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Sir John Appleby #27
Appleby's Answer
Author of detective novels, Priscilla Pringle, is pleased to find that she is sharing a railway compartment with a gentleman who happens to be reading one of her books - Murder in the Cathedral. He is military officer, Captain Bulkington, who recognises Miss Pringle and offers her œ500 to collaborate on a detective novel. To everyone's surprise, Miss Pringle is rather taken with Captain Bulkington - is she out of her depth?
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
1 person is currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Michael Innes
125 books89 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 30, 2021
"IS THE FAMOUS MYSTERY WRITER UNWITTINGLY ORCHESTRATING AN ACTUAL MURDER?"
"When Priscilla Pringle, a well-known writer of clerical murder mysteries (heedless of T.S. Eliot, Murder in the Cathedral is one of her tomes), learns that the last rector of aw West Country village died under questionable circumstances, she decided to see if there's material for a new book. In addition, Priscilla's curiosity is piqued by Captain Bulkington, a peculiar resident of the village who is seeking her advice on an ingenious murder device for a novel he may be writing. As the maniacal plot twists accumulate and Miss Pringle becomes aware of the deadly reality, Sir John Appleby, retired Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, tries to help unravel the lethal puzzle. Fast-paced, literate, and gently satirical, this suspense novel is Michael Innes at his delightfully urbane best."
~~back cover
And delightful is the correct word for this little gem. It's absolutely the epitome of my favorite genre: gentle English village, and murder off stage, if at all. Lovely characterization, extremely clever plotting ... what more could any reader ask for?
"When Priscilla Pringle, a well-known writer of clerical murder mysteries (heedless of T.S. Eliot, Murder in the Cathedral is one of her tomes), learns that the last rector of aw West Country village died under questionable circumstances, she decided to see if there's material for a new book. In addition, Priscilla's curiosity is piqued by Captain Bulkington, a peculiar resident of the village who is seeking her advice on an ingenious murder device for a novel he may be writing. As the maniacal plot twists accumulate and Miss Pringle becomes aware of the deadly reality, Sir John Appleby, retired Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, tries to help unravel the lethal puzzle. Fast-paced, literate, and gently satirical, this suspense novel is Michael Innes at his delightfully urbane best."
~~back cover
And delightful is the correct word for this little gem. It's absolutely the epitome of my favorite genre: gentle English village, and murder off stage, if at all. Lovely characterization, extremely clever plotting ... what more could any reader ask for?
October 30, 2014
Rather a tiresome man. But it does seem extravagant to propose to murder him. (p. 84)
But it begins to look like that may be what is in store for Sir Ambrose Pinkerton in Appleby's Answer by Michael Innes (John Innes MacKintosh [J.I.M.] Stewart; 1973). It all begins with Priscilla Pringle, well-known author of clerical murder mysteries, and a train ride with Captain Bulkington. Miss Pringle notices with pleasure that Bulkington is reading one of her novels. When the captain realizes he is sharing the compartment with the author herself, he tries to interest her in collaborating with him on a novel and offers her 500 pounds to do so. But the longer he talks, the odder she thinks he is as he tries to pick her brain on various devious murder methods and she parts from him at the train station without promising anything.
She and her fellow author, Barbara Vanderpump, discuss the incident on the way to the Diner Dupin, an annual banquet for detective novelists where a certain retired Scotland Yard man by the name of Sir John Appleby will be the honored guest and special speaker. Miss Vanderpump, having more romantic leanings in her fiction, suggests that the captain might be romantically inclined and it wouldn't hurt to indulge him--"it might be a matter of doing something kind." Miss Pringle is none too sure about that, but resists her friend's suggestion that if she feels that disturbed about the captain then she ought to share the incident with their distinguished guest.
Next thing we know, Miss Pringle ventures into the captain's territory, ostensibly because she has heard that the last rector of the village died under mysterious circumstances and she wonders if there might be background material for her next novel. She meets up with the captain and actually strikes a deal with him to discuss--by post--possibilities for a murder mystery. As things advance, she soon learns that very similar incidents are happening to Sir Ambrose Pinkerton, despised neighbor of Captain Bulkington. Sir John, who comes upon portions of the story by chance, is also curious about the odd events in Long Canings and helps the local Inspector--Graves by name--to unravel the lethal puzzle.
Innes's situational humor and witty prose are the high points of this novel. The fun he pokes at detective novelists (and to an extent romantic novelists) alone is worth the price of admission. And there is a great deal of enjoyment to be had in Miss Pringle's visit to Long Canings's church services (the great battle of Hymn 203 vs. Hymn 302)--as noted by the reviewer below. There is, unfortunately, very little detecting going on here. Sir John and Lady Appleby are delightful characters, but most of his insights into the goings-on at Long Canings would seem to be inspirational and intuitive rather than deductive. There are very few clues to point the reader in the direction of his reasoning. But the twist at the end is a good one nonetheless.
The book succeeds because of Innes's descriptive powers and his finely drawn characters. The understated rivalry between the Misses Pringle and Vanderpump; the contrasting characters of the Captain's two tutoring charges; the interactions between Miss Pringle and various of Long Canings's inhabitants; and the interplay between Sir John and Lady Appleby as they encounter the folk of Long Canings as well. This all makes for a delightful read and more than makes up for any deficiencies in the mysterious quality.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission or give credit before reposting. Thanks.
But it begins to look like that may be what is in store for Sir Ambrose Pinkerton in Appleby's Answer by Michael Innes (John Innes MacKintosh [J.I.M.] Stewart; 1973). It all begins with Priscilla Pringle, well-known author of clerical murder mysteries, and a train ride with Captain Bulkington. Miss Pringle notices with pleasure that Bulkington is reading one of her novels. When the captain realizes he is sharing the compartment with the author herself, he tries to interest her in collaborating with him on a novel and offers her 500 pounds to do so. But the longer he talks, the odder she thinks he is as he tries to pick her brain on various devious murder methods and she parts from him at the train station without promising anything.
She and her fellow author, Barbara Vanderpump, discuss the incident on the way to the Diner Dupin, an annual banquet for detective novelists where a certain retired Scotland Yard man by the name of Sir John Appleby will be the honored guest and special speaker. Miss Vanderpump, having more romantic leanings in her fiction, suggests that the captain might be romantically inclined and it wouldn't hurt to indulge him--"it might be a matter of doing something kind." Miss Pringle is none too sure about that, but resists her friend's suggestion that if she feels that disturbed about the captain then she ought to share the incident with their distinguished guest.
Next thing we know, Miss Pringle ventures into the captain's territory, ostensibly because she has heard that the last rector of the village died under mysterious circumstances and she wonders if there might be background material for her next novel. She meets up with the captain and actually strikes a deal with him to discuss--by post--possibilities for a murder mystery. As things advance, she soon learns that very similar incidents are happening to Sir Ambrose Pinkerton, despised neighbor of Captain Bulkington. Sir John, who comes upon portions of the story by chance, is also curious about the odd events in Long Canings and helps the local Inspector--Graves by name--to unravel the lethal puzzle.
Innes's situational humor and witty prose are the high points of this novel. The fun he pokes at detective novelists (and to an extent romantic novelists) alone is worth the price of admission. And there is a great deal of enjoyment to be had in Miss Pringle's visit to Long Canings's church services (the great battle of Hymn 203 vs. Hymn 302)--as noted by the reviewer below. There is, unfortunately, very little detecting going on here. Sir John and Lady Appleby are delightful characters, but most of his insights into the goings-on at Long Canings would seem to be inspirational and intuitive rather than deductive. There are very few clues to point the reader in the direction of his reasoning. But the twist at the end is a good one nonetheless.
The book succeeds because of Innes's descriptive powers and his finely drawn characters. The understated rivalry between the Misses Pringle and Vanderpump; the contrasting characters of the Captain's two tutoring charges; the interactions between Miss Pringle and various of Long Canings's inhabitants; and the interplay between Sir John and Lady Appleby as they encounter the folk of Long Canings as well. This all makes for a delightful read and more than makes up for any deficiencies in the mysterious quality.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission or give credit before reposting. Thanks.
