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Sir John Appleby #17
The Long Farewell
Scotland Yard's Sir John Appleby suspects foul play when the supposed suicide of scholar Lewis Packford appears to be linked to the disappearance of a rare book in Packford's collection
227 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1958
31 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Michael Innes
130 books91 followersMichael Innes was the pseudonym of John Innes MacKintosh (J.I.M.) Stewart (J.I.M. Stewart).
He was born in Edinburgh, and educated at Edinburgh Academy and Oriel College, Oxford. He was Lecturer in English at the University of Leeds from 1930 - 1935, and spent the succeeding ten years as Jury Professor of English at the University of Adelaide, South Australia.
He returned to the United Kingdom in 1949, to become a Lecturer at the Queen's University of Belfast. In 1949 he became a Student (Fellow) of Christ Church, Oxford, becoming a Professor by the time of his retirement in 1973.
As J.I.M. Stewart he published a number of works of non-fiction, mainly critical studies of authors, including Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling, as well as about twenty works of fiction and a memoir, 'Myself and Michael Innes'.
As Michael Innes, he published numerous mystery novels and short story collections, most featuring the Scotland Yard detective John Appleby.
He was born in Edinburgh, and educated at Edinburgh Academy and Oriel College, Oxford. He was Lecturer in English at the University of Leeds from 1930 - 1935, and spent the succeeding ten years as Jury Professor of English at the University of Adelaide, South Australia.
He returned to the United Kingdom in 1949, to become a Lecturer at the Queen's University of Belfast. In 1949 he became a Student (Fellow) of Christ Church, Oxford, becoming a Professor by the time of his retirement in 1973.
As J.I.M. Stewart he published a number of works of non-fiction, mainly critical studies of authors, including Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling, as well as about twenty works of fiction and a memoir, 'Myself and Michael Innes'.
As Michael Innes, he published numerous mystery novels and short story collections, most featuring the Scotland Yard detective John Appleby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 4, 2013
Sir John Appleby, Inspector at Scotland Yard, is on holiday in Italy and decides to stop in and see an acquaintance who is also abroad. Lewis Packford is a well-known, if flamboyant, Elizabethan
scholar with a penchant for quoting Shakespeare at the most interesting moments. Packford often puts together spectacular discoveries and springs them on his colleagues with much glee--sometimes with hints and portents beforehand and sometimes all at once. Appleby's conversation with Packford at the Italian villa would seem to indicate that another such literary bombshell is about to drop.
When he returns to England, Packford invites several of his colleagues to his country house--presumably with a view to impressing them with his latest bit of scholarship. But before Packford can produce his most recent surprise, a shot rings out in the library and he is found dead with a brief note written in his own hand beside him. The note reads: Farewell, a long farewell. A Shakespearean reference which is taken to be an apt suicide note for such a scholar. The police are satisfied with the suicide verdict--particularly since Packford had just been exposed as a bigamist. But Packford's solicitor is not and, when the solicitor brings the matter to Appleby's attention, neither is Appleby.
Appleby's investigates and finds that Packford had apparently acquired a rare book purportedly annotated by William Shakespeare. The scholars and bibliophiles who make up the house party (and who are still present well after the funeral is over) might have killed to get their hands on the precious book. One of Packford's wives may have killed him in a fit of passion. And then there's Packford's brother--who inherits the family home. It's up to Appleby to figure out who was desperate enough to shoot the Shakespearean scholar.
I do love the academic mysteries--particularly when there are dotty dons littering the landscape. We've got several here--and they are being as eccentric and inscrutable as one could wish. On top of that there are some fine red herrings, interesting conversations, and a midnight farce in the library. Four stars.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
scholar with a penchant for quoting Shakespeare at the most interesting moments. Packford often puts together spectacular discoveries and springs them on his colleagues with much glee--sometimes with hints and portents beforehand and sometimes all at once. Appleby's conversation with Packford at the Italian villa would seem to indicate that another such literary bombshell is about to drop.
When he returns to England, Packford invites several of his colleagues to his country house--presumably with a view to impressing them with his latest bit of scholarship. But before Packford can produce his most recent surprise, a shot rings out in the library and he is found dead with a brief note written in his own hand beside him. The note reads: Farewell, a long farewell. A Shakespearean reference which is taken to be an apt suicide note for such a scholar. The police are satisfied with the suicide verdict--particularly since Packford had just been exposed as a bigamist. But Packford's solicitor is not and, when the solicitor brings the matter to Appleby's attention, neither is Appleby.
