What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ghost It Was
Gregory Spring-Benson was an idle young man with no fixed desire to do anything--except drink Burgundy. The time had come, however, when he was faced with the necessity of regular employment.
He thought journalism would allow him plenty of spare time and cash. But the newspaper he applied to was not impressed - until he proposed to report on his eccentric Uncle James, who had recently acquired a country mansion, complete with ghost. However, Gregory was not the only relative to have an interest in Uncle James and his riches...
He thought journalism would allow him plenty of spare time and cash. But the newspaper he applied to was not impressed - until he proposed to report on his eccentric Uncle James, who had recently acquired a country mansion, complete with ghost. However, Gregory was not the only relative to have an interest in Uncle James and his riches...
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1936
About the author
Richard Hull
13 books18 followersRichard Henry Sampson FCA (6 September 1896 – 1973), known by the pseudonym Richard Hull, was a British writer who became successful as a crime novelist with his first book in 1934.
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_...
Note: At least two other authors with the same name: Richard Hull-illustrator & Richard Hull-non-fiction
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_...
Note: At least two other authors with the same name: Richard Hull-illustrator & Richard Hull-non-fiction
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 20, 2019
Nowhere near as strong as the other titles. Full review at classicmystery.blog
December 11, 2020
"The Ghost It Was" is not the strongest of Richard Hull's mystery novels, but it was a reasonably enjoyable read.
James Warrenton has four nephews, at least three of whom have their eye on the main chance and want Warrenton's money. Warrenton has become interested in spiritualism, and the legend of two brothers who supposedly haunt his property. One of his nephews plunges to his death from the haunted tower; was it a terrible accident, or a ghostly murder?
The characters are exactly what you'd expect to find in a mystery story of this vintage. Hull, however, has a deft hand with them, and there are sparkles of personality in each, and a certain amount of dry wit. The plot, well, it's a bit weak, but not enough to dissuade the reader.
Other Hull novels are better, for example, "The Murder of My Aunt," but the characters and wit, for me, made up for any plot deficiencies.
Recommended for a light read.
I received a free copy of this book from Crime Classics Review Club and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
James Warrenton has four nephews, at least three of whom have their eye on the main chance and want Warrenton's money. Warrenton has become interested in spiritualism, and the legend of two brothers who supposedly haunt his property. One of his nephews plunges to his death from the haunted tower; was it a terrible accident, or a ghostly murder?
The characters are exactly what you'd expect to find in a mystery story of this vintage. Hull, however, has a deft hand with them, and there are sparkles of personality in each, and a certain amount of dry wit. The plot, well, it's a bit weak, but not enough to dissuade the reader.
Other Hull novels are better, for example, "The Murder of My Aunt," but the characters and wit, for me, made up for any plot deficiencies.
Recommended for a light read.
I received a free copy of this book from Crime Classics Review Club and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2020
A vintage mystery originally published in 1950. I am usually a fan of this era, but I wouldn't say this was a particularly fine example.
The mystery is a family drama, set in an old castle like mansion complete with ghost stories and legends. There is an old man threatening to disinherit his various grasping relatives including several particularly unpleasant nephews.
The first body appears -- was it murder or a mysterious trick gone wrong? There were eyewitnesses, but did they see a crime or were their imaginations replaying the old ghost stories? The second body appears and things are still murky.
I felt like this mystery suffered from too many characters, general wordiness, and some silly plot elements. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The mystery is a family drama, set in an old castle like mansion complete with ghost stories and legends. There is an old man threatening to disinherit his various grasping relatives including several particularly unpleasant nephews.
The first body appears -- was it murder or a mysterious trick gone wrong? There were eyewitnesses, but did they see a crime or were their imaginations replaying the old ghost stories? The second body appears and things are still murky.
I felt like this mystery suffered from too many characters, general wordiness, and some silly plot elements. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 25, 2020
3.5 - I really liked the writing style but the plot was a bit of a let down.
An old house, a possible ghost sighting and a murder. It should be a great read, and there is a lot to like - it’s a certainly a good whodunnit. However, the characters let it down for me. They’re all so obsessed with inheritance that it stretched credibility and frankly became annoying.
It’s odd when the ghost is more likely than the characters behaviour! A worthwhile read but not a showstopper.
An old house, a possible ghost sighting and a murder. It should be a great read, and there is a lot to like - it’s a certainly a good whodunnit. However, the characters let it down for me. They’re all so obsessed with inheritance that it stretched credibility and frankly became annoying.
