Rogues' Holiday

by Maxwell March, Margery Allingham (AKA)

“An ace high mystery, with unexpected situations and new methods used by old rogues” from the Golden Age author of the Albert Campion series (Kirkus Reviews).
 
An apparent suicide at a posh men’s club in London doesn’t fool Scotland Yard Insp. David Blest. There’s something fishy about the old man who quarreled with the victim the night before. The doggedly determined Blest can’t let the matter rest and uses a leave from work to follow his suspect to the coast.
 
What Blest finds in Westbourne-on-Sea is sun, sand, and suspicious characters, including his elderly target acting as guardian to a sickly girl. But Miss Judy Wellington is only pretending to be ill. Unbeknownst to Blest, she’s really an heiress with a secret inheritance—one that pays off big to her husband if she marries before she turns twenty-five. With only months to go before that deadline, vultures are circling around her. Her guardian’s choice of a husband—a known conman—is killed. All Blest knows is that he’s in too deep, and he’ll protect Judy come hell or high water . . .
 
“By modern standards, where anything goes, this a bit of a cosy mix of villainy, romance, intrigue, and mystery. It’s also a bit of a potboiler . . . This story, as much a thriller as mystery, is a fine example of its period and well worth the read, not only for the legions of Allingham fans.” —Crime Review
 

Genres: Mystery

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1935

About the author

A pseudonym used by Margery Allingham.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A better than average old fashioned English mystery by Margery Allingham writing under the name Maxwell March.

Ms. Allingham, a contemporary of Agatha Christie, was one of the great ladies of the English mystery novel.

Inspector David Blest - young, brilliant and dogged in his investigations - is called in to consult on what appears to be an open and shut case of suicide. Somewhat scandalous, as it involves a young "man about town" taking his life while staying at a prestigious club, there is pressure to simply close the case with as little "bother" as possible. Unfortunately young Inspector Blest has doubts as to the circumstances surrounding the young man's death.

The Inspector, ostensibly on a mandatory vacation, follows a suspect to a busy seaside resort during the height of tourist season and is promptly immersed in an even bigger (yet connected) mystery involving a young invalid woman, several different factions working a confidence game, questionable people who are not who they appear to be, and even more deaths.

Basically the story goes from something of a "who-done-it?" to a free for all of "what-in-the-world-is-going-on?" Along the way the young Inspector becomes infatuated with a young woman, partners up with a retired police sergeant who is desperate for some action, and interacts with an abundance of mysterious characters.

The plot gets a little bit fuzzy at times, there are a lot of characters and more than once I had to refer back to an earlier part of the book to remind myself of who a particular character was... there are so many people running through this novel. It's a good story, though.

If you like the old-style English mysteries you'll probably enjoy Rogues' Holiday.

***Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book

[Sid Nuncius · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rogue's Holiday was written by Margery Allingham under a pseudonym to be serialised as a potboiler because she needed the income before her Campion novels began to make sufficient money. I'm afraid it shows, because there is none of Allingham's later brilliant wit, subtle characterisation or skilful plot development here. It's a clunky, hackneyed book which I got very fed up with.

The story is of David Blest, a brilliant, handsome young Scotland Yard inspector who, unhappy with the investigation of a death in a Gentleman's Club, takes a couple of weeks' leave on the south coast at the hotel where the man he suspects is staying. A frankly, silly plot develops: Blest takes less than a day to fall hopelessly in love with a young woman at the hotel, who is not All She Seems. Naturally, it turns out that the entire business revolves around her, with murder, kidnapping, eccentric wills, sinister outsiders and so on all making their due appearance. The clichés, remarkable coincidences and unconvincing characters continue to mount, culminating in Blest making a Dangerous Last Minute Dash to save his beloved from the clutches of the Evil Enemy. (I obviously wouldn't dream of spoiling the ending by revealing whether he succeeds.)

I read this because I love Margery Allingham's Campion series, which are fine, superbly written novels. However, by about half way through Rogue's Holiday I had muttered, "Oh, for heavens' sake" (I paraphrase) so many times that I began to skim, and really didn't feel I was missing much. I suppose it's right that a book from Allingham's pen should be published, but it's pretty poor and really doesn't do any favours to a genuine great of the genre. My advice: avoid this and stick to Campion.

(I received an ARC via Netgalley.)

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good demonstration of what a decent writer can do with an unlikely plot, a whiff of romance and derring-do. There is precious little detection, a number of colourful villains, a naive and fairly dim heroine, a besotted and indecisive hero, remote houses, respectable hotels, a mad, evil guardian. As melodrama I would probably give it 5 stars. As crime fiction I’m less generous.