March 11, 2019
Reader beware : you will not find a murder in this book. A suspicion of a murder, perpetrated years past, perhaps, but no fresh corpses. What you will get, instead, is a romp in the special Appleby-esque universe of absurdity, pomposity and general kookiness.
In this particular book, Miss Pringle, authoress of genteel mysteries, is perturbed when a passenger in her train compartment displays an unwholesome interest in collaborating with her on her next mystery, and more specifically in methods of committing murder. She comes close to sharing her concerns with Sir Appleby, now a retired CID Chief Commissioner, who is the keynote speaker at a gathering of detective novelists. Instead, she does a little discreet reconnaissance of her own in the village where Captain Bulkington, her erstwhile traveling companion, maintains a coaching establishment consisting of two unprepossessing teens. These soon confirm Miss Pringle's worst suspicions, and she decides to enter into a correspondence with Captain Bulkington to keep an eye on his criminal thinking.
Sir Appleby, who happens to be dragged to that village by his socially active wife, soon hears of suspicious happenings in the estate of the local squire (Bulkington's favorite target) and becomes involved.
I will not say more, because the plot is too rocambolesque for a summary. Suffice it to say that dotty spinsters, hearty squires, spotty youths and rustic villagers abound. A not insignificant role is played by a goat.
In summary : a good read for someone looking for a chuckle, less so for someone who prefers their books to start with a corpse and to end with an arrest.
In this particular book, Miss Pringle, authoress of genteel mysteries, is perturbed when a passenger in her train compartment displays an unwholesome interest in collaborating with her on her next mystery, and more specifically in methods of committing murder. She comes close to sharing her concerns with Sir Appleby, now a retired CID Chief Commissioner, who is the keynote speaker at a gathering of detective novelists. Instead, she does a little discreet reconnaissance of her own in the village where Captain Bulkington, her erstwhile traveling companion, maintains a coaching establishment consisting of two unprepossessing teens. These soon confirm Miss Pringle's worst suspicions, and she decides to enter into a correspondence with Captain Bulkington to keep an eye on his criminal thinking.
Sir Appleby, who happens to be dragged to that village by his socially active wife, soon hears of suspicious happenings in the estate of the local squire (Bulkington's favorite target) and becomes involved.
I will not say more, because the plot is too rocambolesque for a summary. Suffice it to say that dotty spinsters, hearty squires, spotty youths and rustic villagers abound. A not insignificant role is played by a goat.
In summary : a good read for someone looking for a chuckle, less so for someone who prefers their books to start with a corpse and to end with an arrest.
January 10, 2018
A very long time since I read an innes/Appleby novel and I admit I do not remember them being quite this funny.
The humour is subtle and generally seen in the background when describing the odd collection of characters inhabiting this world. Well worth reading the novel for I think.
As far as the mystery crime element it’s very slight to my mind and the novel is more akin to a literary/mystery novel instead of the usual category given if crime/mystery.
In a way the novel sort of leads me to the montalbano novels which are ostensibly crime mystery novels but are actually novels about the place and people.
The humour is subtle and generally seen in the background when describing the odd collection of characters inhabiting this world. Well worth reading the novel for I think.
As far as the mystery crime element it’s very slight to my mind and the novel is more akin to a literary/mystery novel instead of the usual category given if crime/mystery.
In a way the novel sort of leads me to the montalbano novels which are ostensibly crime mystery novels but are actually novels about the place and people.
Read
June 23, 2020didn't finish.
The book was too much pointless weird people in a small English town doing nothing and no mystery.
The book was too much pointless weird people in a small English town doing nothing and no mystery.
May 7, 2019
Priscilla Pringle is on a train when she notices the man across the aisle is reading her book. She engages him in conversation and discovers that he is a very curious character. So much so that she goes to his home to learn more about him.
Through a strange set of circumstances, John Appleby is also drawn into the story of the man, his two boarders that he is supposedly tutoring to be great scholars as well as his involvement in the death of the man who owned the property before him.
A little confusing at the end, at least it was a fast read.
Through a strange set of circumstances, John Appleby is also drawn into the story of the man, his two boarders that he is supposedly tutoring to be great scholars as well as his involvement in the death of the man who owned the property before him.
A little confusing at the end, at least it was a fast read.
December 7, 2020
The cover of the paperback suggested this might be appropriate for an eighth grader I work with. Definitely not! Not sure if the language is found in all these novels but the attempt at sophistication did not carry. The ending was flat and made me wonder why I had to struggle through this piece. so many more great mysteries and this is not one of them.
July 31, 2025
One of my very favourite Applebys, an Agatha Christie pastiche, filled with very funny incidents, a hilarious church service, a goat and a well, a horse's tail and a car radiator, a naive lady crime novelist and a sinister owner of a crammer college populated with two delinquent teenage students. There has been a suspicious death, but has there been a murder? Is there even a crime?
December 3, 2018
This one was really funny, unlike most of his books. Makes great fun of mystery writers.
August 30, 2025
This was a bit of an odd mystery. Although the middle part was better than the first and last sections, it's 2 stars for me. Miss Pringle, an author has an odd exchange with a man on a train who offers to pay her $500 if she'll collaborate on a book with him, but seems rather crazy. In the end, she looks him up to see about this. Long story short, she starts corresponding with him about ideas for a novel. Retired Scotland Yard inspector Appleby happens to travel to this area with his wife and gets involved, because there is trouble afoot and possibly a murder is about to happen.
I hope my next read for this is better.
I hope my next read for this is better.
October 9, 2022
Pretentieus taalgebruik, slecht uitgewerkte karakters en teleurstellend einde
July 19, 2015
A neat plot in a classic whodunit. I thought this book both greatly amusing, yet surprised myself in my inability to develop any significant affection for it. My attention tended to delight in the phraseology, but then to woefully wander astray from the plot. Occasionally I found myself dragged spookily back into the 21st century: “Small economies necessary, these days. All these dammed taxes.”(pg.26). Sounds familiar?
Innes’ acute sense of observational humour is a very real delight; a favourite example occurring (pp.50-56) during Matins at Long Canings (in deepest, darkest Wiltshire), where an exquisitely vivid social picture is depicted of the English entering church. Unsurprisingly, a little later on during the service, a wittily described battle develops between those singing hymn 203 and those singing hymn 302 …
Therein lies the success of this book: the author’s razor sharp control, the delightfully drawn and concreted discontent between two lady writers, and the risible establishment of Captain A. G. de P. Bulkington’s “gloriously decayed educational establishment” (HRF Keating’s superb description of the school).
Innes’ acute sense of observational humour is a very real delight; a favourite example occurring (pp.50-56) during Matins at Long Canings (in deepest, darkest Wiltshire), where an exquisitely vivid social picture is depicted of the English entering church. Unsurprisingly, a little later on during the service, a wittily described battle develops between those singing hymn 203 and those singing hymn 302 …
Therein lies the success of this book: the author’s razor sharp control, the delightfully drawn and concreted discontent between two lady writers, and the risible establishment of Captain A. G. de P. Bulkington’s “gloriously decayed educational establishment” (HRF Keating’s superb description of the school).
July 13, 2014
Mystery writer Priscilla Pringle has an odd encounter on the train. It would seem that the military gentleman across the car is asking her to plan a murder for him. From here, this well-constructed plot touches on a number of ambiguous are they/aren't they crimes, and a variety of undesirable characters, until John Appleby, retired policeman, and his with Judith arrive on the scene.
October 28, 2015
"Appleby’s Answer, (Dodd Mead, 1973) counts as one of his funnier, more entertaining novels."
Read the rest of my review at my webpage: http://tbdeluxe.blogspot.com/2015/10/applebys-answer-by-michael-innes.html
Thanks!
Read the rest of my review at my webpage: http://tbdeluxe.blogspot.com/2015/10/applebys-answer-by-michael-innes.html
Thanks!
October 7, 2009
very British, and very odd!
January 14, 2014
Appleby's Answer was a fun and witty English mystery, with a surprise ending. I am so happy to have found a new mystery author with such a delightful writing style.
Read
January 10, 20153 in 1 book, Odhams Press. with The Shrewsdale exit” and “An explosive situation”.Not sure when I finished this but guessing 1975
March 31, 2011
well, well, silly Mrs Pringle let off the hook
June 26, 2017
Pleasant read, literate, interesting plot.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews