The Neat Little Corpse/Murder's Web/Sudden Vengence

by Max Murray

This rare and vintage book is a perfect addition to any bibliophile's collection

Genres: Mystery

485 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

Maxwell Alexander Murray. 1901-1956. Born in Australia; newspaper reporter in that country, the U.S., and England; scriptwriter and editor for BBC during WWII; married to author Maysie Greig.

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mystery from 1950, set in Jamaica. Patrick Fairlie has taken his boat and his young ward, Robert, to Comeback bay to help in the search for sunken treasure. Or so he thinks. When he finds his employer, the unpleasant Mr. Walker, murdered, it becomes clear that what was at stake is actually a chest containing a 150-year old deed of sale that could mean that the Dacey family, which has owned the Dacey Estate for centuries, would be dispossessed by distant relatives. As he's grown fond of the Dacey family, Patrick is ready to chuck the job. Then another oily character appears, Mortimer Talmage, who produces yet another claimant for the estate. Since these are all young people, various romantic undercurrents complicate the business transactions. Tom Mole, the self-conscious local police officer, runs around the island trying to break alibis. When Robert is kidnapped, Patrick Fairlie becomes more determined than ever to solve the mysteries of the Dacey Estate.

An enjoyable mystery set in an exotic setting. I imagine that Jamaica of the late 1940s bore no resemblance to the Jamaica of today. There are fishermen, there is a dignified local witch doctor doubling as the Estate butler, plenty of superstitions, and the usual colonial prejudices.

Still, good entertainment for a few hours. And Robert, a.k.a. Captain Bloodshot, is as charming (and bloodthirsty) a youngster as ever saw print.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patrick Fairlie and his young ward are hired to do some treasure hunting in the waters around the island of Jamaica. But it's not ordinary treasure his client is seeking; it's proof of the ownership of a great estate. And Patrick finds he's falling in love with the granddaughter of the present owner of the estate, which implicates her grandmother and brother when Fairlie's client is murdered.

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice quick read. While the characters aren't overly deep, it was an interesting plot, and kept me entertained.