It’s odd when the ghost is more likely than the characters behaviour! A worthwhile read but not a showstopper.
Want to Read
December 18, 2019Synopsis: James Warrenton purchases the purportedly haunted Amberhurst Place. A harmless prank turns deadly when his 4 nephews visit.
November 2, 2018
Not my favorite style
This is the second Richard Hull book I have read. He is a good writer in terms of command of language, descriptions and plotting. However, many of his characters present as extremely unlikable and just plain disagreeable. His endings always seem abrupt and leave one with many questions. I was provided with both books to review but I would not likely buy a Richard Hull. Normally a voracious reader, I found myself struggling to just getting to the end so I would not have to deal with these characters any longer!
This is the second Richard Hull book I have read. He is a good writer in terms of command of language, descriptions and plotting. However, many of his characters present as extremely unlikable and just plain disagreeable. His endings always seem abrupt and leave one with many questions. I was provided with both books to review but I would not likely buy a Richard Hull. Normally a voracious reader, I found myself struggling to just getting to the end so I would not have to deal with these characters any longer!
November 3, 2018
A thoroughly confusing and kind of pleasurable read - this is full of deeply unlikable characters wrapped around a murder mystery that, to my mind, is not wrapped up clearly AT ALL. It's amusing and Mr. Hull knows how to stitch a sentence together to create a mood but I was left feeling unsatisfied. I'd recommend as a good example of the side roads British Golden Age novels can take but not for the straight up mystery fan.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2026
An OK mystery with some enjoyable elements, but ultimately unsatisfying. Full review at https://murderatthemanse.substack.com...
October 12, 2020
‘Haunted House Inhabited’
A haunted house, a cantankerous old man, an assortment of nephews and one niece. Most of the nephews would like to get their hands on the uncle’s money, should the opportunity arise.
Gregory Spring-Benson has decided to undertake a career as a journalist: it will be easy, he thinks. He manages to persuade a reluctant editor that he can get a story: his estranged uncle James Warrenton, a well-known international financier, has recently adopted spiritualistic ideas and has recently purchased Amberhurst Place. The house has been unoccupied for some years because there is a legend that it is haunted.
Gregory Spring-Benson sets off to see his uncle.
‘The captive, sir. Will you be requiring the dog?’
After a few relatively minor setbacks, Spring-Benson meets his uncle. He also meets his cousins: Henry, Emily, Arthur, and Christopher.
Mr Hull has provided us with a cast of unlikeable (and in some cases quite ineffectual) characters. And then there is the butler, Rushton. Spring-Benson may be in search of a story, but which one?
It took me a while to get into the novel as much of the first half serves to set the scene and demonstrate the nature of the characters and their relationships. But once things get moving, they move quite quickly. A ghost, and then a death. Are they related? Is it murder?
Fortunately, Scotland Yard becomes involved. Unfortunately, there is a second death before the case is solved. Who is responsible? You will need to read closely to work it out.
An enjoyable read.
This novel was first published in 1936 and was republished in 2018.
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
A haunted house, a cantankerous old man, an assortment of nephews and one niece. Most of the nephews would like to get their hands on the uncle’s money, should the opportunity arise.
Gregory Spring-Benson has decided to undertake a career as a journalist: it will be easy, he thinks. He manages to persuade a reluctant editor that he can get a story: his estranged uncle James Warrenton, a well-known international financier, has recently adopted spiritualistic ideas and has recently purchased Amberhurst Place. The house has been unoccupied for some years because there is a legend that it is haunted.
Gregory Spring-Benson sets off to see his uncle.
‘The captive, sir. Will you be requiring the dog?’
After a few relatively minor setbacks, Spring-Benson meets his uncle. He also meets his cousins: Henry, Emily, Arthur, and Christopher.
Mr Hull has provided us with a cast of unlikeable (and in some cases quite ineffectual) characters. And then there is the butler, Rushton. Spring-Benson may be in search of a story, but which one?
It took me a while to get into the novel as much of the first half serves to set the scene and demonstrate the nature of the characters and their relationships. But once things get moving, they move quite quickly. A ghost, and then a death. Are they related? Is it murder?
Fortunately, Scotland Yard becomes involved. Unfortunately, there is a second death before the case is solved. Who is responsible? You will need to read closely to work it out.
An enjoyable read.
This novel was first published in 1936 and was republished in 2018.
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
July 3, 2019
I have read one other book by Richard Hull, and this one felt very much like that one – a classic British mystery, with elegant writing, descriptions that conveyed the essentials of the locale and the characters, a little dose of dry British humor, and an unexpected twist at the end.
The book revolves around James Warrenton, a wealthy man who has just purchased an estate in the country. I especially enjoyed the way that all of James Warrenton’s relatives seem to have an eye for the main chance (Warrenton’s money), but each in their own way, with their own style, and all ringing true. And the same is true of some other hangers-on at Warrenton’s Amberhurst estate. Just to keep things amusing, there are also hints of a ghost in the estate's crumbly tower, and I’m quite fond of the way the book’s title, “The Ghost It Was”, mimics the more traditional, “The Butler Did It”. Oh yeah, and there is one of those - a butler – too; please see “hangers-on” above.
With only one caveat, I quite enjoyed this book – the caveat being that so many of the characters simply seem to be without any redeeming qualities. So for some part of the book, it actually felt a little bit depressing.
But, in the end, as with the other Hull book that I read, there is quite a nice, albeit slightly enigmatic, ending that ties up the loose threads and provides satisfaction.
The book revolves around James Warrenton, a wealthy man who has just purchased an estate in the country. I especially enjoyed the way that all of James Warrenton’s relatives seem to have an eye for the main chance (Warrenton’s money), but each in their own way, with their own style, and all ringing true. And the same is true of some other hangers-on at Warrenton’s Amberhurst estate. Just to keep things amusing, there are also hints of a ghost in the estate's crumbly tower, and I’m quite fond of the way the book’s title, “The Ghost It Was”, mimics the more traditional, “The Butler Did It”. Oh yeah, and there is one of those - a butler – too; please see “hangers-on” above.
With only one caveat, I quite enjoyed this book – the caveat being that so many of the characters simply seem to be without any redeeming qualities. So for some part of the book, it actually felt a little bit depressing.
But, in the end, as with the other Hull book that I read, there is quite a nice, albeit slightly enigmatic, ending that ties up the loose threads and provides satisfaction.
July 9, 2019
I have read one other book by Richard Hull, and this one felt very much like that one – a classic British mystery, with elegant writing, descriptions that conveyed the essentials of the locale and the characters, a little dose of dry British humor, and an unexpected twist at the end.
The book revolves around James Warrenton, a wealthy man who has just purchased an estate in the country. I especially enjoyed the way that all of James Warrenton’s relatives seem to have an eye for the main chance (Warrenton’s money), but each in their own way, with their own style, and all ringing true. And the same is true of other hangers-on at Warrenton’s Amberhurst estate. Just to keep things amusing, there are also hints of a ghost in the estate's crumbly tower, and I’m quite fond of the way the book’s title, “The Ghost It Was”, mimics the more traditional, “The Butler Did It”. Oh yeah, and there is one of those - a butler – too; please see “hangers-on” above.
With only one caveat, I quite enjoyed this book – the caveat being that so many of the characters simply seem to be without any redeeming qualities. So for some part of the book, it actually felt a little bit depressing.
But, in the end, as with the other Hull book that I read, there is quite a nice, albeit slightly enigmatic, ending that ties up the loose threads and provides satisfaction.
The book revolves around James Warrenton, a wealthy man who has just purchased an estate in the country. I especially enjoyed the way that all of James Warrenton’s relatives seem to have an eye for the main chance (Warrenton’s money), but each in their own way, with their own style, and all ringing true. And the same is true of other hangers-on at Warrenton’s Amberhurst estate. Just to keep things amusing, there are also hints of a ghost in the estate's crumbly tower, and I’m quite fond of the way the book’s title, “The Ghost It Was”, mimics the more traditional, “The Butler Did It”. Oh yeah, and there is one of those - a butler – too; please see “hangers-on” above.
With only one caveat, I quite enjoyed this book – the caveat being that so many of the characters simply seem to be without any redeeming qualities. So for some part of the book, it actually felt a little bit depressing.
But, in the end, as with the other Hull book that I read, there is quite a nice, albeit slightly enigmatic, ending that ties up the loose threads and provides satisfaction.
October 25, 2020
The small biography at the beginning of this book reveals that Richard Hull was a member of the Detection Club, and assisted Agatha Christie with her duties as president. That puts him among the most distinguished company.
The Ghost It Was uses one of the principal archetypes of murder mysteries: squabbling relatives trying to curry favor with the wealthy relative. In this case that wealthy relative is the hard of hearing, irascible and generally mean James Warrenton. He treats his sister, nephews and staff like garbage but they patiently deal with it in the unspoken hope that he'll include them in his will. James is also a recent convert to spiritualism and has seized upon an old legend that his home, Amberhurst Place, is haunted. And when a ghost does appear - and violently sends a victim over to the spirit world - the legend gathers steam!
This book kept my interest, although I didn't find it quite the "puzzly" type of mystery I was expecting. It falls more into the category of thriller, because the ending sort of relies on a deux ex machina. The atmospherics are fun, though, but the characters were a bit of a detraction. That is mainly because nearly all of them were unlikable and miserable people. That said, it is a short and easy read. I'd not refuse another book by this author.
The Ghost It Was uses one of the principal archetypes of murder mysteries: squabbling relatives trying to curry favor with the wealthy relative. In this case that wealthy relative is the hard of hearing, irascible and generally mean James Warrenton. He treats his sister, nephews and staff like garbage but they patiently deal with it in the unspoken hope that he'll include them in his will. James is also a recent convert to spiritualism and has seized upon an old legend that his home, Amberhurst Place, is haunted. And when a ghost does appear - and violently sends a victim over to the spirit world - the legend gathers steam!
This book kept my interest, although I didn't find it quite the "puzzly" type of mystery I was expecting. It falls more into the category of thriller, because the ending sort of relies on a deux ex machina. The atmospherics are fun, though, but the characters were a bit of a detraction. That is mainly because nearly all of them were unlikable and miserable people. That said, it is a short and easy read. I'd not refuse another book by this author.
October 21, 2018
I wasn’t entirely sure to start with whether I was going to enjoy this book when I saw that it had been written and published in 1930’s but it was really good! I actually quite enjoyed the way it was written.
This seems to me to be a classic murder mystery. James Warrenton buys a big house which is supposed to have a ghost. His nephews aren’t particularly believers and are actually only interested in getting all or, at the very least, a piece of his estate. Being newly into spiritualism, James puts a bet on with his nephews about the ghost, which leads to a prank that goes very wrong…..
There are quite a few characters in the story so at times I had to stop and think about who was who (but that’s down to my own concentration levels!) but I really enjoyed working through, with the police, who the murderer might have been and if it really was the ‘ghost’!
The only thing I will say is that the ending isn’t particularly solid and I think, can leave the conclusion somewhat open to interpretation……
Overall though I really enjoyed this and will definitely give this a re-read at some point in the future. I’ll also be looking for his other books!
Thanks to NetGalley and Agora Books for providing with a digital copy in return for an honest review.
This seems to me to be a classic murder mystery. James Warrenton buys a big house which is supposed to have a ghost. His nephews aren’t particularly believers and are actually only interested in getting all or, at the very least, a piece of his estate. Being newly into spiritualism, James puts a bet on with his nephews about the ghost, which leads to a prank that goes very wrong…..
There are quite a few characters in the story so at times I had to stop and think about who was who (but that’s down to my own concentration levels!) but I really enjoyed working through, with the police, who the murderer might have been and if it really was the ‘ghost’!
The only thing I will say is that the ending isn’t particularly solid and I think, can leave the conclusion somewhat open to interpretation……
Overall though I really enjoyed this and will definitely give this a re-read at some point in the future. I’ll also be looking for his other books!
Thanks to NetGalley and Agora Books for providing with a digital copy in return for an honest review.
December 9, 2018
Do you believe in ghosts? What happens if your rich, deaf, contrary, old uncle suddenly expresses a deep belief in ghosts and all associated spiritist phenomenon? Well if you’re related to James Warrenton, you decide that this can be turned to your monetary advantage. Just how you might not be sure, but there must be some way. Oh, and don’t forget to discredit all other greedy relatives while you do that, and don’t get arrested for murder.
The characters are wonderfully surprising. Some are worse than we first suspect, and others have hidden depths of strength and courage. Even the detective fits into this cast perfectly. He’s brilliant but humorous, humble but commanding.
This is one of the best mysteries I’ve read in a long while. Hull’s style is lighthearted, and his plots delightfully mystifying. He is well on the way to becoming one of my favorite authors.
I would recommend it for all lovers of a lighthearted mystery.
There were several curse words throughout the book. Other than those it was a clean mystery.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Agora Books. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinion.
The characters are wonderfully surprising. Some are worse than we first suspect, and others have hidden depths of strength and courage. Even the detective fits into this cast perfectly. He’s brilliant but humorous, humble but commanding.
This is one of the best mysteries I’ve read in a long while. Hull’s style is lighthearted, and his plots delightfully mystifying. He is well on the way to becoming one of my favorite authors.
I would recommend it for all lovers of a lighthearted mystery.
There were several curse words throughout the book. Other than those it was a clean mystery.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Agora Books. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinion.
February 24, 2025
Rating 3.5
Another enjoyable RH novel that isn’t easy to assign a genre or easy description to.
Certainly this book along with his others are not standard mystery/thrillers. They all have a vein of blackish or at least sharp tongued humour that is outside the norm for the detective/mystery novels of the period.
Also the majority of characters or at least the main protagonists are generally not likeable, even if they supply a certain amount of humour through either their interactions with other characters or interior monologues.
In this novel the main protagonist, at least for the opening of the novel, is running short of monies and with outstanding bills decides to go and try and get some money from a rich relative regardless of what they have to do or say.
There follows a mystery regarding a ghost, a couple of deaths and a brief investigation by a Scotland Yard inspector (that a lot of readers will probably not be happy with due to the brevity) which leads to a very sudden ending.
Overall I liked this novel, it was easy to read and I enjoy the writing style of RH. Initial score would be 3 due to the suddenness of the ending, I wanted a few more pages tbh.
Still would recommend though for readers of RH or someone looking for something slightly different.
Another enjoyable RH novel that isn’t easy to assign a genre or easy description to.
Certainly this book along with his others are not standard mystery/thrillers. They all have a vein of blackish or at least sharp tongued humour that is outside the norm for the detective/mystery novels of the period.
Also the majority of characters or at least the main protagonists are generally not likeable, even if they supply a certain amount of humour through either their interactions with other characters or interior monologues.
In this novel the main protagonist, at least for the opening of the novel, is running short of monies and with outstanding bills decides to go and try and get some money from a rich relative regardless of what they have to do or say.
There follows a mystery regarding a ghost, a couple of deaths and a brief investigation by a Scotland Yard inspector (that a lot of readers will probably not be happy with due to the brevity) which leads to a very sudden ending.
Overall I liked this novel, it was easy to read and I enjoy the writing style of RH. Initial score would be 3 due to the suddenness of the ending, I wanted a few more pages tbh.
Still would recommend though for readers of RH or someone looking for something slightly different.
October 16, 2018
This is a clever classic mystery about a rich man, James, who has four nephews and a niece who all could use a little more money than they have. James has purchased an old estate, Amberhurst. Amberhurst is supposedly haunted by a ghost. Gregory, one of the nephews, reads an article about James' purchase of Amberhurst, and goes to visit. Another nephew, Malcolm is working for James along with the niece, Emily. Arthur and Christopher, the remaining nephews live nearby. James tells an old story about two brothers in love with the same woman. They send a friend to ask her which one she wants to marry, and the envoy returns with a black feather showing she has chosen neither of them. At that point the elder one falls from the tower and dies. Soon, Arthur is planning with the local parson to recreate the ghosts on the tower, and Arthur falls to his death - possibly pushed by a ghost. The Scotland Yard detective, Fenby, arrives for the inquest disguised as a defender of ghosts.
Then, James is killed on the tower by a sword when everyone else is either off the premises or locked in their room. Fenby, of course, figures everything out!
Then, James is killed on the tower by a sword when everyone else is either off the premises or locked in their room. Fenby, of course, figures everything out!
October 3, 2020
Originally published in 1936, this Golden Age "locked room" mystery is another fun and engrossing read by Richard Hull. As a fan of this era I was happy with the atmospheric setting, characters (unlikable but where is the fun in characters who reek of perfection and goodness?), plot and ending.
Despised eccentric and wealthy James Warrenton buys Amberhurst Palace as he is intrigued by its historical ghostly links. He believes his four nephews are trying to inherit so he "takes steps".
James, three nephews, one niece, staff and a ghost are all suspects when one of James' nephews is murdered. Who has motive and opportunity? Following that get lost in the book's abundant
clever twists and turns which kept me engaged and guessing to the last page.
Ghosts aren't my thing but this book's depiction is different. It works. The ending is unpredictable which I thoroughly enjoyed. Hull's subtle wit and dry humour are great.
Golden Age mystery fans will discover plenty to like about this book. Well worth immersing yourself in.
Despised eccentric and wealthy James Warrenton buys Amberhurst Palace as he is intrigued by its historical ghostly links. He believes his four nephews are trying to inherit so he "takes steps".
James, three nephews, one niece, staff and a ghost are all suspects when one of James' nephews is murdered. Who has motive and opportunity? Following that get lost in the book's abundant
clever twists and turns which kept me engaged and guessing to the last page.
Ghosts aren't my thing but this book's depiction is different. It works. The ending is unpredictable which I thoroughly enjoyed. Hull's subtle wit and dry humour are great.
Golden Age mystery fans will discover plenty to like about this book. Well worth immersing yourself in.
October 9, 2020
As Christmas approaches we all love a story with a ghost in it, don't we? I know I do. In some ways this is a slightly more adult version of that great 1940s classic Kind Hearts and Coronets, and just as enjoyable.
Richard Hull was a chartered accountant who turned to writing crime novels in the 1930s. He wasn't as prolific as many of his contemporaries and didn't have a series detective who was later adapted for TV. Sadly, like so many good writers from that time he was until very recently almost forgotten.
I love his style of writing. There's a light touch of tongue-in-cheek humour and he has a very clever way of pointing a finger at all the usual suspects including inevitably the butler. If you like classic crime novels this won't disappoint. It is amusing and well deserving of this revival.
Richard Hull was a chartered accountant who turned to writing crime novels in the 1930s. He wasn't as prolific as many of his contemporaries and didn't have a series detective who was later adapted for TV. Sadly, like so many good writers from that time he was until very recently almost forgotten.
I love his style of writing. There's a light touch of tongue-in-cheek humour and he has a very clever way of pointing a finger at all the usual suspects including inevitably the butler. If you like classic crime novels this won't disappoint. It is amusing and well deserving of this revival.
November 8, 2018
Thank you to Netgallery for the ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I honestly think that some people would enjoy this ... for me personally however I didn’t enjoy the writing style making it difficult to read without exerting just a little too much concentration to enjoy what I was reading. It kept me interested and I wanted to know the outcome but it was almost a bit to clever for its own good .. making it confusing. The ending of this book didn’t work for me ... I didn’t really understand how everything tied together and it made for a story which felt jumpy and gappy. The characters were interesting ones but nothing really new here ... just a kind of weird whodunnit for me. I was just glad to reach the end of this. I wouldn’t read anymore books by this author.
I honestly think that some people would enjoy this ... for me personally however I didn’t enjoy the writing style making it difficult to read without exerting just a little too much concentration to enjoy what I was reading. It kept me interested and I wanted to know the outcome but it was almost a bit to clever for its own good .. making it confusing. The ending of this book didn’t work for me ... I didn’t really understand how everything tied together and it made for a story which felt jumpy and gappy. The characters were interesting ones but nothing really new here ... just a kind of weird whodunnit for me. I was just glad to reach the end of this. I wouldn’t read anymore books by this author.
November 29, 2020
Richard Hull wrote and published The Ghost It Was in 1936 and it is a joy to read! His writing is beautiful and his plotlines are perfect, there is nothing dated about this book.
The plot revolves around a very rich, slightly grumpy but easily amused old man with four nephews who are all desperate to inherit. Suspecting that they are only interested in his money he makes a bet with them regarding the existence of ghosts. However, when a foolish prank turns fatal, everyone is a suspect.
I loved this book from start to finish and will be sampling other titles from Mr Hull's back catalogue - having discovered him, as with George Bellairs, I'm hooked! Perfect for fans of any of the authors of the Golden Age of Detective fiction.
The plot revolves around a very rich, slightly grumpy but easily amused old man with four nephews who are all desperate to inherit. Suspecting that they are only interested in his money he makes a bet with them regarding the existence of ghosts. However, when a foolish prank turns fatal, everyone is a suspect.
I loved this book from start to finish and will be sampling other titles from Mr Hull's back catalogue - having discovered him, as with George Bellairs, I'm hooked! Perfect for fans of any of the authors of the Golden Age of Detective fiction.
January 7, 2019
It's interesting to find an author who didn't write serial mysteries. You have no idea who the sleuth IS, sometimes til halfway through the story, and you don't have any expectations as to their method or competence. You also - problematically - don't have any particular affections for any of the characters and might find that you don't care.
The writing is good, and the settings for the crimes are original; this one is a pretty standard "who killed the wealthy crackpot before he could rewrite his will" plot but you tend to forget that in the welter of weird personalities and details. Unfortunately the solution is less interesting than the set-up.
The writing is good, and the settings for the crimes are original; this one is a pretty standard "who killed the wealthy crackpot before he could rewrite his will" plot but you tend to forget that in the welter of weird personalities and details. Unfortunately the solution is less interesting than the set-up.
October 27, 2020
I like classic mysteries from the early part of the last century. So I kind of enjoyed this one. It isn't the best but it's better than a lot of what is rushed into ebooks today. The story is classic country house fare. Wealthy old curmudegeon, nephews and nieces who are beholden to him and hoping to be heirs, ghost in the tower of the castle. But the story is more told than shown. The characters are well enough drawn if not very deep. But most of the "dialogue" is internal to various characters. I find that style a bit off putting. And some of the language seems stilted to modern ears. But all in all, a good enough winter read with a cuppa cocoa in hand!
October 6, 2020
Rich James Warrenton, has recently purchased Amberhurst Place, reportedly haunted. He is interested in spiritualism and hopes to contact the dead. With the arrival of the last of his four nephews, they and one niece, are now all in the neighbourhood, so schemes to ensure they are each the main beneficiary of his will start. But then there is a death, but will this be the last.
An entertaining historical mystery though with hardly any likeable characters.
First published 1936
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining historical mystery though with hardly any likeable characters.
First published 1936
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2023
Ok so I struggled with this - the writing style is not the most reader friendly, it wraps up incredibly quickly and I’m not sure it played entirely fair with the reader (per the rules of the detection club) although some of that may have been down to the writing style. The ideas were good though, I just didn’t like the execution. Not sure I’d read another from this author - because the main problem really was the writing style and that’s going to be the same in other books!
*****copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review no matter how belated!******
*****copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review no matter how belated!******
October 10, 2018
A winning combination!
Black comedy, unpleasant and acquisitive relations, a rich elderly uncle, hidden treasure, a ghost, a mysterious tower, spiritualism… what more could a fan of Golden Age detection wish for?
The writing, characterisation and plotting are all top notch and Hull is one of the few 1930’s writers whose dialogue does not seem dated.
This is very readable, most enjoyable and highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Agora Books for the digital review copy.
Black comedy, unpleasant and acquisitive relations, a rich elderly uncle, hidden treasure, a ghost, a mysterious tower, spiritualism… what more could a fan of Golden Age detection wish for?
The writing, characterisation and plotting are all top notch and Hull is one of the few 1930’s writers whose dialogue does not seem dated.
This is very readable, most enjoyable and highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Agora Books for the digital review copy.
October 19, 2018
I enjoy classic mysteries and this is quite good. As many of the books from England in this time period, there is a lot of set up and many characters. In this one, the interchange of first and last names was confusing for awhile, but I eventually got it. Surprised by who done it. I received an advance reader copy from Crime Classics. Highly recommend.
October 23, 2018
More fun than the usual country house mystery and more suspects than you could shake a will at! The publisher's blurb is a pretty good hook and the characters certainly are, but I found it a really interesting read and a look back in time. Liked the Scotland Yard detective, too!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Agora Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Agora Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
November 6, 2018
This was originally published in the 30's. James Warrenton has recently moved into a supposedly haunted house. His nephews are all vying for a piece of his money, but when someone is killed, everyone is a suspect, including the ghost. It was a pretty good story, although I was kind of disappointed at who the killer was, even thought it was probably the most likely ending. Three stars.
November 6, 2018
A light golden age mystery about a possibly haunted house, a grumpy uncle whose niece and nephews squabble over who deserves uncle's money. After the death of one nephew an inspector from Scotland Yard arrives, who resembles "a foot stool", author's description, to determine if it was murder or the ghost done him in.
October 20, 2018
A classic murder mystery, brought to new life with a sassy new cover.
A mansion in the country, a ghost story, a colourful cast of eccentric characters, a Scotland Yard detective in disguise and a couple of murders - what do you want more?
Very enjoyable!
A mansion in the country, a ghost story, a colourful cast of eccentric characters, a Scotland Yard detective in disguise and a couple of murders - what do you want more?
Very enjoyable!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews