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Sir John Appleby #18
Hare Sitting Up
When a germ-warfare expert goes missing, his twin brother impersonates him as a cover-up, but for how long can this last? Inspector Appleby is sent on a series of wild goose chases, which take him to a preparatory school, to the estate of an eccentric earl, and to a remote Atlantic rock, before a truly shocking climax.
178 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1959
27 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Michael Innes
128 books90 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 35 reviews
February 14, 2021
‘I am a policeman. My name is Appleby.’
At the height of the Cold War, Professor Howard Juniper disappears. He has not been seen for three days. Professor Juniper has been researching and developing defences against bacteriological warfare and the British government is concerned. He has been working under considerable pressure: has he been kidnapped; has he been driven mad or has he defected? In the wrong hands, his work could destroy humanity.
Sir John Appleby, head of Scotland Yard, has been asked by the Prime Minister to investigate. Sir John enlists the help of Miles Juniper, Howard’s identical twin brother. Miles, the headmaster of a boys school, is asked to impersonate Howard for a few days to buy time for Sir John to investigate.
The investigation takes Sir John from the private boys’ school of Splaine Croft to the crumbling estate of Lord Ailsworth, and on to remote Ardray Island. Lord Ailsworth may be eccentric, but he gives Sir John an important clue. Can he find Howard Juniper? And then Miles Juniper goes missing…
‘Lord Ailsworth and his Donkey Ducks suggest a sort of challenge, wouldn’t you say?’
This book was first published in 1959, and while this particular cold war might be behind us, the current COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder of just how vulnerable humanity is to virulent viruses as well as to other biological agents.
I enjoyed this novel, which had a couple of twists to keep me guessing.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Agora Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
At the height of the Cold War, Professor Howard Juniper disappears. He has not been seen for three days. Professor Juniper has been researching and developing defences against bacteriological warfare and the British government is concerned. He has been working under considerable pressure: has he been kidnapped; has he been driven mad or has he defected? In the wrong hands, his work could destroy humanity.
Sir John Appleby, head of Scotland Yard, has been asked by the Prime Minister to investigate. Sir John enlists the help of Miles Juniper, Howard’s identical twin brother. Miles, the headmaster of a boys school, is asked to impersonate Howard for a few days to buy time for Sir John to investigate.
The investigation takes Sir John from the private boys’ school of Splaine Croft to the crumbling estate of Lord Ailsworth, and on to remote Ardray Island. Lord Ailsworth may be eccentric, but he gives Sir John an important clue. Can he find Howard Juniper? And then Miles Juniper goes missing…
‘Lord Ailsworth and his Donkey Ducks suggest a sort of challenge, wouldn’t you say?’
This book was first published in 1959, and while this particular cold war might be behind us, the current COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder of just how vulnerable humanity is to virulent viruses as well as to other biological agents.
I enjoyed this novel, which had a couple of twists to keep me guessing.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Agora Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
February 11, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and Agora books for the review copy.
Another entertaining romp from Michael Innes, this one written in 1959, drawing on Cold War context and the possibilities of biological warfare- an uncomfortable reminder in the midst of a COVID pandemic.
Innes manages to hold a line between British Public School japes and jollity, boys’ own adventure, crime solving and Lewis Carroll-like absurdity. The reader needs a tolerance of nonsense and a willing suspension of disbelief. Once meeting this criteria the reader settles in to a good read, a puzzle and the possibility of staying with, or even ahead of the author in the twists and turns of the plot.
Another entertaining romp from Michael Innes, this one written in 1959, drawing on Cold War context and the possibilities of biological warfare- an uncomfortable reminder in the midst of a COVID pandemic.
Innes manages to hold a line between British Public School japes and jollity, boys’ own adventure, crime solving and Lewis Carroll-like absurdity. The reader needs a tolerance of nonsense and a willing suspension of disbelief. Once meeting this criteria the reader settles in to a good read, a puzzle and the possibility of staying with, or even ahead of the author in the twists and turns of the plot.
March 21, 2021
Before going into this review, I should admit that there is something about Sir John Appelby and his style of 'sleuthing' and the way the author talks about the cast of characters around him appeals very strongly to me. In the other books that I have picked up by the same author, they leaned a lot on 'classics' according to the British and knowing nothing of Latin or Greek, I was at a loss during parts of conversations that might have otherwise held nuggets of something. This particular volume hardly mentions such lofty things while simultaneously pondering some philosophical questions about the state of mind of good vs evil.
It begins with overheard conversations on a train between students who just graduated. They argue about things that sound profound but might have no direct impact on any of their lives (as all of us are wont to do at that age!). This banter is interrupted unexpectedly by the other man in the train carriage. This man is at the core of what is set to unfold. We have a missing man and the repercussions of what that might mean quickly introduced to us after this train journey.
