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Henry Gamadge #5
L'assassino scrive di notte
Strane cose stanno accadendo a Underhill, la villa di campagna non lontana da New York dove Florence Hutter si è da poco trasferita col marito. Oltre a intrattenersi con parenti e ospiti di ogni tipo, la padrona di casa è impegnata nella stesura di un romanzo d’amore, ma da un po’ di tempo qualcuno, di notte, si diverte a inserire nel suo dattiloscritto frasi macabre e minacciose. Forse è solo uno scherzo di cattivo gusto, ma secondo Florence, da poco iniziata alla scrittura automatica e all’uso di una planchette per comunicare con i defunti, potrebbe trattarsi dell’opera di qualche spirito. Dopo che il “fenomeno” si è ripetuto per due settimane, la donna decide di convocare il suo vecchio amico Henry Gamadge, il bibliofilo con l’hobby dell’investigazione già protagonista di Morte al telefono (I bassotti n. 40), perché l’aiuti a venire a capo del mistero. Non appena giunge alla villa, questi si rende conto che la minaccia non proviene dall’aldilà, bensì da una persona in carne e ossa molto vicina alla famiglia Hutter… una persona che non tarderà ancora molto a passare all’azione. Scritto dall’autrice americana preferita da Agatha Christie, un mystery del 1943 che tiene con il fiato sospeso fino all’ultima pagina.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1943
58 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Daly
34 books54 followersElizabeth Daly (1878-1967) was born in New York City and educated at Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania and Columbia University. She was a reader in English at Bryn Mawr and tutored in English and French. She was awarded an Edgar in 1960. Her series character is Henry Gamadge, an antiquarian book dealer.
Daly works in the footsteps of Jane Austen, offering an extraordinarily clear picture of society in her time through the interactions of a few characters. In that tradition, if you knew a person's family history, general type, and a few personal quirks, you could be said to know everything worth knowing about that person. Today the emphasis is on baring the darkest depths of psycho- and socio-pathology; contemporary readers raised on this style may find Ms. Daly both elitist and somewhat facile. But fans of classic movies and whodunits know that a focus on polished surfaces brings with it the possibility of hidden secrets and things unsaid; for those who disdain the obvious confessional style of today, the Gamadge books have much to recommend them.
Elizabeth Daly now seems sadly forgotten by many which a shame as all her books are superbly crafted and plotted, indeed she counted none other than Agatha Christie as one of her fans. She published sixteen books all of which featured her main series character Henry Gamadge. He is a bibliophile and expert on rare books and manuscripts which makes her books particularly appealing to fans of the bibliomystery. There was some disparity between UK and US releases some being published out of sequence, the bibliography shown follows the US editions which are the true firsts. Murder Listens In and Shroud for a Lady are re-titled reissues of earlier books.
Daly works in the footsteps of Jane Austen, offering an extraordinarily clear picture of society in her time through the interactions of a few characters. In that tradition, if you knew a person's family history, general type, and a few personal quirks, you could be said to know everything worth knowing about that person. Today the emphasis is on baring the darkest depths of psycho- and socio-pathology; contemporary readers raised on this style may find Ms. Daly both elitist and somewhat facile. But fans of classic movies and whodunits know that a focus on polished surfaces brings with it the possibility of hidden secrets and things unsaid; for those who disdain the obvious confessional style of today, the Gamadge books have much to recommend them.
Elizabeth Daly now seems sadly forgotten by many which a shame as all her books are superbly crafted and plotted, indeed she counted none other than Agatha Christie as one of her fans. She published sixteen books all of which featured her main series character Henry Gamadge. He is a bibliophile and expert on rare books and manuscripts which makes her books particularly appealing to fans of the bibliomystery. There was some disparity between UK and US releases some being published out of sequence, the bibliography shown follows the US editions which are the true firsts. Murder Listens In and Shroud for a Lady are re-titled reissues of earlier books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 30, 2024
As I read this country house mystery I kept thinking it was set in England until some bit of Americana would jar me out of my confusion. In the fifth Henry Gamadge episode his wife's not around even though he just got married in the previous book. Trouble in paradise? As usual with Daly an interesting setup and development leads to an ending that doesn't quite work well and it's unclear why the author couldn't have made a simpler and more compelling ending -- it was needlessly complicated. One worrisome note is that much is made of how evil and insane the murderer is, but their motivation seemed logical and natural, almost expected (for a murder mystery). Maybe I need help. Still, wonderfully British read for an American novel. [3½★]
December 29, 2023
Another solid entry in the Henry Gamadge series.
Henry Gamadge goes to the home of old friends, the Hutter family, to discover the truth behind the "ghosts" haunting Florence Hutter Mason. Someone is leaving odd comments on Florence's novel manuscript:
Understandably upset by this, Florence tries to dismiss it as a joke. However, a second comment soon follows:
Three more comments follow and then finally:
Florence and her nephew, Sylvanus Hutter, Henry's old schoolfriend, share an inheritance worth $10 million with an annual income of $100,000 each (much more in 1943 than it is now). The survivor gets all $10 million. Florence is terrified that someone is trying to do more than scare her, and wants Henry to find out what is really going on. Henry agrees, but soon finds that someone is playing for keeps.
Daly appears to have made a specialty of writing mysteries about decaying genteel old families, some of which were were wealthy, but have lost most of their money, though not their elitism (Somewhere in the House), some have held onto their money, though they're not as socially prominent as they once were (And Dangerous to Know), and families with both money and prominence, but declining numbers (Nothing Can Rescue Me).
The best Daly books have an almost gothic feel to them. Relatives can't be trusted. Old friends can't be trusted. People who appear to be saints turn out to be devils. Often, the most innocent-looking person is the murderer. Apparently sane and rational people turn out to be insane. And yet, Daly manages to make it almost cozy. Henry Gamadge rises above it all and ends the book on almost light note.
On an amusing note, one of the quotes is from a John Ford that Gamadge is too bashful to say. I don't know if I can type it here either, but just check out a list of Ford's plays for this: "'Tis Pity She's a....." You'd think Gamadge would find the subject matter worse than the title. ;)
Henry Gamadge goes to the home of old friends, the Hutter family, to discover the truth behind the "ghosts" haunting Florence Hutter Mason. Someone is leaving odd comments on Florence's novel manuscript:
"LISTEN TO ME SAID THE DEMON, AS HE PLACED HIS HAND UPON MY HEAD."
Understandably upset by this, Florence tries to dismiss it as a joke. However, a second comment soon follows:
"YOU SHALL FULLY KNOW
THAT YOUR ESTATE
IS OF THE TWO THE FAR MORE DESPERATE."
Three more comments follow and then finally:
"WHATSOEVER NOISE YE HEAR, COME NOT UNTIL ME, FOR NOTHING CAN RESCUE ME."
Florence and her nephew, Sylvanus Hutter, Henry's old schoolfriend, share an inheritance worth $10 million with an annual income of $100,000 each (much more in 1943 than it is now). The survivor gets all $10 million. Florence is terrified that someone is trying to do more than scare her, and wants Henry to find out what is really going on. Henry agrees, but soon finds that someone is playing for keeps.
Daly appears to have made a specialty of writing mysteries about decaying genteel old families, some of which were were wealthy, but have lost most of their money, though not their elitism (Somewhere in the House), some have held onto their money, though they're not as socially prominent as they once were (And Dangerous to Know), and families with both money and prominence, but declining numbers (Nothing Can Rescue Me).
The best Daly books have an almost gothic feel to them. Relatives can't be trusted. Old friends can't be trusted. People who appear to be saints turn out to be devils. Often, the most innocent-looking person is the murderer. Apparently sane and rational people turn out to be insane. And yet, Daly manages to make it almost cozy. Henry Gamadge rises above it all and ends the book on almost light note.
On an amusing note, one of the quotes is from a John Ford that Gamadge is too bashful to say. I don't know if I can type it here either, but just check out a list of Ford's plays for this: "'Tis Pity She's a....." You'd think Gamadge would find the subject matter worse than the title. ;)
February 21, 2023
Early Bird Book Deal | Keeps up a brisk pace though the characterization is too brief. | This would make a good grocery store checkout line impulse buy, because it keeps the reader's attention and events just continue to rush on--everything happens over the course of less than 48 hours. The level of mystery is mixed; I continuously told myself that X must be the murderer, and that one particular detail must be important or it wouldn't be so noted, but Daly is not using all the rules of Fair Play, there were lots of after-the-denouement explanatory details to clear up questions of motive. Each character is assigned a handful of traits and never becomes a full person, which makes it hard to either care about them or think too deeply about whether they could be the killer. So kind of a mixed bag, overall, but still an enjoyable read.
July 17, 2022
My first Elizabeth Daly, although I've managed to acquire a handful of others, thanks to those Friday Open Road sales. Maybe I would be more keen on it and this wasn't my introduction to the sleuth? He didn't seem particularly interesting in this outing and was pretty blasé about the death's of people he was supposedly friends with. And it all felt a bit too long and a little mediocre. I didn't figure out the solution - a rather Byzantine one - so points for that, I guess.
I do think my expectations were somewhat skewed, because I read something that compared the aunt in this one to Auntie Mame, which she decidedly was not. I'll go back to the start of the series and try a few in order.
I do think my expectations were somewhat skewed, because I read something that compared the aunt in this one to Auntie Mame, which she decidedly was not. I'll go back to the start of the series and try a few in order.
July 19, 2020
Have had slightly mixed feelings about the Elizabeth Daly books I’ve read in the past, but enjoyed this one!
It’s as close to an American country-house murder mystery as I’ve ever read. All the usual golden age ingredients - family, will and inheritance. AN enjoyable and diverting read.
It’s as close to an American country-house murder mystery as I’ve ever read. All the usual golden age ingredients - family, will and inheritance. AN enjoyable and diverting read.
June 5, 2012
Nothing Can Rescue Me by Elizabeth Daly....the title is oh so right. Nothing can rescue Sylvanus Hutter from the brutal blow dealt to him by an unseen hand wielding a Chinese bronze statue. Nothing can rescue his sister Florence Hutter Mason from the poison planted in her iron pills. Not even having Henry Gamadge on the spot and prepared for something malicious to happen.....
Sylvanus approaches Gamadge at their club and asks him to come with him to Underhill, the Hutter family's country estate f...more Nothing Can Rescue Me by Elizabeth Daly....the title is oh so right. Nothing can rescue Sylvanus Hutter from the brutal blow dealt to him by an unseen hand wielding a Chinese bronze statue. Nothing can rescue his sister Florence Hutter Mason from the poison planted in her iron pills. Not even having Henry Gamadge on the spot and prepared for something malicious to happen.....
Sylvanus approaches Gamadge at their club and asks him to come with him to Underhill, the Hutter family's country estate for the weekend. Florence has gathered her friends and family there in an effort to get away from the pressures of World War II--which seem so much more evident in New York City than in the country. She thinks she's surrounded by friendly souls, but after trying to contact the spirits using a Ouija board, she's not so sure. Someone has been typing ominous messages in the manuscript of the novel she has been working on. It begins with a mischievous message, but they gradually become more threatening. Gamadge is quite sure that there is more than spooky fun and games going on.
He is very quickly proved right when Sylvanus is found bludgeoned by the the proverbial blunt instrument. One of the guests still points to a spectral hand--after all Sylvanus was killed in a dark room while playing at Ouija himself. Gamadge is on the look-out for a human agent with a perhaps more mercenary motive, and he makes every effort to protect Florence from harm. The killer is very cunning, though and, despite Gamadge's attempt to prevent another murder, Florence falls victim as well.
But who could have wished Sylvanus and Florence dead? Of course, there is the Hutter family fortune and the inheritance of Underhill at stake....but with Florence changing her will on a regular basis, could anyone have been sure that the inheritance would fall where they wanted it to? Did Tim Mason, Florence's philandering husband, believe that he stood to inherit? Or perhaps Susie Burt, his current interest, counted on him inheriting and helped things along? Then there's Florence's secretary, Evelyn Wing, who, unlike her predecessors, has managed to stay in the position for four years. Did she hope that her devotion would be sufficiently compensated for in the most recent will? And what about Sally Deedes--did she hope for an inheritance big enough to bring her former husband back? There are too many possible motives with not enough certainty for Gamadge's taste. It will take another attempt at murder before he can give the police enough evidence to arrest the culprit.
Daly, who is said to be Agatha Christie's favorite mystery writer, weaves an interesting mystery with plenty of suspicion to go around. There are several false clues and it a good, solid, workable mystery. Not her most outstanding work, but certainly no dud. And Henry Gamadge, her dashing bibliophile amateur detective is always a treat. Three and a half stars.
This review was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting any portion. Thanks.
Sylvanus approaches Gamadge at their club and asks him to come with him to Underhill, the Hutter family's country estate f...more Nothing Can Rescue Me by Elizabeth Daly....the title is oh so right. Nothing can rescue Sylvanus Hutter from the brutal blow dealt to him by an unseen hand wielding a Chinese bronze statue. Nothing can rescue his sister Florence Hutter Mason from the poison planted in her iron pills. Not even having Henry Gamadge on the spot and prepared for something malicious to happen.....
Sylvanus approaches Gamadge at their club and asks him to come with him to Underhill, the Hutter family's country estate for the weekend. Florence has gathered her friends and family there in an effort to get away from the pressures of World War II--which seem so much more evident in New York City than in the country. She thinks she's surrounded by friendly souls, but after trying to contact the spirits using a Ouija board, she's not so sure. Someone has been typing ominous messages in the manuscript of the novel she has been working on. It begins with a mischievous message, but they gradually become more threatening. Gamadge is quite sure that there is more than spooky fun and games going on.
He is very quickly proved right when Sylvanus is found bludgeoned by the the proverbial blunt instrument. One of the guests still points to a spectral hand--after all Sylvanus was killed in a dark room while playing at Ouija himself. Gamadge is on the look-out for a human agent with a perhaps more mercenary motive, and he makes every effort to protect Florence from harm. The killer is very cunning, though and, despite Gamadge's attempt to prevent another murder, Florence falls victim as well.
But who could have wished Sylvanus and Florence dead? Of course, there is the Hutter family fortune and the inheritance of Underhill at stake....but with Florence changing her will on a regular basis, could anyone have been sure that the inheritance would fall where they wanted it to? Did Tim Mason, Florence's philandering husband, believe that he stood to inherit? Or perhaps Susie Burt, his current interest, counted on him inheriting and helped things along? Then there's Florence's secretary, Evelyn Wing, who, unlike her predecessors, has managed to stay in the position for four years. Did she hope that her devotion would be sufficiently compensated for in the most recent will? And what about Sally Deedes--did she hope for an inheritance big enough to bring her former husband back? There are too many possible motives with not enough certainty for Gamadge's taste. It will take another attempt at murder before he can give the police enough evidence to arrest the culprit.
Daly, who is said to be Agatha Christie's favorite mystery writer, weaves an interesting mystery with plenty of suspicion to go around. There are several false clues and it a good, solid, workable mystery. Not her most outstanding work, but certainly no dud. And Henry Gamadge, her dashing bibliophile amateur detective is always a treat. Three and a half stars.
This review was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting any portion. Thanks.
July 13, 2012
This is one of the best of this series of book with our detective Gamage. In this story, Gamage is on his own, he comes to a large old manor and finds many of the struggling hangers on that one finds living off of a wealthy relative or family friend.
Something very evil has been brewing here and the murders are shocking when you read them, cause they feel so unreal. A tense and riveting story.
Something very evil has been brewing here and the murders are shocking when you read them, cause they feel so unreal. A tense and riveting story.
June 7, 2017
By this point in Elizabeth Daly's Henry Gamadge series, certain plots are a fixture. This outing is a classic country house murder mystery, with a batch of guests living under the thumb of a capricious mistress with a penchant for changing her will. Gamadge is called in by the lady's nephew, who enjoys one-half of an inheritance with his aunt; the survivor of the pair will inherit millions, and the house at Underhill. But someone is playing disturbing games… dark messages are being typed into a manuscript the aunt is writing. Gamadge senses there is malevolent intent in the messages, and hastens to Underhill to try to spot the troublemaker. But within hours, murder is committed.
I'm enjoying rediscovering this series. I'm a bit sad that several of the Gamadge books have long been out of print. I like to read series in numerical order. Ah well… watching Gamadge turn over clues and prod the likely suspects is quite fun, regardless of the order you read them.
I'm enjoying rediscovering this series. I'm a bit sad that several of the Gamadge books have long been out of print. I like to read series in numerical order. Ah well… watching Gamadge turn over clues and prod the likely suspects is quite fun, regardless of the order you read them.
August 30, 2022
In mid-1943, bibliophile Henry Gamadge is overwhelmed by war work, but when a prep school/college classmate asks for help, Gamadge is unable to refuse old obligations. Amateur archeologist Sylvanus Hutter is concerned about his Aunt Florence, a giddy socialite terrified of Nazi bombs. Florence has moved her extensive household--mostly hangers-to the family summer home in the Catskills. Menace, tho, seems to have followed them, in the form of threatening messages inserted into the manuscript of Florence’s romance novel in progress. At least one old friend believes the messages are emanating from Another World, but the politely pragmatic Gamadge suspects a disaffected heir. After 2 murders ensue, the heirs (confined to the house)--Florence's younger husband, her cousin, her great-niece, the niece's fiance awaiting an Air Force call-up, her secretary & an old friend--must be investigated. 2 griffons--Bobo & Dodo--help.
January 25, 2025
The great puzzle in this novel is not so much who could have done it, or even who could have benefited from the crime, it's who could have known they would benefit? The answer to the question is extraordinarily unsatisfactory and involves both the murderer and several other people being very stupid. Moreover, the author's prejudices, specifically the reference to and the description of African art as primitive, sinister, and horrifying, have aged quite badly. Nothing can rescue this book from its faults.
December 27, 2021
I love the time period, Henry Gamadge, the characters, the literary presentation. The only thing disappointing was the murderer way off the radar. Plucked from the farthest reaches of the plot. Agatha Christie has been accused of doing this. However, she at least, sprinkles clues throughout that leave one thinking..."Oh, yeah", instead of "WHAT!"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2022
The story itself—the setup, the characters, the mystery—was so good, but the resolution was such a let down. I feel like most of Daly’s books have been like that—like I’ve really enjoyed them for 90% of the way, and then at the end I’m scratching my head. Also, Gamadge seems strangely unfazed as the dead bodies, those of his friends and acquaintances, accumulate.
June 11, 2017
I've kept going with this series, hoping that more would be revealed about Henry Gamadge; there has been very little detail about his family, his childhood, how he has become the expert on handwriting and printing that is invaluable to the police in New York City.
February 4, 2022
Thin evidence
And I miss Clara. The solution was entrapment, so to speak. I am not impressed with how Henry proved it. Basically he browbeat the killer into admitting it. Never an impressive way to solve a mystery.
And I miss Clara. The solution was entrapment, so to speak. I am not impressed with how Henry proved it. Basically he browbeat the killer into admitting it. Never an impressive way to solve a mystery.
August 12, 2022
I appreciated that there was no cussing in this book. My sense of true justice was disappointed when the investigator directed who was revealed as the culprit and allowed them as mentally ill to get a lesser punishment and another culprit to get off all together and actually gain from the crime.
March 6, 2023
Henry Gamadge is a fascinating character that changes just a little with each book. I enjoy the simplicity of the style and the old fashion descriptions. The books are a treat for relaxing on a slow afternoon.
July 9, 2024
Great story with interesting characters
Another enjoyable English house mystery by Daly. Keeps you guessing until the end. Characters have overlapping connections and secrets of their own to keep.
Another enjoyable English house mystery by Daly. Keeps you guessing until the end. Characters have overlapping connections and secrets of their own to keep.
June 27, 2017
I enjoyed the book, and have started another Elizabeth Daly mystery, but I could spot the perp by halfway through. Ending was a bit overelaborate.
June 21, 2020
A pleasant country house mystery, but the solution seemed very convoluted to me.
November 14, 2020
3.5*
Review pending
Review pending
October 26, 2021
I loved the atmosphere of this one and the characters were really good. The mystery is a good puzzler, but the ending is a bit of a mess.
March 15, 2022
Initially I liked this but by the end I was mixing up who was which character & who did what to whom.
May 15, 2022
Henry Gamadge investigates a country house murder in upstate New York. All the usual country house elements were there, but I was disappointed in the solution.
July 5, 2023
Enjoyable but a bit hard to follow with all the relationships.
December 26, 2023
Henry you are not a very good detective! This series is fun, though. It's always interesting to try an American Golden Age book.
Read
January 2, 2025Absolutely solid mystery, but really depressing.
August 22, 2025
Great fun
I am reading all these books . I start and can’t stop. This one was finished in a day. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy this period of time and style.
I am reading all these books . I start and can’t stop. This one was finished in a day. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy this period of time and style.
August 30, 2022
I found Gamadge less entitled and annoying in this one, but I still wish the mysteries put his particular specialties (handwriting, old books) to use and that he had more personality. I did guess the murderer due to the hints dropped and timing, though I was unable to figure out how it was going to benefit her, an contrivance that ended up being rather convoluted. All in all, very similar to the previous Gamadge mysteries, stimulating some intellectual curiosity but no visceral excitement—like a dream-world mystery.
March 11, 2017
Gratamente sorprendida con esta autora completamente olvidada en los fondos de las librerías de segunda mano. Suerte que Siruela la ha rescatado y tenemos "Una dirección equivocada" en nuestras librerías.
En este caso esta es la sexta entrega del detective Gamadge. Se desplazará a un caserón en el campo para tratar de resolver un misterio de acoso que mutará en asesinato. Magníficos personajes y muy buen desarrollo de la trama. Muy recomendable.
En este caso esta es la sexta entrega del detective Gamadge. Se desplazará a un caserón en el campo para tratar de resolver un misterio de acoso que mutará en asesinato. Magníficos personajes y muy buen desarrollo de la trama. Muy recomendable.
February 18, 2012
Nothing Can Rescue Me by Elizabeth Daly....the title is oh so right. Nothing can rescue Sylvanus Hutter from the brutal blow dealt to him by an unseen hand wielding a Chinese bronze statue. Nothing can rescue his sister Florence Hutter Mason from the poison planted in her iron pills. Not even having Henry Gamadge on the spot and prepared for something malicious to happen.....
Sylvanus approaches Gamadge at their club and asks him to come with him to Underhill, the Hutter family's country estate for the weekend. Florence has gathered her friends and family there in an effort to get away from the pressures of World War II--which seem so much more evident in New York City than in the country. She thinks she's surrounded by friendly souls, but after trying to contact the spirits using a Ouija board, she's not so sure. Someone has been typing ominous messages in the manuscript of the novel she has been working on. It begins with a mischievous message, but they gradually become more threatening. Gamadge is quite sure that there is more than spooky fun and games going on.
He is very quickly proved right when Sylvanus is found bludgeoned by the the proverbial blunt instrument. One of the guests still points to a spectral hand--after all Sylvanus was killed in a dark room while playing at Ouija himself. Gamadge is on the look-out for a human agent with a perhaps more mercenary motive, and he makes every effort to protect Florence from harm. The killer is very cunning, though and, despite Gamadge's attempt to prevent another murder, Florence falls victim as well.
But who could have wished Sylvanus and Florence dead? Of course, there is the Hutter family fortune and the inheritance of Underhill at stake....but with Florence changing her will on a regular basis, could anyone have been sure that the inheritance would fall where they wanted it to? Did Tim Mason, Florence's philandering husband, believe that he stood to inherit? Or perhaps Susie Burt, his current interest, counted on him inheriting and helped things along? Then there's Florence's secretary, Evelyn Wing, who, unlike her predecessors, has managed to stay in the position for four years. Did she hope that her devotion would be sufficiently compensated for in the most recent will? And what about Sally Deedes--did she hope for an inheritance big enough to bring her former husband back? There are too many possible motives with not enough certainty for Gamadge's taste. It will take another attempt at murder before he can give the police enough evidence to arrest the culprit.
Daly, who is said to be Agatha Christie's favorite mystery writer, weaves an interesting mystery with plenty of suspicion to go around. There are several false clues and it a good, solid, workable mystery. Not her most outstanding work, but certainly no dud. And Henry Gamadge, her dashing bibliophile amateur detective is always a treat. Three and a half stars.
This review was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting any portion. Thanks.
Sylvanus approaches Gamadge at their club and asks him to come with him to Underhill, the Hutter family's country estate for the weekend. Florence has gathered her friends and family there in an effort to get away from the pressures of World War II--which seem so much more evident in New York City than in the country. She thinks she's surrounded by friendly souls, but after trying to contact the spirits using a Ouija board, she's not so sure. Someone has been typing ominous messages in the manuscript of the novel she has been working on. It begins with a mischievous message, but they gradually become more threatening. Gamadge is quite sure that there is more than spooky fun and games going on.
He is very quickly proved right when Sylvanus is found bludgeoned by the the proverbial blunt instrument. One of the guests still points to a spectral hand--after all Sylvanus was killed in a dark room while playing at Ouija himself. Gamadge is on the look-out for a human agent with a perhaps more mercenary motive, and he makes every effort to protect Florence from harm. The killer is very cunning, though and, despite Gamadge's attempt to prevent another murder, Florence falls victim as well.
But who could have wished Sylvanus and Florence dead? Of course, there is the Hutter family fortune and the inheritance of Underhill at stake....but with Florence changing her will on a regular basis, could anyone have been sure that the inheritance would fall where they wanted it to? Did Tim Mason, Florence's philandering husband, believe that he stood to inherit? Or perhaps Susie Burt, his current interest, counted on him inheriting and helped things along? Then there's Florence's secretary, Evelyn Wing, who, unlike her predecessors, has managed to stay in the position for four years. Did she hope that her devotion would be sufficiently compensated for in the most recent will? And what about Sally Deedes--did she hope for an inheritance big enough to bring her former husband back? There are too many possible motives with not enough certainty for Gamadge's taste. It will take another attempt at murder before he can give the police enough evidence to arrest the culprit.
Daly, who is said to be Agatha Christie's favorite mystery writer, weaves an interesting mystery with plenty of suspicion to go around. There are several false clues and it a good, solid, workable mystery. Not her most outstanding work, but certainly no dud. And Henry Gamadge, her dashing bibliophile amateur detective is always a treat. Three and a half stars.
This review was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting any portion. Thanks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews