with a cat, as I'm sure Mr. Pickwick would agree, especially when it was his ping-pong ball that set Bony on the true path of knowledge. There are some brilliant character sketches in this one, particularly of the literati - aaah! the difference between Literature with a capital L & commercial fiction...

One does have to suspend disbelief a tad: I have no knowledge of the beliefs of native Colombians, but I think the "weapon" used would be a pretty uncertain means of ushering someone off this mortal coil - highly insanitary, no doubt, but lethal, hmm? Still, it's Bony's methods that make the tale, & his interaction with everyone he comes in contact with throughout the investigation.

I agree with the murderer that Mervyn Blake makes better worm food than a live author, & it's a pity they didn't get away with it.

*As a side note, apparently this book was controversial at the time as it was written in response to a movement to ban overseas books in favour of Australian writing, & as a satirical and autobiographical novel directed at the critics who wanted to silence the author. It sparked a debate in the Commonwealth Parliament but was was never officially banned; instead, it proved a witty defense of Upfield's work and the broader topic of literary authenticity. A major theme within the book is the difference between Literature & commercial fiction - i.e. stuff that actually sells like Upfield's did.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 1948 and gathered quickly from the library for my husband before it closes because of the Covid-19 worries it was a great pleasure to read. I started it and couldn't put it down. It's one of his earliest in the Bony series and set in 'town' and not the outback, his usual haunt. I love the old world language and being able to get a glimpse of social interactions of that era. Arthur Upfield is a delight to read as his writing is sparse but eloquent. They're always ripping yarns and keep you guessing as to who the murderer might be. Loved it!

[John Sheahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1948, this novel encompasses an inspection of the Australian literary scene at the time. The cultural cringe is on display, as well as the (seemingly eternal) debate about what ought to be esteemed in writing - or any creative endeavour for that matter: Is it Literature or pulp for the ill-educated masses? Upfield's take on the matter seems to be a slightly tongue-in-cheek dig at the literary establishment with its vanities, hypocrisies and self-service. In the mirror he creates, Upfield seems to have little concern that his novels do not fit into Literature.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the few Bony stories that I hadn't read and I have to say that I didn't enjoy it anywhere near as much as the others. This was an urban based investigation and the usual elements of Australian bushcraft which feature so prominently in all the others and which I really like, are sadly missing. In fact Bony's part aboriginal heritage was not mentioned once in this book. I found it rather slow and tedious although Bony's charm, intelligence and wit were evident throughout.

Disappointing.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad that I discovered Arthur W. Upfield. His An Author Bites the Dust is an absolutely delightful mystery and I think I'm in love with Inspector "Bony" Bonaparte. He can train his deep blue eyes on me and ask those penetrating questions all he wants to. Oh, darn. He's married and so am I. :-)

Upfield writes intelligent prose that gives the reader exactly what she needs and nothing more. The descriptions of both people and place are apt and brilliantly done without being too wordy. He has gotten the characterizations of "snooty" literary folk down to a "T." The dialogue is sharp and witty and there are no wasted words. I've definitely found myself a new current favorite. And am particularly interested to try more work by an Austalian author. I tend to focus primarily on British writers.

In this mystery a literary clique is gathered for a house party at the home of Mervyn Blake. Blake is a famous author and critic who is used to character assassination and back-stabbing--as are his guests. But the house party is shocked when Blake is found dead in his writing room and the cause of death is not immediately apparent. The local inspector decides that it must be natural causes, but his superior is not satisfied and brings in Detective Inspector Napoleon "Bony" Bonaparte to see if he can find fresh evidence. Bony finds himself in a world that is a far cry from the bush characters that he is used to and must find clues among the literary hates and jealousies. And the clues are few and far between...a cat and his favorite ping pong ball, an alcoholic gardner, and a mysterious return visit by one of the guests when he believes himself unobserved. But it is Bony's shrewd knowledge of human nature that ultimately wins the day.

If this is how Bony manages an investigation when he's out of his element I can't wait to see what he's like at home. Four and a half stars out of five!

This was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My dear Mr. Bonaparte, you may smoke when and where you like," she said. "I'd hate to think of you lying with your head in a cold fire-place and smoking up the chimney. I am glad you smoke. My brother used to say, 'Never trust a man who doesn't smoke or drink or swear when he hits his thumb with a hammer'" (20).

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two and a half stars. Not his worst book but not his best. It held my attention until about halfway through it devolved into a lot of talk and not much action, though later it picked up again. Not content with the usual "colourless, tasteless, odourless South American poison" beloved of Golden Age mystery-magazine authors, Upfield again invents The Perfect Murder Weapon. It is pure invention on his part, I checked and not even Monsieur Google has heard of it, but then Upfield thought nothing of inventing whole swathes of fictitious "Aboriginal" customs and mythology, what's one murder weapon more or less? He also merrily ignored time zones, language difficulties etc. when Boney sends a telegram to Colombia and gets a long reply an hour or two later...never mind that when it arrived the entire Bogota police force would be in bed sound asleep (not to mention the dilatory cultural habits that would affect finding the information, and someone to explain it all in English. In the 1940s.) Sadly, I pegged the murderer very early in the book, which must mean they stood out with a sign around their neck saying in large bold type I DID IT.

There are a lot of women in this book, all of whom are portrayed as faintly ridiculous, from kind but gossipy and feather-headed Miss Pinckney to the "Cosmic Blonde" (erk) Miss Chesterfield. She may be a top level journalist in Melbourne, but Boney is hung up on her looks and her voice and at first thinks that she must be easy to fool because she's beautiful. Then he stops and thinks, oh yeah if she has this luxurious office she must be good at her job! When she calls him out, he just laughs out loud, repeatedly, like isn't she cute. All he can really think about is taking her to "dinner and a show." Ugh.

Upfield's bizarre use of English continues; instead of lighting someone's cigarette, Boney is always "holding a match in service." He also constantly "prefers" people things when real English would use the word "proffered" (or simply handed, since "proffer" was archaic even when the book was written).
If you're looking for Boney's bushcraft, you'll be disappointed. If you aren't interested in droning discussions of authors of "literary novels" vs. "commercial fiction", you will be as bored in the middle section of the book as I was. At least we are spared the Great Australian Natural Disasters this time.

[Rusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery entails a mystery surrounding the death of an author and literary critic. It follows a party held at the home of Mervyn Blake, the murdered man. In good health, he is found dead inside the door of his writing room. Authorities declare the death normal but Bony is sent to investigate the matter because his superior does not believe that this is so.

Napoleon Bonaparte (Bony) is an outstanding detective who sees what others do not and unravels the clues to eventually discover what really happened. A quick read, the author takes the reader into Bony's mind as he unravels the case. While I was fairly certain I knew who committed the murder, it was fascinating to see how Bony uncovers the murderer.

This is a world with which Bony is unfamiliar - a world with writers and critics alike whose egos are mammouth. It seems that two of the writers have decided that they are the best that Australia has to offer. They give good reviews to those who follow them but downgrade all who do not. They are little men who ignore nonwriters as well. Their actions are actually their downfall and help Bony discover why Blake was murdered. I found this a fine read that flows well and is most entertaining. If you pick up this book you, too, may discover why I follow this author's work.

[Karen GoatKeeper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvyn Blake, a champion of literary Australian novels and critic of books, lies dead in his study, a separate locked room. Was it murder? No one is sure. Napoleon Bonaparte is sent to look into his death.
Bony is far from his normal Australian haunts, embroiled in the world of Australian literature. But his mind is sifting through the evidence and making people nervous.
What is the difference between a literary novel and a regular novel in Australia? The case may hang on the answer to this question.
The characters are interesting. Bony gets help from the cat Mr. Pickwick. The ending isn't entirely a surprise but is enough of one to keep the book interesting to the end.
The book is a cozy mystery. All the books in this series owe much of their charm to Bony and the Australia he lives in. It is a fast, fun read.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me, 'An Author Bites the Dust' is one of Arthur Upfield's novels that most closely feels like an Agatha Christie mystery. Written in 1948 it centres on a country house where writers, literary critics and artists regularly meet for dinner parties, gossip and literary discussion. There's a nosy neighbour very much in the Miss Marple mould, a murder, clues, red herrings, a detective often resembling Poirot in his dedication and persistence, a second murder, and something that Christie often made use of - an intriguing poison. I really enjoyed the characters, the plot and the detection. One aspect Upfield explored with his barbed humour was the current Australian debate about what constituted 'literature' as opposed to 'commercial fiction'. You could tell what side he was on!!

[Philip · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read many of Upfields books and thoroughly enjoyed all of them, whizzing through them, ever eager to get back into the outback again with the clever Inspector Bonapart. This book however has stopped me in my tracks. According to other reviewers this is an excellent mystery but once 4°/• of the way through I could go no further. I shall try again but can't wait to get back to the real dust and away from these literary types.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This episode in Boney's detective travels around Australia was interesting in its exploration of the difference between commercial publishing and literary publishing. One character laughs and explains that the only real types of written works are those that sell and those that don't. Only the fuddyduddies who style themselves authors of "literature" waste time belittling others. The title has a nice spin on its meaning.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I read all of Upfield's Bony series back in the '70's but I must have missed this one. While it is dated and Bony is not in the Outback, it is still a special read. The affable, mixed-race constable is just so likable and smart, everyone ends up respecting him. He is sort of a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, but so much more approachable and fun to read.

[Dyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourites so far. The murder method is a little far fetched (that is, I'm not sure how legitimate it is), but it has entertainment value. I'm sympathetic to the murderer and their motive, too, which is an unusual response to an Upfield tale!

Bonus points for having a black cat in the story.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bony in Melbourne and on holidays; relaxed and investigating an interesting case. A literary (not a popular) author has been found dead. Who did it, and how was it done? Humorous and always entertaining mystery with a host of interesting characters.

[Pat Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great whodunit with in the Australia literary world. It is also a wonderful critique of "Popular fiction" and "literature". I wonder if Upfield was caught up in this kind of argument when he was publishing.

I'd give this a 4.5 - one of his best.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first mystery featuring Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte (aka Bony) - an Australian detective. It was entertaining enough but ended rather abruptly. Bony apparently specializes in reconstructing crime scenes through his tracking skills, but it didn't figure into this mystery much. I may try another.

[Derelict Space Sheep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bony is particularly energetic this case, the Yarra Valley setting rendering his bushcraft less germane than a bonhomous interest in people and his knack for pursuing odd, imaginative lines of inquiry. Miss Pinkney and Mr Pickwick provide charming evidence of Upfield’s popularism.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now why was it just a huge monologue at the end just explaining everything, no foreshadowing for it or anything just this was the reason and why I did it 😞 it kept me interested enough though to finish it.

[Wil · Rating 3 out of 5]

An old-fashioned murder mystery in the spirit of Agatha Christie...great fun!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Australian with a PhD in Creative Writing - and I did my doctoral thesis on detective fiction - I was always going to like this book. Pleasingly meta and a worthy whodunit.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A famous author and critic is murdered giving Upfield the opportunity to explore the value of literature versus popular fiction. Bony is on target again with his usual wit and intelligence.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I read all of the "Bony" mysteries about 20 years ago. We no longer have all the paperbacks we purchased back then. I think I loaned some out and never got them back. And now, to buy print copies of the books is very expensive (something like $30 or more for a paperback). But, Audible is beginning to get digital audiobook versions of the previously Belinda Audio recordings of these books, read by Peter Hoskings, and I have been purchasing them for us to listen to together. We fell in love with Australia through these stories. Because the details and plots of each one has faded in memory, hearing them again is as enjoyable as having a new book.

Because these were written in the 1930s and 1940s with an honest portrayal of attitudes towards women, Australian aborigines and half-casts at the time, there is a disclaimer about such expressed attitudes. I do not find any of them offensive, knowing it is a historical perspective. It is hard to say which might be my favorites, but I did enjoy this story centered around the societies of Australian writers. I would recommend this and any other of the Upfield mysteries to anyone who enjoys a clever and quiet mystery.

[Jenny Karraker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun book about Australia and detective Napoleon Bonaparte. At a weekend soirée, one of the writers is found dead. There arises a debate about the value of good literature. One camp is intellectual, writing for the more educated audience; the other writes commercial fiction, I guess what we call beach novels, not terribly intellectually challenging but a page turner. As I suspected, one of the group used a pen name and wrote this "trashy" type. I experienced this contrast at a recent book fair. I attended a panel of Civil War historians who spent years in the Library of Congress transcribing illegible notes as they researched material for their books. I did buy a book for my daughter on a little known figure from that period and I found the book excellent. Next I attended a packed out seminar presented by a popular writing duo who crank out several books a year that belong to the thriller genre. I was a bit miffed when one of the presenters said that fiction was much harder to write bc you had to make up a storyline. I checked out several of their books from the library that week, but I didn't enjoy them. I guess everyone is different.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another atmospheric mystery/suspense novel featuring Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte who always finalizes his cases. This case comes close to finalizing him! As usual there are a number of unusual "characters" but this time the setting has Bony feeling a bit like a fish out of water as it takes place in a suburb and the cities instead of the outback. A well known Australian author and critic has died under suspicious circumstances. The investigation has been bungled and the case is cold. Bony pretends to be a visiting newspaperman from South Africa and boards with the dead author's eccentric and nosy neighbor, Miss Pinkney. Her cat-Mr. Pickwick-quite literally supplies the vital clue!
Upfield was a natural storyteller and it is easy to see where his sympathies lay in the conflict between "literature" and "commercial fiction" which figures so prominently in this story...

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Author Bites The Dust is the 11th novel in the Bony series by Arthur Upfield. Bony finds himself spending his vacation time incognito, at Yarrabo, in the Yarra Valley, much to the displeasure of his wife, because famous author and critic, Mervyn Blake, has died, and it looks like an interesting case of murder. There are very few clues, including a cat, a ping-pong ball, a crystal whiskey glass, some shoe-prints and an alcoholic gardener, but Bony manages, as always, to solve the case. In this novel, a hybrid of a cold-case investigation and a closed-room murder mystery, Upfield uses his characters to make a running commentary about the value and popularity of “capital L” literature and commercial fiction in Australia. This novel has an interesting plot with a great twist and some unusual characters. A great Bony read.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all my mystery-reading friends, my bookstore-owning friend has a whole rack of these and I randomly grabbed one a while ago. If you can find Upfield's stuff, do yourself a favor and pick one up. He wrote these in the 40s/50s and the main character is a half-caste Australian detective called (I kid you not) Napoleon Bonaparte. My library only has three or four and they seem to be out-of-print so they will be a find if you can, well, find them. The mysteries are decent, the setting is pretty exotic (at least it was to me) and Bony (as he is called) is a unique character. Enjoy!!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love these Bony books and I think folks should lay off Arthur Upfield with regard to the language and terminology used regarding the Aborigines. These books are of an age, as was the author, and they should be read with that in mind. That being said, this is not a 'bush case' book, so no aborigines in evidence.