Appleby's investigates and finds that Packford had apparently acquired a rare book purportedly annotated by William Shakespeare. The scholars and bibliophiles who make up the house party (and who are still present well after the funeral is over) might have killed to get their hands on the precious book. One of Packford's wives may have killed him in a fit of passion. And then there's Packford's brother--who inherits the family home. It's up to Appleby to figure out who was desperate enough to shoot the Shakespearean scholar.
I do love the academic mysteries--particularly when there are dotty dons littering the landscape. We've got several here--and they are being as eccentric and inscrutable as one could wish. On top of that there are some fine red herrings, interesting conversations, and a midnight farce in the library. Four stars.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
February 28, 2019
As is usual with any Michael Innes detective story there are lots of improbable and eccentric characters. This time the plot centres around a set of scholars and the possibility of a discovery of a rare piece of writing from none other than William Shakespeare. Throw in a bigamous marriage, a country house and Sir John Appleby and you have a very entertaining piece of crime fiction.
November 1, 2018
Minunate cartuliile astea cu care te destinzi si pe care le poti termina într-o zi! Am sa-mi fac un raft de lecturi de luni si miercuri seara, înainte de cursuri :).
March 16, 2019
This Inspector Appleby mystery combines a dash of farce with suspicious deaths and bigamy in a country house where a recently acquired Shakespearean collectible is missing and scholars and collectors are in hot pursuit. For Shakespeare mixed with mystery, I preferred this author’s earlier book, “Hamlet, Revenge!” which has more Shakespeare and less plot.
August 19, 2021
Not to be confused with
The Long Goodbye
, this is a gentle, scholarly murder mystery mostly set at an Italian villa and an estate in the English countryside. The characters are eccentric but not generally caricatures, the mystery tangled but not tortured, the solution satisfying but not brilliant. It all has the flavor of
Cakes and Ale
about it.
March 26, 2020
The Long Farewell is book 17 in the series Inspector Appleby mysteries. This book was originally published in 1958, but has been re-released by Agora Books. This was my first book in the Inspector Applyby mysteries, and I felt that it wasn't a problem that I hadn't read the others. This can easily be a stand-alone.
The writing is excellent. It is sharp and witty and was wonderful to read. There were lots of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, and I had fun thinking I knew the answer, then clearly being wrong, and trying again.
I would recommend this book for readers that enjoy British mysteries. It's an intriguing read with a good story!
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
The writing is excellent. It is sharp and witty and was wonderful to read. There were lots of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, and I had fun thinking I knew the answer, then clearly being wrong, and trying again.
I would recommend this book for readers that enjoy British mysteries. It's an intriguing read with a good story!
I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 17, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Long Farewell is the 17th Inspector Appleby mystery by Michael Innes. First published in 1958, this reformat and re-release from Agora Books, out 12th Dec 2019, is 184 pages and available in ebook format (other editions in most other formats). Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book, along with most of the rest of the series, are included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
I have been a fan of the Inspector Appleby mysteries as long as I can remember and I revisit them regularly. They're a lighthearted brand of classic British mystery with intricate plots and well defined (if archetypal) characters and the dialogue is often witty and stylish. They're self aware and not above poking good-hearted fun at everything from the class system to academia to police procedurals. They never devolve into mean-ness or ad hominem attacks and the good guys generally get their man (or woman) in the end. This one is true to form and I am not quite sure how it happened, but I don't remember having read it before.
The book has aged well, despite its 60+ years. The prose is crisp and nuanced. The language is possibly slightly more academic than modern cozies. Due diligence in reading is richly rewarded with many subtly humorous exchanges. There's a scene between Inspector Appleby and Professor Prodger which was perfect and surprised a chuckle out of me. It's lovely to read a classic, very well written, good humored, solidly British mystery.
This edition includes a very short informative author bio. The ebook format also has handy interactive links to some of Michael Innes' works. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
Four stars. A fun light read and very well written.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Long Farewell is the 17th Inspector Appleby mystery by Michael Innes. First published in 1958, this reformat and re-release from Agora Books, out 12th Dec 2019, is 184 pages and available in ebook format (other editions in most other formats). Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book, along with most of the rest of the series, are included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
I have been a fan of the Inspector Appleby mysteries as long as I can remember and I revisit them regularly. They're a lighthearted brand of classic British mystery with intricate plots and well defined (if archetypal) characters and the dialogue is often witty and stylish. They're self aware and not above poking good-hearted fun at everything from the class system to academia to police procedurals. They never devolve into mean-ness or ad hominem attacks and the good guys generally get their man (or woman) in the end. This one is true to form and I am not quite sure how it happened, but I don't remember having read it before.
The book has aged well, despite its 60+ years. The prose is crisp and nuanced. The language is possibly slightly more academic than modern cozies. Due diligence in reading is richly rewarded with many subtly humorous exchanges. There's a scene between Inspector Appleby and Professor Prodger which was perfect and surprised a chuckle out of me. It's lovely to read a classic, very well written, good humored, solidly British mystery.
This edition includes a very short informative author bio. The ebook format also has handy interactive links to some of Michael Innes' works. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
Four stars. A fun light read and very well written.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 11, 2012
Originally published on my blog here in May 2000.
When flamboyant Lewis Packford is found dead after a pistol shot is heard, it is assumed that he has committed suicide - after all, he has just been exposed as a bigamist. But unanswered questions remain, and Sir John Appleby starts to investigate. ("The long farewell" is a phrase from Cardinal Wolsey's retirement speech in Shakespeare's Henry VIII, rather than an oblique Raymond Chandler reference, and it is its appearance on a note makes Packford's death seem to be suicide.)
As a detective story, there seem to be distinct holes in the plot, notably that Appleby ignores what seems to me the most obvious lead, the anonymous notes sent simultaneously to Packford's wives to get them to turn up at his house (which has the rather pleasing name of Urchins) at the appropriate moment.
Nevertheless, The Long Farewell is enjoyable, with an interesting background in the more eccentric fringes of Shakespeare scholarship.
When flamboyant Lewis Packford is found dead after a pistol shot is heard, it is assumed that he has committed suicide - after all, he has just been exposed as a bigamist. But unanswered questions remain, and Sir John Appleby starts to investigate. ("The long farewell" is a phrase from Cardinal Wolsey's retirement speech in Shakespeare's Henry VIII, rather than an oblique Raymond Chandler reference, and it is its appearance on a note makes Packford's death seem to be suicide.)
As a detective story, there seem to be distinct holes in the plot, notably that Appleby ignores what seems to me the most obvious lead, the anonymous notes sent simultaneously to Packford's wives to get them to turn up at his house (which has the rather pleasing name of Urchins) at the appropriate moment.
Nevertheless, The Long Farewell is enjoyable, with an interesting background in the more eccentric fringes of Shakespeare scholarship.
May 16, 2009
Chief Inspector John Appleby is visiting Italy and takes the time to drop in on an old friend. Lewis Packford, a Shakespearean scholar, is pleased to see his friend, but Appleby gets the idea that he has a secret he's working on.
Just a few weeks later, Appleby is at Packford's funeral. His friend has committed suicide. But his lawyer thinks it was murder and wants Appleby to investigate.
Appleby finds that Packford had no shortage of motives for murder. He was a bigamist, he was deep in debt. But he also had a houseful of guests, and they all have secrets of their own. The more Appleby digs, the more he believes that this was no suicide.
I really enjoyed this one. I thought I remembered how this book ended, but I was wrong. I am so glad I found this one!
Just a few weeks later, Appleby is at Packford's funeral. His friend has committed suicide. But his lawyer thinks it was murder and wants Appleby to investigate.
Appleby finds that Packford had no shortage of motives for murder. He was a bigamist, he was deep in debt. But he also had a houseful of guests, and they all have secrets of their own. The more Appleby digs, the more he believes that this was no suicide.
I really enjoyed this one. I thought I remembered how this book ended, but I was wrong. I am so glad I found this one!
August 2, 2014
Appleby visits his friend, literary scholar Lewis Packford, while driving through Italy, and finds the man excited about something. The next thing he knows, he's at Packford's funeral, listening to the dead man's lawyer tell him that it wasn't suicide. As chief of Scotland Yard, Appleby doesn't get to investigate much, but he can't resist a trip to Packford's country house, where an oddly assembled group of people awaits conclusions.
January 21, 2020
I loved this book. The literary illusions were fun, the characters were eccentric, intellectual and lived in a very elite environment of rare books and mysteries. It is loaded with twists and turns with moments of wry humor interspersed. This book may not be everyone's cup of tea but for those of us that love elegant mysteries you will really enjoy it... Five Stars
My thanks to Netgalley and Agora Books
My thanks to Netgalley and Agora Books
June 10, 2020
I have read and enjoyed one previous work by the author, Death on a Quiet Day, and I was happy to try another by the author. After my last read, I was a little apprehensive when I saw how much the first chapter leaned into Shakespeare. My next to nothing knowledge on the topic made me fear being left out of the entire narrative, but I was happily mistaken.