Now the plot itself is not very convoluted, and everyone (I am sure) will have some inkling about the small parts of the solution, if not the whole. What I enjoyed most has to be the overall narration of the entire tale. The author had me chuckling so many times during the book that I felt like this might actually be one of those books I would not have trouble re-reading. There was a lot of clever humour disguised as ordinary conversation. I read it as slowly as I could (which in itself is not something I do).
There are few times when a book not rated or recommended highly by the majority of the web just clicks, and this was one of those times. I felt energized enough to write this review immediately after reading (at least the same day), and it has been months since something like that has happened.
It might not be for everyone, but this particular visit with Sir John Appelby, his wife and some of his colleagues was very entertaining, and I cannot wait for the next time I get to come back to this world.
My copy was a reprint ARC by the publishers, which has not affected my review in any way. My only bias would be my previous affinity with the author's writing.
It begins with overheard conversations on a train between students who just graduated. They argue about things that sound profound but might have no direct impact on any of their lives (as all of us are wont to do at that age!). This banter is interrupted unexpectedly by the other man in the train carriage. This man is at the core of what is set to unfold. We have a missing man and the repercussions of what that might mean quickly introduced to us after this train journey.
Now the plot itself is not very convoluted, and everyone (I am sure) will have some inkling about the small parts of the solution, if not the whole. What I enjoyed most has to be the overall narration of the entire tale. The author had me chuckling so many times during the book that I felt like this might actually be one of those books I would not have trouble re-reading. There was a lot of clever humour disguised as ordinary conversation. I read it as slowly as I could (which in itself is not something I do).
There are few times when a book not rated or recommended highly by the majority of the web just clicks, and this was one of those times. I felt energized enough to write this review immediately after reading (at least the same day), and it has been months since something like that has happened.
It might not be for everyone, but this particular visit with Sir John Appelby, his wife and some of his colleagues was very entertaining, and I cannot wait for the next time I get to come back to this world.
My copy was a reprint ARC by the publishers, which has not affected my review in any way. My only bias would be my previous affinity with the author's writing.
November 13, 2020
Although his style still retains the donnish humor that some like (me!) and some can't stand, the tone of this book is decidedly more somber than many of Innes' other novels. A leading bacteriologist , Howard Juniper, has disappeared, and no one knows if he may have something rather sinister in his pocket. Appleby enlists his identical twin brother Miles, head of a prep school, to impersonate him in the lab, giving them a bit more time to search for him without publicity complicating matters. A reclusive ornithologist gives Appleby a clue--Howard has told him that he was searching for the long-extinct Great Auk. But perhaps everyone isn't being quite truthful? Perhaps some people don't want Howard to be found before they can do something rather drastic to the population of the world?
February 23, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Agora books for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
—————————————————————————
So, I was, indeed, happily browsing through Netgalley and stumbled upon this book. I saw the cover (which was a great deal different than what is portrayed here) and was mystified by it. Me being me, I decided to check the premise and oh, my! It sounded interesting enough and I´ve never heard about this type of book in my life so I thought I´d give it a try.
As a side note, I may just suppose this book is a “newer” version than the one published before. Alas I´m also ignorant on whether I should have read the 17 books before (although I don´t think so, because it wasn´t marked as it) to actually get sucked in. But well... If i had to, my bad.
Additionally, I was also incredibly excited because the main themes of the book were biological warfare, disappearances and the Cold War. The Cold War is something I´ve been also studying a great deal in my field so well, would there have been any losses? No, not at all.
—————————————————————————
Anyhow, having said that its only fair to flesh out the plot of the book, isn´t it? The book is about two 52 year old identical twins. Miles is a headmaster and Howard is a bacteriologist with a fascination for birds. Anyways, one day, out of the blue, Howard disappears and so, Miles is contacted by an investigator, John Appleby.
The main problem with the brother´s disappearance was not the brother himself, but the fact that he could have in his hands an incredible dangerous weapon during this era. Unfortunate indeed...
So, what happens? Well, conveniently enough, John Appleby goes on and tells Miles about his brother´s disappearance, urging him to tell him anything that could be of use to him. After their short conversation, he proceeds to tell Miles he must cover up for his brother so he has enough time to investigate without people noticing Howard´s disappearance. *sighs*
And well, after that, we have the investigation going on... Conversations leading to clues, brooding, you know the drill...
—————————————————————————
Anyways, this book presented itself with some interesting conversations. (concentration and destructiveness of power) My main problem alas, probably was the writing. I sometimes found myself questioning my ability to read. On top of that, I wasn´t exactly keen on the characters and *lee sigh* I might even consider it had purple prose, which is not something I enjoy.
In conclusion then, I had incredibly high expectations for this book. 1) Because I´d never heard a similar premise, 2) The time period, 3) The title!! and 4) the setting.
I really do hope, however, that someone comes to enjoy it and cherish it. It definitely wasn´t something for me, but it might be for someone else.
—————————————————————————
So, I was, indeed, happily browsing through Netgalley and stumbled upon this book. I saw the cover (which was a great deal different than what is portrayed here) and was mystified by it. Me being me, I decided to check the premise and oh, my! It sounded interesting enough and I´ve never heard about this type of book in my life so I thought I´d give it a try.
As a side note, I may just suppose this book is a “newer” version than the one published before. Alas I´m also ignorant on whether I should have read the 17 books before (although I don´t think so, because it wasn´t marked as it) to actually get sucked in. But well... If i had to, my bad.
Additionally, I was also incredibly excited because the main themes of the book were biological warfare, disappearances and the Cold War. The Cold War is something I´ve been also studying a great deal in my field so well, would there have been any losses? No, not at all.
—————————————————————————
Anyhow, having said that its only fair to flesh out the plot of the book, isn´t it? The book is about two 52 year old identical twins. Miles is a headmaster and Howard is a bacteriologist with a fascination for birds. Anyways, one day, out of the blue, Howard disappears and so, Miles is contacted by an investigator, John Appleby.
The main problem with the brother´s disappearance was not the brother himself, but the fact that he could have in his hands an incredible dangerous weapon during this era. Unfortunate indeed...
So, what happens? Well, conveniently enough, John Appleby goes on and tells Miles about his brother´s disappearance, urging him to tell him anything that could be of use to him. After their short conversation, he proceeds to tell Miles he must cover up for his brother so he has enough time to investigate without people noticing Howard´s disappearance. *sighs*
And well, after that, we have the investigation going on... Conversations leading to clues, brooding, you know the drill...
—————————————————————————
Anyways, this book presented itself with some interesting conversations. (concentration and destructiveness of power) My main problem alas, probably was the writing. I sometimes found myself questioning my ability to read. On top of that, I wasn´t exactly keen on the characters and *lee sigh* I might even consider it had purple prose, which is not something I enjoy.
In conclusion then, I had incredibly high expectations for this book. 1) Because I´d never heard a similar premise, 2) The time period, 3) The title!! and 4) the setting.
I really do hope, however, that someone comes to enjoy it and cherish it. It definitely wasn´t something for me, but it might be for someone else.
February 18, 2021
Readers who are familiar with (and like) the Sir John Appleby series by Michael Innes will be happy to see Hare Sitting Up come out in ebook, courtesy of Agora Books. For others, it may a little harder to figure out just quite how they feel about this book, which has a serious underlying theme with an uncanny resemblance to conditions today, but also has many fun Golden Age mystery characteristics.
The unusual title tees up the theme, both in the opening quote from DH Lawrence, and in the first chapter, where a wide-ranging train-compartment conversation between one of the main characters, headmaster Miles Juniper, and a number of recent Oxford graduates showcases the students’ and Juniper’s concerns about biological warfare. It’s worth remembering that at the time Hare Sitting Up was first published, in 1959, the world was at the height of the Cold War, and many people felt that the end – whether from nuclear warfare or biological warfare, might not be far away. And this tension provides an uncomfortable fast-forward to today, when many folks feel that the end may come from climate change or a pandemic – more slow-rolling, perhaps, but not that different than biological warfare.
Attentive readers will note that Juniper mentions during the train-compartment discussions that he has a brother working in the biological warfare field, and that provides the link to the rest of the story. That brother, Howard, turns out to be not just “working in the field”, but actually one of the top researchers in Britain, or even the world. And he has disappeared. And it’s possible that some unspeakably lethal stuff has disappeared with him. Thus begin some of the enjoyable (but slightly over-the-top) classical mystery elements, as Sir John makes an improbable visit to Miles’ school while posing as “Mr. Clywd from Wales”, complete with Rolls motor-car; and readers find out that Miles and Howard are actually identical twins, known for pulling “switches” in the past. Things continue equally fancifully from there, with Lady Appleby’s undercover visit to the school, a bird-crazy (or maybe just crazy) peer, rumors of an extinct Great Auk on a remote military island, references to Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and more. In the end, of course, Appleby figures out what’s going on, and arrives just in time for a rather spectacular denouement.
Overall, Hare Sitting Up is a quick and enjoyable read, but also a bit of a mixed bag, so it gets four stars rather than five. It’s worth giving a nod to Agora’s excellent cover for the book, with its two hares sitting up, in mirror image, rather than one – a nice nod to the identical twins motif which runs throughout the book. And finally, my thanks to Agora Books and NetGalley for the advance review copy!
The unusual title tees up the theme, both in the opening quote from DH Lawrence, and in the first chapter, where a wide-ranging train-compartment conversation between one of the main characters, headmaster Miles Juniper, and a number of recent Oxford graduates showcases the students’ and Juniper’s concerns about biological warfare. It’s worth remembering that at the time Hare Sitting Up was first published, in 1959, the world was at the height of the Cold War, and many people felt that the end – whether from nuclear warfare or biological warfare, might not be far away. And this tension provides an uncomfortable fast-forward to today, when many folks feel that the end may come from climate change or a pandemic – more slow-rolling, perhaps, but not that different than biological warfare.
Attentive readers will note that Juniper mentions during the train-compartment discussions that he has a brother working in the biological warfare field, and that provides the link to the rest of the story. That brother, Howard, turns out to be not just “working in the field”, but actually one of the top researchers in Britain, or even the world. And he has disappeared. And it’s possible that some unspeakably lethal stuff has disappeared with him. Thus begin some of the enjoyable (but slightly over-the-top) classical mystery elements, as Sir John makes an improbable visit to Miles’ school while posing as “Mr. Clywd from Wales”, complete with Rolls motor-car; and readers find out that Miles and Howard are actually identical twins, known for pulling “switches” in the past. Things continue equally fancifully from there, with Lady Appleby’s undercover visit to the school, a bird-crazy (or maybe just crazy) peer, rumors of an extinct Great Auk on a remote military island, references to Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and more. In the end, of course, Appleby figures out what’s going on, and arrives just in time for a rather spectacular denouement.
Overall, Hare Sitting Up is a quick and enjoyable read, but also a bit of a mixed bag, so it gets four stars rather than five. It’s worth giving a nod to Agora’s excellent cover for the book, with its two hares sitting up, in mirror image, rather than one – a nice nod to the identical twins motif which runs throughout the book. And finally, my thanks to Agora Books and NetGalley for the advance review copy!
May 2, 2021
One of Britain's top biological weapons scientists has mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Scotland Yard Inspector Appleby is assigned to find Howard Juniper and recover any chemicals he took with him. This is to be done in strict secrecy due to the security aspects of the situation.
To prevent news of his disappearance leaking out, Appleby convinces Miles Juniper, his twin brother to take his place in his laboratory. Appleby then sets about to find Howard. This search takes him to the country estate of an eccentric earl and then to a remote Scottish island. Even his wife gets involved, briefly going undercover at a boys' school. In due course, the mystery is solved and the story comes to a dramatic violent conclusion.
It's a cleverly plotted story, although characterization could be improved. They are mainly placeholders, with little depth behind them. It's a late entry to the Appleby series which may account for the thinness of his character, it may have been developed in earlier novels. The opening chapter is a challenge and could discourage a less than committed reader. Initially it seems like a college seminar discussion among friends on a train trip. Its purpose escapes me. Despite there being some interesting locales, there was no sense of place in the story. It was a likeable but disappointing read.
The book was originally written in 1959 and but is not dated. It can easily be read as a standalone. This edition contains a short excerpt from the first Appleby mystery.
Agora Books provided a complementary advance reading copy of "Hare Sitting Up" to me via Netgalley for an independent review. The comments about it are my own.
February 14, 2021
Much to my surprise I enjoyed this book very much.
I should explain: I’ve only read one Michael Innes book before and couldn’t get on with it. I didn’t like the characters, the style or the plot. But this book was so different. The characters are “real”, interesting people. The plot is intricate and convoluted. And Appleby (and his wife) play a much greater part in this story and so are able to come to life, unlike the earlier book where Appleby seemed to serve little purpose.
The opening chapter was a bit difficult to get to grips with as it consisted mainly of a group of students, in a railway carriage, engaging in a philosophical discussion. I couldn’t keep track of who was which, nor could I see how this discussion could be relevant to the meat of the book. I was to be proved wrong. Though I do think it made for a very dry beginning.
After this we are quickly dropped into the baffling disappearance of a germ-warfare scientist and the crucial question of whether he has absconded with a sample of his deadly toxin. The story gallops along as does Appleby, who is forced to work alone to prevent any rumour of a potentially dangerous or deranged scientist wandering the country with death in his pocket.
I was pleased that I read this as an ebook and so was able to look things up as I went along - translations of latin tags, the context of obscure quotations, and definitions of technical language that hadn’t come my way before. I might have found this tiresome if I had not been able to dip into Wikipedia or Google at will.
4.5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Agora Books. This review is my honest opinion of “Hare Sitting Up”.
I should explain: I’ve only read one Michael Innes book before and couldn’t get on with it. I didn’t like the characters, the style or the plot. But this book was so different. The characters are “real”, interesting people. The plot is intricate and convoluted. And Appleby (and his wife) play a much greater part in this story and so are able to come to life, unlike the earlier book where Appleby seemed to serve little purpose.
The opening chapter was a bit difficult to get to grips with as it consisted mainly of a group of students, in a railway carriage, engaging in a philosophical discussion. I couldn’t keep track of who was which, nor could I see how this discussion could be relevant to the meat of the book. I was to be proved wrong. Though I do think it made for a very dry beginning.
After this we are quickly dropped into the baffling disappearance of a germ-warfare scientist and the crucial question of whether he has absconded with a sample of his deadly toxin. The story gallops along as does Appleby, who is forced to work alone to prevent any rumour of a potentially dangerous or deranged scientist wandering the country with death in his pocket.
I was pleased that I read this as an ebook and so was able to look things up as I went along - translations of latin tags, the context of obscure quotations, and definitions of technical language that hadn’t come my way before. I might have found this tiresome if I had not been able to dip into Wikipedia or Google at will.
4.5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Agora Books. This review is my honest opinion of “Hare Sitting Up”.
February 6, 2021
As a Michael Innes (J. I. M. Stewart) fan, I was thrilled with the opportunity to read this for the first time. Originally published in 1959, it is being re-published. This is a great era from which to read mysteries. Though not my favourite by this author, this book is unique and spellbinding enough to seriously consider.
This mystery primarily revolves around twin brothers, Howard and Miles. Howard is a professor and biology researcher; Miles is a headmaster. When one disappears the other is involved in finding him with Appleby who is with the police. Other characters are introduced, along with ornithology (study of birds). Parts of the story take place in a rambling manor which houses more birds than people! Howard's research is important and relates to biochemicals. So, you can imagine fascinating plot possibilities.
My rating for this book is 3,5 rounded up to a 4. The book is definitely interesting but it seemed to fall flat in spots and the characters aren't explored enough in my view. However, the brevity likely contributes. My favourite part was the beginning first few chapters. I would have loved more suspense and tension later on.
Readers who gravitate to 1950s mystery books will likely enjoy this book. It's solid but not the best representation of its era out there. Still well worth a read. And that title!
My sincere thank you to Agora Books and NetGalley! Re-publishing and bringing attention to older books is to be lauded.
This mystery primarily revolves around twin brothers, Howard and Miles. Howard is a professor and biology researcher; Miles is a headmaster. When one disappears the other is involved in finding him with Appleby who is with the police. Other characters are introduced, along with ornithology (study of birds). Parts of the story take place in a rambling manor which houses more birds than people! Howard's research is important and relates to biochemicals. So, you can imagine fascinating plot possibilities.
My rating for this book is 3,5 rounded up to a 4. The book is definitely interesting but it seemed to fall flat in spots and the characters aren't explored enough in my view. However, the brevity likely contributes. My favourite part was the beginning first few chapters. I would have loved more suspense and tension later on.
Readers who gravitate to 1950s mystery books will likely enjoy this book. It's solid but not the best representation of its era out there. Still well worth a read. And that title!
My sincere thank you to Agora Books and NetGalley! Re-publishing and bringing attention to older books is to be lauded.
February 11, 2021
This is a very clever classic British crime book. Appleby, the head of Scotland Yard is investigating the case of a scientist, Harold Juniper, working on germ warfare, who has disappeared. His disappearance needs to be kept secret. Harold's twin brother, Miles, is the head master of a boys school. Appleby sends his wife to pretend to look at the boys school for her sons to search the school to see if she can find the missing Harold. After she does a thorough search, Appleby goes to see an old Lord Ailsworth, who is crazy about birds. Ailsworth tells Appleby he saw Harold who was on his way to find the extinct Auks which he had heard were on Ardray Island, a Navy private island in the North Atlantic. Appleby goes there and realizes it was a wild goose chase when he hears torpedo tunnels were called Auks.
Returning home, he asks Miles to pretend to be his brother to keep people from knowing that Harold is missing. Appleby had learned that when is school, Harold and Miles often pretended to be each other. At this point, an unsavory man Grindrod, who was in prep school and university with the Junipers is discovered to be about and was following Miles leaving Harold's lab. Appleby must find the missing Junipers before Grindrod finds them or Lord Ailsworth does something crazy.
Returning home, he asks Miles to pretend to be his brother to keep people from knowing that Harold is missing. Appleby had learned that when is school, Harold and Miles often pretended to be each other. At this point, an unsavory man Grindrod, who was in prep school and university with the Junipers is discovered to be about and was following Miles leaving Harold's lab. Appleby must find the missing Junipers before Grindrod finds them or Lord Ailsworth does something crazy.
March 20, 2017
Appleby during the Cold War! This case involves a missing bacteriologist, specialist in biological warfare. His twin brother, the headmaster at a public school, is prevailed upon to impersonate him for a few days, while Appleby traces down every possible lead. Since the missing professor had a mild interest in birdwatching, one of the leads takes him to Ailsworth, where the local squire operates a type of bird sanctuary. Another red herring has Appleby flying off to an inhospitable rock in the Atlantic. And the sudden appearance of a blackmailer complicates things even more.
This book is less fantaisiste than some of the other Appleby novels, and there are fewer literary allusions. Perhaps because it takes place in the grim world of Cold War science rather than in the groves of academe? There are rather fewer harmless eccentrics in the book than usual, so overall this is not one of my favorites.
This book is less fantaisiste than some of the other Appleby novels, and there are fewer literary allusions. Perhaps because it takes place in the grim world of Cold War science rather than in the groves of academe? There are rather fewer harmless eccentrics in the book than usual, so overall this is not one of my favorites.
May 10, 2021
Excellent writing and an entertaining plot
I enjoy reading the Appleby mystery novels. Michael Innes had an extensive vocabulary. He also had a talent for putting a humorous spin on things.
Miles and Howard Juniper are identical twins. Since childhood, they have played pranks of switching places. I have met in real life identical twins while in school. I have no doubt that probably all identical twins like to play this kind of prank. When the twins were together, you could tell them apart by some subtle differences; apart, separately, it was less easy.
Howard is a research scientist of national renown and importance. Miles is a headmaster at a boys' school. When Howard disappears, Appleby asks Miles to pretend to be Howard at the research lab while he and his team locate and rescue Howard. The plot also involves a whole lot of birds and a lunatic member of the aristocracy. Extremely entertaining!
I enjoy reading the Appleby mystery novels. Michael Innes had an extensive vocabulary. He also had a talent for putting a humorous spin on things.
Miles and Howard Juniper are identical twins. Since childhood, they have played pranks of switching places. I have met in real life identical twins while in school. I have no doubt that probably all identical twins like to play this kind of prank. When the twins were together, you could tell them apart by some subtle differences; apart, separately, it was less easy.
Howard is a research scientist of national renown and importance. Miles is a headmaster at a boys' school. When Howard disappears, Appleby asks Miles to pretend to be Howard at the research lab while he and his team locate and rescue Howard. The plot also involves a whole lot of birds and a lunatic member of the aristocracy. Extremely entertaining!
October 14, 2023
This is not the best of Innes's Appleby books. As is often the case with authors who write very long series featuring one character, they can be a bit patchy at times (Gladys Mitchell is another example). Hare Sitting Up is a rather Buchan-esque romp involving missing scientists, Scottish islands, bird-watching and substituted twins. It's the Golden Age equivalent of those Tennant-era Dr Who episodes where they all run along corridors shrieking.
Having said all that, it is quite enjoyable, because Innes always does his verbal high jinks well, and any Appleby book which includes his wife Judith is, in my view, a Good Thing. I was interested to see, when offered a review copy, whether my opinion of it had changed since I first read it positively hundreds of years ago - the answer is, for an author I can cheerfully give 5 stars to, this is a 3-star book. But that's still better-than-average.
Having said all that, it is quite enjoyable, because Innes always does his verbal high jinks well, and any Appleby book which includes his wife Judith is, in my view, a Good Thing. I was interested to see, when offered a review copy, whether my opinion of it had changed since I first read it positively hundreds of years ago - the answer is, for an author I can cheerfully give 5 stars to, this is a 3-star book. But that's still better-than-average.
February 8, 2021
3.5 stars
I found this Appleby, originally published in 1959, to be a bit uneven. There are times when it is delightful. I particularly appreciate the fact that often older books take for granted that the reader is intelligent.
Sir John Appleby, head of Scotland Yard, is called in when a scientist working on a critical germ warfare project goes missing. He immediately interviews the scientist's identical twin brother, a schoolmaster, who agrees to impersonate his brother at the lab to delay any concern. After a somewhat obscurely philosophical first chapter, the plot begins to roll and it's a wildly improbable ride. An enjoyable read, despite the decidedly abrupt ending. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I found this Appleby, originally published in 1959, to be a bit uneven. There are times when it is delightful. I particularly appreciate the fact that often older books take for granted that the reader is intelligent.
Sir John Appleby, head of Scotland Yard, is called in when a scientist working on a critical germ warfare project goes missing. He immediately interviews the scientist's identical twin brother, a schoolmaster, who agrees to impersonate his brother at the lab to delay any concern. After a somewhat obscurely philosophical first chapter, the plot begins to roll and it's a wildly improbable ride. An enjoyable read, despite the decidedly abrupt ending. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 9, 2021
Spanning a career of fifty years, the Inspector Appleby novels by Michael Innes can be read again and again. This particular story has elements of fellow Scottish author John Buchan in it.
Michael Innes had a great sense of humour which he put to good use in his crime novels. He dispensed with the whodunit formula and created a special niche for himself. Quotes from Shakespeare abound and his characters are often eccentric, if not downright mad.
In this novel there are identical twins, a reclusive Lord, a sinister island off the coast of Scotland, and ducks - lots of ducks. Appleby's wife, Judith, plays a part in the investigation. She's a fabulous character. Great fun to read, intriguing and engaging.
Michael Innes had a great sense of humour which he put to good use in his crime novels. He dispensed with the whodunit formula and created a special niche for himself. Quotes from Shakespeare abound and his characters are often eccentric, if not downright mad.
In this novel there are identical twins, a reclusive Lord, a sinister island off the coast of Scotland, and ducks - lots of ducks. Appleby's wife, Judith, plays a part in the investigation. She's a fabulous character. Great fun to read, intriguing and engaging.
February 21, 2022
Better than I expected. Some cliches but mostly messed with, moments of very droll but deadpan humour. The story is a bit confused and not much of a puzzle and the characters are fairly stock-standard (though Judith was a welcome surprise). I liked the ducks but I get irritated that being a vegetarian is generally portrayed as "mad".
The privilege of some of the characters really irritated me (and their own blindness to it more so) but nevertheless this was relatively readable and nicely succinct.
The privilege of some of the characters really irritated me (and their own blindness to it more so) but nevertheless this was relatively readable and nicely succinct.
November 10, 2023
Another fine mystery by a great English writer. This one involves English eccentricity to a somewhat goofy degree, but I liked it even more for that. My old boss/mentor, Gale, recommended this author to me years ago, and I've kept an eye out for his books ever since. So when friends were moving and giving away their books, I was delighted to get a bunch of old paperbacks by Innes from their library. This is the last one of that little cache, so I'm back on the hunt for more. I've kept them all because after a while I will forget the details and be able to enjoy reading them again.
April 15, 2021
This is an entertaining story but also a good description of Cold War era.
It's not the best Appleby and the mystery was a bit underdeveloped but it was highly entertaining because Innes developed some quirky and interesting characters that I loved.
Plenty of humor and ducks, a couple of twins, Judith Appleby investigating.
I found it engrossing and had a lot of fun, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's not the best Appleby and the mystery was a bit underdeveloped but it was highly entertaining because Innes developed some quirky and interesting characters that I loved.
Plenty of humor and ducks, a couple of twins, Judith Appleby investigating.
I found it engrossing and had a lot of fun, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 7, 2021
This was definitely not my favorite Appleby novel but even a less than favorite of these is far better than much that comes out today.
The tone was more serious and yet the mystery resolution itself seemed a bit more far fetched than his others. It was unusual to bring in his wife Judith for an active role in the investigation and it was unclear until the end what she added to it. What I did particularly enjoy was the early scene on the train where you learn the origin of the title. That conversation alone made it worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Agora Books for providing a copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
The tone was more serious and yet the mystery resolution itself seemed a bit more far fetched than his others. It was unusual to bring in his wife Judith for an active role in the investigation and it was unclear until the end what she added to it. What I did particularly enjoy was the early scene on the train where you learn the origin of the title. That conversation alone made it worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Agora Books for providing a copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
March 26, 2019
Never heard of this author and had zero expectations. I had to buy this treasure, a little tattered but a beautiful mid century Penguin with a cover design by the great Alan Aldridge. It was actually a pretty good crime caper with identical twins indulging in impersonating each other and eccentric Lords and schoolmasters. All terribly terribly English.
February 25, 2021
***Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review******
So a bit mixed on this one - once it got going I enjoyed it, particularly the last third, but it was fairly heavy going until then and somewhat confusing too. My third in the Appleby series - and they do seem to be a bit hit or miss for me, but when it has worked, it works well enough that it has kept me coming back for more!
So a bit mixed on this one - once it got going I enjoyed it, particularly the last third, but it was fairly heavy going until then and somewhat confusing too. My third in the Appleby series - and they do seem to be a bit hit or miss for me, but when it has worked, it works well enough that it has kept me coming back for more!
March 30, 2021
Probably three and a half stars. Not a typical Innes story.
A bit slow starting, and a bit weird at moments.
I prefer the more traditional Appleby mysteries.
Difficult to provide a synopsis without spoilers.
A good read, but not my favourite by this author.
Thanks to Crime Classics and NetGalley for a review copy.
A bit slow starting, and a bit weird at moments.
I prefer the more traditional Appleby mysteries.
Difficult to provide a synopsis without spoilers.
A good read, but not my favourite by this author.
Thanks to Crime Classics and NetGalley for a review copy.
April 1, 2022
Again Michael Innes dose not fail to entertain, this book really is a red herring from start to finish. again we have a Inspector Appleby mystery and to give a quick resume of the book would spoil the ending, suffice to say that if you read this book your in for a very wild ride.
Very enjoyable book
Very enjoyable book
March 8, 2023
This was pretty good adventure—it starts darker and moodier than most, with the end of the world front and center, but it lightens up considerably—almost frivolously—towards the end. Not as good as The Secret Vanguard, sadly, but OK. Who uses this much Latin in conversation?
January 16, 2025
I don't know this author at all, and not having read any of the series, I had trouble catching his particular voice. I did pick up some of the humor, but fear I missed some of what he was conveying. The story in itself was interesting. I'll have to try another.
March 30, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this offering from Michael. Highly entertaining and definitely highly recommended.
March 18, 2017
Elegant, beautiful writing and whimsical detective plots.
September 29, 2016
I find Appleby's willingness to drag family members and others into his investigations fascinating. This time, he sends his wife to check out a rather large school when he is trying to locate a missing scientist. Judith manages to create a game the his the few students left on campus during break, nd their older chaperone, dashing bout the entire campus, which is quite impressive since she is creating the rules as they run about.
A noteworthy germ-warfare expert disappears. Then a recluse bird expert that is crazy, a twin brother, a blackmailer, and an isolated military island get tossed in. There are so many improbable situations in this book, it reminded me of an episode of The Avengers. Great fun!
A noteworthy germ-warfare expert disappears. Then a recluse bird expert that is crazy, a twin brother, a blackmailer, and an isolated military island get tossed in. There are so many improbable situations in this book, it reminded me of an episode of The Avengers. Great fun!
March 10, 2012
"You yourself, don't you find it a beautiful clean thought, a world empty of people, just uninterrupted grass, and a hare sitting up?" (Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence)
In Hare Sitting Up, Michael Innes gives the old "which twin is which" plot a nifty little twist. He has created the Junipers...who first started their joke of taking each other's place back in school--with one twin playing Rugger in his brother's place and not in just any old game, but an international Rugger match. And all kinds of larks of that sort.
Fast forward to the present day. Brother Howard, now an eminent scientist with loads of knowledge about biological warfare, has gone missing. Possibly with a pocketful of poisonous petri dishes. Has he just gone off his head with a nervous breakdown? Has he been kidnapped by enemy forces? Or has he, like the character in Lawrence's Women in Love, tired of the human race and decided to use his knowledge to wipe everyone out?
It will take Sir John Appleby time to pick up the trail of the missing scientist. Time he buys by having Howard's brother Miles (currently a prep school headmaster) do one more brotherly impersonation. And it will take all of Appleby's wits to sort out the clues that must be picked up at the prep school, at the decaying estate of an eccentric bird-hoarding peer of the realm, and at a secret military base off the coast of Scotland.
But, with a honest-to-goodness crooks and a certifiable crazy man dogging their heels, have the brothers switched places one too many times? Appleby finds himself in a race to save lives--maybe the brothers, maybe everyone in England.
As always with Innes, there's a bit of the bizarre going on here. The surreal conversation that Appleby has with Lord Ailsworth (the eccentric bird man) is quite enough to warrant that comment. But Innes does a superb job of combining the standard manor house mystery with a bit of the espionage thriller. And it's worth the price of admission just to watch Appleby's wife Judith infiltrate the prep school on a hunt for Howard (alive or dead...). Anyone for a game of Chinese Torturers? It was also charming (to me, anyway) to discover that this book fits my loosely defined "academic mystery" sub-genre. I'm such a sucker for books with an academic connection. Three and a half stars.
In Hare Sitting Up, Michael Innes gives the old "which twin is which" plot a nifty little twist. He has created the Junipers...who first started their joke of taking each other's place back in school--with one twin playing Rugger in his brother's place and not in just any old game, but an international Rugger match. And all kinds of larks of that sort.
Fast forward to the present day. Brother Howard, now an eminent scientist with loads of knowledge about biological warfare, has gone missing. Possibly with a pocketful of poisonous petri dishes. Has he just gone off his head with a nervous breakdown? Has he been kidnapped by enemy forces? Or has he, like the character in Lawrence's Women in Love, tired of the human race and decided to use his knowledge to wipe everyone out?
It will take Sir John Appleby time to pick up the trail of the missing scientist. Time he buys by having Howard's brother Miles (currently a prep school headmaster) do one more brotherly impersonation. And it will take all of Appleby's wits to sort out the clues that must be picked up at the prep school, at the decaying estate of an eccentric bird-hoarding peer of the realm, and at a secret military base off the coast of Scotland.
But, with a honest-to-goodness crooks and a certifiable crazy man dogging their heels, have the brothers switched places one too many times? Appleby finds himself in a race to save lives--maybe the brothers, maybe everyone in England.
As always with Innes, there's a bit of the bizarre going on here. The surreal conversation that Appleby has with Lord Ailsworth (the eccentric bird man) is quite enough to warrant that comment. But Innes does a superb job of combining the standard manor house mystery with a bit of the espionage thriller. And it's worth the price of admission just to watch Appleby's wife Judith infiltrate the prep school on a hunt for Howard (alive or dead...). Anyone for a game of Chinese Torturers? It was also charming (to me, anyway) to discover that this book fits my loosely defined "academic mystery" sub-genre. I'm such a sucker for books with an academic connection. Three and a half stars.
February 9, 2021
Professor Howard Juniper, highly acclaimed scientist has gone missing. For Sir John Appleby of Scotland Yard the implications are of a serious nature. To the extent that he wishes for Howard's identical twin brother, Miles, to impersonate him for several days. Can the ruse work and will Appleby find Juniper before the press discover the truth. Appleby follows the clues, but will he be in time.
An enjoyable and interesting thriller and mytsery story.
Originally written in 1959
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An enjoyable and interesting thriller and mytsery story.
Originally written in 1959
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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