I’m interested enough in the genre, and Margery Allingham, to read more Maxwell March.

[Jay Maxfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maxwell Marsh is the pseudonym of Margery Allingham one of the queens of crime from the 20s to the 60s. There were only three novels written under this pseudonym - the other two are: Other Man's Danger (1933) & The Shadow in the House (1936). This novel certainly has the enjoyment factor which many classical crimes give through their connection with the past and how authors & publishers perceived the needs & norms of their readers. The writing style is that of an experienced crime writer and flows nicely making this cosy crime an easy read. However, as an avid classical crime reader, there are flaws in the storyline which may distract the readers enjoyment of this novel. Firstly the story doesn't explain why a 24 year old woman is blindly following her guardian's decision about who and when she should marry. Secondly for such an accomplished author Allingham decides in this novel to make the Inspector fall instantly in love (and totally committed to marriage) with the intended victim after only a couple of hours of knowing each other. This isn't handled in a realistic manner and could annoy readers who are not romantically minded. Over all the book is an enjoyable read but is not one of Margery Allingham's best works as it contains two major flaws. The re-issue of this book would be enhanced if an introduction to the novel and the author had been included. I would give this book 5.5 out of 10.

[Manasa Kannan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by Maxwell March.
I don't explain the plot of the story in my review. I only reflect what I felt about the story because that's what must entail in reviews.
First of all, I love to read crime novels and that's the reason I chose this book. The description definitely intrigued me and I expected a lot from this book. But, unfortunately I was disappointed. I'm sorry to reflect that it didn't fulfill my expectations.
The story started our quite well and it had its great moments due to chapters ending with a cliffhanger, sometimes. Other times, it wasn't appealing at all. The thrill of learning what will further happen was not present in me. The thing that put me off was the instant desire of the man - the protagonist, to express his love for the woman whom he had met few minutes ago. That's not how it happens.
The story is told from multiple pov's. There were times where I had to read a particular situation twice/thrice to understand the flow of the story or as to who is doing what. The flow, overall was great and in detail. The characters were portrayed well too. Readers will easily be able to understand them.
Overall I don't think I would recommend this to any crime lovers.
I give it a 2.5 stars.

[KWink]

Well. I’m a bit peeved that a book as simply written could have stressed me

It’s also fairly extreme, very unrealistic, and a bit chaotic. I don’t even know how many bodies there were - 3? And chloroform, and 2 or 3 attempted murders, and a drugging, and kidnapping, and an explosion…

A lot to take in

[Nancy Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a mystery!

Scotland Yard Inspector on holiday after an unexpected & unsolved murder at the club-
Meets lovely Judy who is not what she seems.
Murder, mystery, chases, close calls & harrowing escapades - couldn't wait to finish reading.

[Gypsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mystery/thriller is melodramatic, implausible, and probably written as a potboiler, but is nonetheless still highly entertaining for those readers who appreciate the less high-brow fringe of the Golden Age of Mystery.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story with great characters and plot

This Allingham does not feature Campion, rather a police inspector Blest. Beautiful cause after sketches and a plot that keeps you guessing. Highly recommended.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent little British mystery! Wonderful characters and quite a complex plot that takes you right along!

[Lisa B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok read, but nowhere near as good as Agatha Christie or Naigo Marsh.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Maybe because I had Allingham’s Inspector Campion series as a benchmark?

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather a sweet mystery romance. Nothing to keep you guessing, though. I will probably read more of her work but not completely enthralled.

[Verity W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Maxwell March and though I quite enjoyed it, it took me a while to get into and didn't like this as much as I like Allingham's Albert Campion mysteries. This is a thriller, but there are some similarities in plotting as well as in writing style. Fun, but I'm not sure I would come back for more.

My copy came from the publisher/Allingham estate in return for an honest review.

[Merrilee Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

On January 28, 2017, the Allingham estate is releasing something different: one of three so-called “lost” novels that Marfery Allingham wrote under the name “Maxwell March” starting in 1931, to earn some extra money. Rogues Holiday is apparently the first of these. This book is proof that Margery Allingham could do very well indeed without the Allingham name and her most famous character, Albert Campion.

Early on, we meet David Blest, a handsome young Scotland Yard Inspector coping with the unexpected death of Eric Ingleton-Gray, a 27-7ear-old man of good family, in the august Senior Bluffs Club, St. James. Colonel Bloom, Club secretary, avers that the unfortunate gentlemen suffered an accident while in his cups after a night on the town in the company of Sir Leo Thyn, an older, long-established club member. Inspector Blest has his doubts, but after a heart-to-heart discussion with his superior officer, Superintendent McQuirk, David is persuaded not to make trouble where there is none. He takes McQuirk’s suggestion to embark on his scheduled two-week leave of absence.

That would seem to be that, but of course, it isn’t. David quietly decides to use his holiday time to pursue his inquiries at the Arcadian Hotel, Westbourne-on-Sea--which just happens to be where Sir Leo is staying. Then, David chances to meet a charming young lady who piques his interest because of her apparent ill health.

From there, the plot thickens nicely; there is another suspicious death, villains of various stripes abound. The lovely young lady, Miss Judy Wellington, turns out to be hiding a secret, including the fact that her apparent delicate health is a carefully orchestrated invention. But why?

This story just keeps gaining momentum, adding layers of complexity and eliciting our curiosity to the point that it is hard to put the book down (at least it was for me). All in all this is a corking good story with an absorbing mix of villainy, romance, intrigue, and mystery. It is less a Golden Age mystery, and more of a thriller. Without Campion, Allingham is still masterful.

My thanks to Camilla of the Allingham estate for providing an advance copy for me to read and review.

[Anne]

An exciting escapade

On holiday, inspector David Blest meets up with a marvelous cast of characters. He falls in love with a woman that two different sets of people are trying to kill. The reasons are disclosed as the book evolves. The story is clever and the characters are interesting. Excellent tale.

[Roisin Shanahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margery Allingham writing as Maxwell March delivers a first class mystery novel with so many twists and turns that the pace never wanes and the readers interest in kept throughout.
A gentleman has died in the Senior Buffs Club of an apparent suicide but Inspector David Blest is not convinced. He decides to take his holiday in a seaside resort so he can keep an eye on Sir Leo Thyn. While waiting on his arrival he meets invalid Judy Wellington. Very soon there is a list of characters from Major Deane, Saxon Marsh, Lionel Birch and Marguerite Ferney that are all very interested in Judy, but why? A second murder occurs involving another man destined to wed Judy. And then she decides to run away with a lady she met in her hotel but all is not as it seems.
Altogether it was a very entertaining read and a surprising gem to find. It is different to an Albert Campion story and certainly seems to have a bigger cast of supporting characters that are all pivotal. Bloomer (a former policeman, now a hotel detective) at first appears over eager and sure to cause our hero (David ) trouble but in fact turns out to be very astute and helpful. Similarly with the police inspector, Winn, who investigates the Majors murder. He appears at first to be gullible but again proves astute and with different clues to David manages to catch the Majors killer.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically, not so much a murder mystery as an adventure story.Written by Margery Allingham, I personally like it more than the Albert Campion series. Perhaps a bit old fashioned but nevertheless a wonderful read.

[Marilyn Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margery Allingham, famous for Albert Campion, also wrote serialized stories for Magazines under the name - Maxwell March. While Campion and Black Dudley took off the serials were put together and formed three Novels. And that is the thing about Allingham, no matter what name she wrote under, the plots build nicely and are page turners. They are filled out by Characters that add interest and that I wanted to spend time with.

From the very first page, I was lost under the old spell of the Golden Age of Writers. The Characters are likeable and sometimes hold a certain naivete. The Inspectors are tough and intelligent. This mystery has a rainy night...cozy reading feel to it. I turned pages so fast,that I was through with the book, about the same time I am halfway through others.

The Characters include an intelligent Inspector, a sickly, young Woman who holds the key to a mystery and a dying, Con Man. Margery Allingham is a great, master builder of the eccentric- particularly in people. But what may be the cream of her writing is that she has preserved a certain way of life in England where the "whodunit" lives forever...like Agatha Christie, Allingham needs to be read and savored for the charm her books have.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a somewhat over-the-top potboiler with mustache-twirling villains, a dainty, wide-eyed heroine, and an upright, stalwart hero. Written in its period it beautifully captures the styles and manners of the day providing a delightful vignette.

The star system of rating is somewhat deceptive. I rank according to the description: 4 is "good" or "I liked it" and 5 mean "great" or "I loved it." And, in fairness to the author, I will round up so a 4+ becomes a 5. In this case I mean "I loved it" although it isn't quite "great"--but it is a riproaring good time and you can dash through it for the fun of it without having to contemplate too many nuances, which is exactly why one reads this type of book. Not to say that the author doesn't achieve greater depth in her self-branded Campion series (also enjoyable) but she certainly lets loose here!

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea Marjorie Allingham had written anything under a pseudonym so I was delighted to find Maxwell March. I have read all of her other novels - most of them more than once - and wanted more. These are rather different but still fun to read. There's lots of action and enough bad guys to keep the reader guessing. Allingham was a master of the genre.