There are some narrative styles that one clicks with and for some reason, I like Sir Appleby and way his mind works. He has a very systematic approach and for the most part, keeps us, the reader in the loop. This last part is not very common in the books that I have read of sleuths/cops based in that period. On a random trip to Italy, Sir John happens to meet an old friend who delights in the most random of things, and he sends him off with very odd thoughts both voiced and implied. Soon after, the man is no more. The circumstances surrounding his death are strange, to say the least, and after a few instances of goading as well as the memory of the peculiar last meeting gets an investigation underway with Sir John heading down to the scene of the crime. As he gets to the point, he meets the odd members of the situation in an orderly fashion giving us an entertaining introduction to them all. There are more oddball characters thrown in than I would have expected from a tale of this size, but they were essential to the narrative increasing the stakes of the background. Finally, the ending. The resolution happened in a surprising twist after I was lulled into thinking I knew where it was going, and like a majority of the times that has happened, I enjoyed the suddenness. The whole situation stretches over just a couple of days before being wrapped up.
I would definitely pick up more books by this author the next chance I get. I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley (the reprint published last year) and the publishers, but the review is solely based on my affinity to the writing style and my reading experience as a whole.
There are some narrative styles that one clicks with and for some reason, I like Sir Appleby and way his mind works. He has a very systematic approach and for the most part, keeps us, the reader in the loop. This last part is not very common in the books that I have read of sleuths/cops based in that period. On a random trip to Italy, Sir John happens to meet an old friend who delights in the most random of things, and he sends him off with very odd thoughts both voiced and implied. Soon after, the man is no more. The circumstances surrounding his death are strange, to say the least, and after a few instances of goading as well as the memory of the peculiar last meeting gets an investigation underway with Sir John heading down to the scene of the crime. As he gets to the point, he meets the odd members of the situation in an orderly fashion giving us an entertaining introduction to them all. There are more oddball characters thrown in than I would have expected from a tale of this size, but they were essential to the narrative increasing the stakes of the background. Finally, the ending. The resolution happened in a surprising twist after I was lulled into thinking I knew where it was going, and like a majority of the times that has happened, I enjoyed the suddenness. The whole situation stretches over just a couple of days before being wrapped up.
I would definitely pick up more books by this author the next chance I get. I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley (the reprint published last year) and the publishers, but the review is solely based on my affinity to the writing style and my reading experience as a whole.
April 5, 2020
This was a miraculous find! The author can write, and there was actually a plot. I really enjoyed this 1958 edition.
March 28, 2020
I love the writing style of Michael Innes. It almost seems to rich for a mere mystery. I love the detective, Sir John Appleby's patience, the depths of his listening, his understanding, and reasoning. I love the slow way the mysteries unfold. Sometimes though the mystery solved can be so over complicated and it can stretch belief that anyone could have unraveled it. But then again, I'm someone who rarely, and I mean rarely, can ever solve any mystery book. So what do I know.
March 7, 2020
This book is the 17th in the John Appleby series. It was first published in 1958 and has now been reprinted by Agora Books and released on 12th December 2019.
Lewis Packford, a flamboyant Shakespearean scholar drops hints of a major literary acquisition by him. He invites a number of his colleagues to his country house to reveal his discovery.
Though Lewis is regarded as a bachelor by others, he is a secret bigamist. Just before the country house party, the two wives receive anonymous letters informing them of his double marriage and they also arrive at the country house to confront him.
At about 10.30 p.m , a shot is heard from the library of the country house and when the housekeeper rushes there, she finds Lewis dead, slumped over his desk and shot in his head with the gun lying on the floor. A message is scrawled on a postcard on the desk,”Farewell, a long farewell.”
His death is treated as a suicide by the local police especially since he has been exposed as a bigamist but his solicitor Rood thinks it is murder and tells so to John Appleby, Assistant Commissioner at Scotland Yard. Appleby decides to investigate.
Appleby finds a mixed bag of suspects. Any of the scholars and bibliophiles who make up the house party might have killed him to steal his precious literary acquisition. One of Packford's wives may have killed him in a fit of passion. And then there's Packford's younger brother who might have killed him to inherit the family home and fortune.
The plot is intricate with several eccentric and improbable characters. The dialogue is interesting and often witty. There is an entertaining midnight farce in the library. The suspense is maintained till the end. However, I found the language a bit too academic, improper for a murder mystery. Hence I rate the book as 3 stars, otherwise I would have given 4 stars.
Lewis Packford, a flamboyant Shakespearean scholar drops hints of a major literary acquisition by him. He invites a number of his colleagues to his country house to reveal his discovery.
Though Lewis is regarded as a bachelor by others, he is a secret bigamist. Just before the country house party, the two wives receive anonymous letters informing them of his double marriage and they also arrive at the country house to confront him.
At about 10.30 p.m , a shot is heard from the library of the country house and when the housekeeper rushes there, she finds Lewis dead, slumped over his desk and shot in his head with the gun lying on the floor. A message is scrawled on a postcard on the desk,”Farewell, a long farewell.”
His death is treated as a suicide by the local police especially since he has been exposed as a bigamist but his solicitor Rood thinks it is murder and tells so to John Appleby, Assistant Commissioner at Scotland Yard. Appleby decides to investigate.
Appleby finds a mixed bag of suspects. Any of the scholars and bibliophiles who make up the house party might have killed him to steal his precious literary acquisition. One of Packford's wives may have killed him in a fit of passion. And then there's Packford's younger brother who might have killed him to inherit the family home and fortune.
The plot is intricate with several eccentric and improbable characters. The dialogue is interesting and often witty. There is an entertaining midnight farce in the library. The suspense is maintained till the end. However, I found the language a bit too academic, improper for a murder mystery. Hence I rate the book as 3 stars, otherwise I would have given 4 stars.
December 23, 2019
This book is the 17th in the John Appleby series. It was first published in 1958 and has now been reprinted by Agora Books and released on 12th December 2019.
Lewis Packford, a flamboyant Shakespearean scholar drops hints of a major literary acquisition by him. He invites a number of his colleagues to his country house to reveal his discovery.
Though Lewis is regarded as a bachelor by others, he is a secret bigamist. Just before the country house party, the two wives receive anonymous letters informing them of his double marriage and they also arrive at the country house to confront him.
At about 10.30 p.m , a shot is heard from the library of the country house and when the housekeeper rushes there, she finds Lewis dead, slumped over his desk and shot in his head with the gun lying on the floor. A message is scrawled on a postcard on the desk,”Farewell, a long farewell.”
His dearh is treated as a suicide by the local police especially since he has been exposed as a bigamist but his solicitor Rood thinks it is murder and tells so to John Appleby, Assistant Commissioner at Scotland Yard. Appleby decides to investigate.
Appleby finds a mixed bag of suspects. Any of the scholars and bibliophiles who make up the house party might have killed him to steal his precious literary acquisition. One of Packford's wives may have killed him in a fit of passion. And then there's Packford's younger brother who might have killed him to inherit the family home and fortune.
The plot is intricate with several eccentric and improbable characters. The dialogue is interesting and often witty. There is an entertaining midnight farce in the library. The suspense is maintained till the end. However, I found the language a bit too academic, improper for a murder mystery. Hence I rate the book as 3 stars, otherwise I would have given 4 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Agora Books for a free review copy.
Lewis Packford, a flamboyant Shakespearean scholar drops hints of a major literary acquisition by him. He invites a number of his colleagues to his country house to reveal his discovery.
Though Lewis is regarded as a bachelor by others, he is a secret bigamist. Just before the country house party, the two wives receive anonymous letters informing them of his double marriage and they also arrive at the country house to confront him.
At about 10.30 p.m , a shot is heard from the library of the country house and when the housekeeper rushes there, she finds Lewis dead, slumped over his desk and shot in his head with the gun lying on the floor. A message is scrawled on a postcard on the desk,”Farewell, a long farewell.”
His dearh is treated as a suicide by the local police especially since he has been exposed as a bigamist but his solicitor Rood thinks it is murder and tells so to John Appleby, Assistant Commissioner at Scotland Yard. Appleby decides to investigate.
Appleby finds a mixed bag of suspects. Any of the scholars and bibliophiles who make up the house party might have killed him to steal his precious literary acquisition. One of Packford's wives may have killed him in a fit of passion. And then there's Packford's younger brother who might have killed him to inherit the family home and fortune.
The plot is intricate with several eccentric and improbable characters. The dialogue is interesting and often witty. There is an entertaining midnight farce in the library. The suspense is maintained till the end. However, I found the language a bit too academic, improper for a murder mystery. Hence I rate the book as 3 stars, otherwise I would have given 4 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Agora Books for a free review copy.
December 18, 2019
Sir John Appleby Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police is on holiday in Italy when, on the way to meet his wife in Verona, he drops in on old chum Lewis Packford, learned but eccentric Shakespearian scholar, in his picturesque rented lakeside villa where they have a pleasant meal.
On his return to England Appleby is soon attending the man’s funeral.He was found in his study having apparently shot himself, leaving a note with a Shakesperian quote beside him.
His solicitor suspects foul play, so Appleby visits Packford’s country house, peculiarly named Urchins, to find his brother is also not convinced it was suicide.
Throw in two women who have turned up claiming to be married to Packford, one an academic like him, one a barmaid, and you have a nice classic crime style plot.
If you like plenty of action this is not for you, but I enjoyed the languid pace and country house setting, with rumours of a newly found Shakespearian manuscript, a plethora of eccentric characters, a touch of light farce in the library in the middle of the night and a bit of bigamy thrown in for good measure.
A reliable, satisfying mystery from Michael Innes to pass an evening or two.
Highly recommended in my opinion.
On his return to England Appleby is soon attending the man’s funeral.He was found in his study having apparently shot himself, leaving a note with a Shakesperian quote beside him.
His solicitor suspects foul play, so Appleby visits Packford’s country house, peculiarly named Urchins, to find his brother is also not convinced it was suicide.
Throw in two women who have turned up claiming to be married to Packford, one an academic like him, one a barmaid, and you have a nice classic crime style plot.
If you like plenty of action this is not for you, but I enjoyed the languid pace and country house setting, with rumours of a newly found Shakespearian manuscript, a plethora of eccentric characters, a touch of light farce in the library in the middle of the night and a bit of bigamy thrown in for good measure.
A reliable, satisfying mystery from Michael Innes to pass an evening or two.
Highly recommended in my opinion.
December 17, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy.
This was off to a slow start. I found the first chapter, with its detailed discussion of Shakespearean textual theories, a bit of a trial, even though I have some interest and background in the field. It proved, however, to be a device for setting the scene for the mystery, and the narrative soon swung into the familiar ease and rhythm of an Appleby mystery. As such it did not disappoint.
I liked the tensions created by the relationships, the need to maintain position, whether social or academic. It is a nice study in human behaviour and motivation. I also appreciate the light touch on who asks questions and who is prepared to accept the seemingly obvious explanations - very credibly managed.
There are red herrings and twists, deftly managed. Perhaps what I like most of all is the insight into social pressure of the period - why a man - or a woman- would take huge social risks, what risks might have been worth taking and why, and what moves others to conform.
I still think the first chapter could have been improved by editing - but I’m glad I persevered!
This was off to a slow start. I found the first chapter, with its detailed discussion of Shakespearean textual theories, a bit of a trial, even though I have some interest and background in the field. It proved, however, to be a device for setting the scene for the mystery, and the narrative soon swung into the familiar ease and rhythm of an Appleby mystery. As such it did not disappoint.
I liked the tensions created by the relationships, the need to maintain position, whether social or academic. It is a nice study in human behaviour and motivation. I also appreciate the light touch on who asks questions and who is prepared to accept the seemingly obvious explanations - very credibly managed.
There are red herrings and twists, deftly managed. Perhaps what I like most of all is the insight into social pressure of the period - why a man - or a woman- would take huge social risks, what risks might have been worth taking and why, and what moves others to conform.
I still think the first chapter could have been improved by editing - but I’m glad I persevered!
December 13, 2019
This is an enjoyable and clever classic crime.
Sir John Appleby visits an acquaintance, Lewis Pickford, in Italy. Pickford is a scholar in Elizabethan literature. He invites Sir John for dinner, bu is very secretive about his apparent excitement. Not too long after, Sir John goes to Peckford’s funeral. He shares a cab with Peckford’s lawyer who doesn’t believe Peckford killed himself. Although a colleague had already declared it suicide, Sir John goes to Peckford’s home Urchins to do his own investigation.
There is a houseful is suspects, including two wives. The first is also a scholar, and the second is a bar maid. There is a competent housekeeper, and several other scholars, who had come for Peckford’s new discovery. Arriving after Sir John were a rich American collector, the editor of a scholarly journal, and the lawyer with the will. Sir John realizes many of those present would be interested in Peckford’s supposed Shakespeare find. After much questioning and two more deaths, Sir John tells the remaining folks what had happened and why.
Sir John Appleby visits an acquaintance, Lewis Pickford, in Italy. Pickford is a scholar in Elizabethan literature. He invites Sir John for dinner, bu is very secretive about his apparent excitement. Not too long after, Sir John goes to Peckford’s funeral. He shares a cab with Peckford’s lawyer who doesn’t believe Peckford killed himself. Although a colleague had already declared it suicide, Sir John goes to Peckford’s home Urchins to do his own investigation.
There is a houseful is suspects, including two wives. The first is also a scholar, and the second is a bar maid. There is a competent housekeeper, and several other scholars, who had come for Peckford’s new discovery. Arriving after Sir John were a rich American collector, the editor of a scholarly journal, and the lawyer with the will. Sir John realizes many of those present would be interested in Peckford’s supposed Shakespeare find. After much questioning and two more deaths, Sir John tells the remaining folks what had happened and why.
December 17, 2019
Certainly this is one of the more readily-accessible of the Appleby books, wearing its erudition and cleverness a little more lightly than many. However a reasonable knowledge of Shakespeare will greatly enhance the casual reader's enjoyment. It is also relatively short and, after the somewhat lumbering first chapter, the plot moves along at an enjoyable pace.
The opening chapter is decidedly off-putting but is necessary to the plot, so it is worth persevering with it to reach the richer pastures beyond.. Sir John is in good form, investigating the suspect suicide of a literary scholar. There is some good characterisation and the prose style is a little simpler than usual.
A relaxing and enjoyable read which would provide an easy introduction for new readers.
Thank you to the Crime Classics Readers" Club and Agora Books for the digital review copy.
The opening chapter is decidedly off-putting but is necessary to the plot, so it is worth persevering with it to reach the richer pastures beyond.. Sir John is in good form, investigating the suspect suicide of a literary scholar. There is some good characterisation and the prose style is a little simpler than usual.
A relaxing and enjoyable read which would provide an easy introduction for new readers.
Thank you to the Crime Classics Readers" Club and Agora Books for the digital review copy.
December 14, 2019
I do love a classic style murder mystery, especially when the reader is transported back to a genteel time of gentlemen detectives, knighted ones in this instance.
It took me a minute to slip into the archaic language but the rewards of stepping back in time through the pages more than made up for the discombobulation.
I was delighted at the dry humor that interspersed Sir John's investigations and loved his gentle unraveling of the situation, picking up clues even during the most innocuous conversations. The plot had twists and turns and a few red herrings which kept me turning the pages.
Many thanks to Agora Books and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy.
It took me a minute to slip into the archaic language but the rewards of stepping back in time through the pages more than made up for the discombobulation.
I was delighted at the dry humor that interspersed Sir John's investigations and loved his gentle unraveling of the situation, picking up clues even during the most innocuous conversations. The plot had twists and turns and a few red herrings which kept me turning the pages.
Many thanks to Agora Books and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy.
February 21, 2020
"The Long Farewell" could have more aptly been entitled, "The Very Long Beginning". The book lurches from an unnecessarily convoluted introduction, which tries to set up some of the motivation for the later death (murder?/suicide?) of the character Appleby visits, to an awkward funeral scene, to even more awkward introductions of the remaining characters..
I got the feeling that Innes started with a Shakespeare quotation he thought intriguing, and tried to weave a plot around it, but didn't have the energy or conviction to make it work. He kept plodding on anyway, painfully trying to dress it up with literary allusions. The result is unconvincing.
I got the feeling that Innes started with a Shakespeare quotation he thought intriguing, and tried to weave a plot around it, but didn't have the energy or conviction to make it work. He kept plodding on anyway, painfully trying to dress it up with literary allusions. The result is unconvincing.
June 24, 2021
This Sir John Appleby (15th in the series), mystery begins with Appleby dropping by to visit an acquaintance whilst on his vacation in Italy. Lewis Packford, an eccentric Shakespearean. scholar, drops hints of a tremendous "find". Later, back in England, Appleby ends up investigating his friend's murder. Complications include finding a forgery at the Packford country home and unraveling the details of a bigamy case. Interesting characters and location descriptions.
1958 Penguin Books 1971
1958 Penguin Books 1971
December 14, 2019
A well crafted and engrossing Golden Age Mystery, I found it enjoyable and it kept me hooked till the end.
I loved the description of the Garda Lake and I liked the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
The cast of characters is fleshed out and interesting and I like the Shakespeare quotes and the discussion.
The solid mystery kept me guessing till the end and it's well thought and fascinating.
I look forward to read other books by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Agora Press and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the description of the Garda Lake and I liked the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
The cast of characters is fleshed out and interesting and I like the Shakespeare quotes and the discussion.
The solid mystery kept me guessing till the end and it's well thought and fascinating.
I look forward to read other books by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Agora Press and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
May 23, 2020
I first read this book over thirty years ago and I was pleased to be able to read it again. I did not remember the plot at all but some of the dialogue had stuck in my head. This was first published in 1958 and features Sir John Appleby. The plot is convoluted and most of the book is set in a country house with a cast of bizarre characters but the author carries it off with wit and humour.
July 25, 2019
Very interesting story. I was disappointed by the so-called prologue, however. It was messy and confusing. Then the real murder mystery begins. Ultimate, there are three deaths. A murder made to look like a suicide. A murder which is really an execution. And, finally, a suicide. Well-written and well-paced.
December 25, 2019
Disclaimer: ARC provided by publisher for an honest review
An intriguing mystery with some very neat twists. The pacing was a tad too slow for me, but I can see why it needed to be that way. This is proper pen and paper mystery, no chases and no suspenses. It's about clever questioning and finding the contradictions.
A fun read for a rainy day with a good cup of tea by your side.
An intriguing mystery with some very neat twists. The pacing was a tad too slow for me, but I can see why it needed to be that way. This is proper pen and paper mystery, no chases and no suspenses. It's about clever questioning and finding the contradictions.
A fun read for a rainy day with a good cup of tea by your side.
February 6, 2020
Another story featuring Inspector Appleby, which I enjoyed. Well worth a read.
May 7, 2020
I had read a few Michael Innes/Inspector Appleby books many years ago, in paperback, and remembered them favorably, but without much detail. And I usually have a soft spot for British mysteries too, so I was happy to receive an ARC of The Long Farewell from Agora Books/NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. It’s about half-way through the series, which appears to be being re-issued in e-book by Agora.
One of the things I tend to like about British mysteries is the sly, dry and sometimes quirky British humor in many of them, and The Long Farewell is a great example of this. In fact, for me, the sharp, slightly academic writing style (which makes sense since the author was also an academic himself - Michael Innes is a pen name), is good enough that I wouldn’t have minded much if the plot weren’t great. However, I found the plot also amusing and engaging. The book flew by for me and I read it over only a couple of days, which means I liked it, and is a nice compliment.
In older British mysteries, I sometimes get a little uncomfortable with the clear divisions between classes, but this book is not too bad with that, and it’s really a characteristic of the mysteries of that era. I get uncomfortable with the same thing even in some Agatha Christie books.
All-in-all, I really enjoyed this book, and I hope to read more Michael Innes e-books in the future. Please note that for me, 4 stars out of 5 is a really good ranking. I reserve 5 stars for a very few absolute favorite books; probably no more than one in twenty or thirty books that I read. And once again, my thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the advance review copy.
One of the things I tend to like about British mysteries is the sly, dry and sometimes quirky British humor in many of them, and The Long Farewell is a great example of this. In fact, for me, the sharp, slightly academic writing style (which makes sense since the author was also an academic himself - Michael Innes is a pen name), is good enough that I wouldn’t have minded much if the plot weren’t great. However, I found the plot also amusing and engaging. The book flew by for me and I read it over only a couple of days, which means I liked it, and is a nice compliment.
In older British mysteries, I sometimes get a little uncomfortable with the clear divisions between classes, but this book is not too bad with that, and it’s really a characteristic of the mysteries of that era. I get uncomfortable with the same thing even in some Agatha Christie books.
All-in-all, I really enjoyed this book, and I hope to read more Michael Innes e-books in the future. Please note that for me, 4 stars out of 5 is a really good ranking. I reserve 5 stars for a very few absolute favorite books; probably no more than one in twenty or thirty books that I read. And once again, my thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the advance review copy.
February 12, 2025
Another satisfying entry in the Appleby series, with Innes's signature breezy erudition and a complicated plot (in this case involving literary scholars, a stolen rare manuscript, and bigamy) leavened with a bit of tomfoolery and colorful characters, all expressed in witty prose.
"...May I, by the way, ask your name?"
"You ought to call me Mrs. Packard."
"But at the moment I can't tell--can I?--whether that would be quite fair to Alice. I think you'd better give me your Christian name. Only, of course, for the purposes of ready identification and convenience in internal monologue. It looks as if I shall be doing quite a lot of internal monologuising over this affair. Aloud, I shall call you madam."
The solution is fine--not necessarily probable, but it really doesn't matter. It's diverting fun.
"...May I, by the way, ask your name?"
"You ought to call me Mrs. Packard."
"But at the moment I can't tell--can I?--whether that would be quite fair to Alice. I think you'd better give me your Christian name. Only, of course, for the purposes of ready identification and convenience in internal monologue. It looks as if I shall be doing quite a lot of internal monologuising over this affair. Aloud, I shall call you madam."
The solution is fine--not necessarily probable, but it really doesn't matter. It's diverting fun.
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