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Henry Gamadge #13
The Book of the Lion
It should be a fairly routine job for Henry Gamadge: Examining the papers of a dead poet and playwright with some early promise but not much commercial success. But it's not so much the life and letters as the death of the author (murdered in Central Park) that interests Gamadge. Add in a dead witness and the odd behavior of the family, and Gamadge decides something criminal is afoot.
148 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 1948
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101 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 19, 2019
The Book of the Lion is the 13th book in the Henry Gamadge mystery series by Elizabeth Daly. I've read a few of the books so far and this is one of the best. As I grow used to Henry Gamadge, I'm liking the stories more and more. In some ways the American bibliophile (hired to look at and verify old books and documents) and a criminologist.
This story, like the others, is light and easy to read but also an excellent mystery. Henry is asked to take a look at correspondence of a poet / playwright who had been murdered a few years back. (The story is set in May 1947. The client has heard that there is a market for such correspondence (maybe up to $1,000) and he asks for Gamadge's opinion. Before he can do this, the widow sells the letters to a rich investor. The whole thing intrigues Gamadge and he begins his own investigation into the previous murder and of the lives of those involved.
As he delves in, he discovers that the poet may have had a somewhat shady past. Back in the 20's he was part of a group of writers who lived in Paris and may have been involved in forgeries. This is where the title comes in. The Book of the Lion is purportedly a lost manuscript from Gregory Chaucer.
As Gamadge continues his investigation, we are introduced to a number of interesting characters; both suspects and Henry's friends and helpers. He seems to have a cadre of friends who assist him in parts of his investigation. There is a lightness to the story, even with the previous murder and some threats to Gamadge and others. He is a great personality, reminds me of Peter Wimsey. There is enough exploration of the art of bibliophiles that adds to the interest. It all resolves very nicely, but is still satisfying. I enjoyed very much and will continue to explore this classic mystery series. (4 stars)
This story, like the others, is light and easy to read but also an excellent mystery. Henry is asked to take a look at correspondence of a poet / playwright who had been murdered a few years back. (The story is set in May 1947. The client has heard that there is a market for such correspondence (maybe up to $1,000) and he asks for Gamadge's opinion. Before he can do this, the widow sells the letters to a rich investor. The whole thing intrigues Gamadge and he begins his own investigation into the previous murder and of the lives of those involved.
As he delves in, he discovers that the poet may have had a somewhat shady past. Back in the 20's he was part of a group of writers who lived in Paris and may have been involved in forgeries. This is where the title comes in. The Book of the Lion is purportedly a lost manuscript from Gregory Chaucer.
As Gamadge continues his investigation, we are introduced to a number of interesting characters; both suspects and Henry's friends and helpers. He seems to have a cadre of friends who assist him in parts of his investigation. There is a lightness to the story, even with the previous murder and some threats to Gamadge and others. He is a great personality, reminds me of Peter Wimsey. There is enough exploration of the art of bibliophiles that adds to the interest. It all resolves very nicely, but is still satisfying. I enjoyed very much and will continue to explore this classic mystery series. (4 stars)
September 4, 2012
Having read all but one of the Daly books, I would recommend to other readers that reading the series in order will make it easier for you to follow the characters that repeat in later books. It will just make things flow better. Also the overall flow of the kinds of mystery that Gamage takes on also will make more sense if you read the series in order. There is just a maturation to the story structure and characters that grows over the series.
That said, The Book of the Lion was a sad mystery. A long past crime reasserts itself and enough clues to misdeeds are laid out to pique Gamage's curiosity... thus he helps save some lives from ruin.
Interesting to read, as he again is interested in the time around WW1 and the financial crash of 1929. Considering Daly lived through this era, it's nice to see her refer to its effect on life. A way to read about history, through fiction.
That said, The Book of the Lion was a sad mystery. A long past crime reasserts itself and enough clues to misdeeds are laid out to pique Gamage's curiosity... thus he helps save some lives from ruin.
Interesting to read, as he again is interested in the time around WW1 and the financial crash of 1929. Considering Daly lived through this era, it's nice to see her refer to its effect on life. A way to read about history, through fiction.
April 6, 2020
Henry Gamadge is contacted by Avery Bradlock, who wants Henry to evaluate the correspondence of his late brother, Paul Bradlock, a rather notorious playwright who was murdered two years earlier. Paul specialized in absurdist plays that no one understand and even fewer people wanted to watch. He was also a deeply unpleasant alcoholic who abused everyone around him. One evening, he went for a walk and did not come back alive. It is assumed that he was killed in a mugging. His widow, Vera, is left penniless and has to live with Avery and his wife.
Avery hopes that the sale of Paul's correspondence could give Vera some much needed money. As it turns out, Henry does not get to view Paul Bradlock's correspondence because Paul's widow, Vera, has surprisingly sold the lot to an old friend named Iverson. Gamadge becomes intrigued by Paul's murder and begins to look into it. Certainly, no one but Vera misses Paul. However, would anyone really want to kill him?
The investigation leads Henry Gamadge into a case of smuggling, possible forgery, and the legendary Chaucer work, "The Book of the Lion," which has long believed to have been lost.
This was a bit of a disappointment for me - a little too short, too fast paced, and rather shallow, uninteresting supporting characters. I really didn't care about the victims. In fact, I think the world was a better place without at least one of them. The problem was, I didn't care about any of the other characters due to lack of development or the fact they just weren't very nice people. The ending is rather abrupt and a little too tidy. You could skip this Gamadge and not miss anything.
Avery hopes that the sale of Paul's correspondence could give Vera some much needed money. As it turns out, Henry does not get to view Paul Bradlock's correspondence because Paul's widow, Vera, has surprisingly sold the lot to an old friend named Iverson. Gamadge becomes intrigued by Paul's murder and begins to look into it. Certainly, no one but Vera misses Paul. However, would anyone really want to kill him?
The investigation leads Henry Gamadge into a case of smuggling, possible forgery, and the legendary Chaucer work, "The Book of the Lion," which has long believed to have been lost.
This was a bit of a disappointment for me - a little too short, too fast paced, and rather shallow, uninteresting supporting characters. I really didn't care about the victims. In fact, I think the world was a better place without at least one of them. The problem was, I didn't care about any of the other characters due to lack of development or the fact they just weren't very nice people. The ending is rather abrupt and a little too tidy. You could skip this Gamadge and not miss anything.
September 20, 2022
Henry Gamadge, bibliography expert, is asked by Avery Bradlock to examine and value the correspondence by Avery’s late brother. Gamadge’s visit to Bradlock introduces him to the unusual circumstances of the brother’s death and the behaviour of the widow. Stories don’t add up and some behaviours seem suspicious.
The family is not very close. In fact, the space the widow lives in seems to be shut off from the main family home. There is the fact that the widow is so secretive about her husband’s death by murder. Why was the husband out so late the night of his murder? Where were they getting the money to live on if this poet/writer hadn’t written anything new in the last few years?
Gamadge is known for his expertise on books, but he has become more known for his success in solving murders. This mystery is right up his alley.
Elizabeth Daly’s books were written in the last of the 1940s to 1950s and are in the vein of Christie and Sayers. One of my favourite eras.
The family is not very close. In fact, the space the widow lives in seems to be shut off from the main family home. There is the fact that the widow is so secretive about her husband’s death by murder. Why was the husband out so late the night of his murder? Where were they getting the money to live on if this poet/writer hadn’t written anything new in the last few years?
Gamadge is known for his expertise on books, but he has become more known for his success in solving murders. This mystery is right up his alley.
Elizabeth Daly’s books were written in the last of the 1940s to 1950s and are in the vein of Christie and Sayers. One of my favourite eras.
March 11, 2023
Early Bird Book Deal | None of Gamadge's choices are justified | This is a strange, shallow book, in which several people die, additional people are put in danger, and many people rush around frantically, to protect a criminal from disgrace. That's what it comes down to, in the end, and since the person Gamadge is trying to keep in the dark is barely drawn as a character, hardly has any scenes, and is cluelessly rude from an over inflated sense of their own importance, it's unclear why Gamadge found it so imperative that they not know what had happened all around them for most of their adulthood. The criminal Gamadge is hell-bent on protecting is also barely sketched, and makes little to no impact on the story, so for Gamadge to risk his life on their behalf is nonsense.
May 25, 2020
These mysteries by Elizabeth Daly are very accessible reads, fluently written and with the type of attractive quality which draws you into their cultured world with ease.
The sleuth is Henry Gamadge, an expert on books and all things literary, who plies his trade amid a swank Manhattan milieu.
The Book of the Lion takes in murder, blackmail and forgery among New York's smart set in a tale that has its roots in the half-remembered expatriate world of the Lost Generation in 1920s Paris. Gamadge is an attractive character and his generosity of spirit is plain to see in his handling of this case.
The sleuth is Henry Gamadge, an expert on books and all things literary, who plies his trade amid a swank Manhattan milieu.
The Book of the Lion takes in murder, blackmail and forgery among New York's smart set in a tale that has its roots in the half-remembered expatriate world of the Lost Generation in 1920s Paris. Gamadge is an attractive character and his generosity of spirit is plain to see in his handling of this case.
May 17, 2021
The Book of the Lion
. ry Gammage as the protagonist. He is smart and resourceful. I always liked Agatha Christie too and he was her favorite US mystery writer. As a rare books and publication specialist he gets around into lots of mysteries which he solves in usual ways.
Since I have been confined by Covid I read a lot. Kindle works for me since no book stores or libraries are open at this time. After the Presidential election, I wanted fun, easy stop read books, in which the bad guys are caught and punished. I want closure with not much strain to the brain.
. ry Gammage as the protagonist. He is smart and resourceful. I always liked Agatha Christie too and he was her favorite US mystery writer. As a rare books and publication specialist he gets around into lots of mysteries which he solves in usual ways.
Since I have been confined by Covid I read a lot. Kindle works for me since no book stores or libraries are open at this time. After the Presidential election, I wanted fun, easy stop read books, in which the bad guys are caught and punished. I want closure with not much strain to the brain.
June 30, 2022
This one is a little light on the mystery—there’s really no question about whodunnit, more just how is Gamadge going to catch them—but the atmosphere and characters are as usual engaging. I don’t think it’s ever explained, but clearly Gamadge has oodles of money at his disposal, as he’s able to hire people without any seeming consideration of cost….
June 27, 2024
An excellent story with a number of surprising twists and turns. So glad to have found Miss Daly's books.
July 8, 2020
I really enjoy these books; the sense of time (servants, and white tie, the neighborhoods and cinemas and shops, and the way the women speak and dress), the gentlemanly amateur sleuth, a lot more common on the British side, but done well here. The books have unusual plots and pacing and the writing is good.
It's odd though, the way the serial characters' personalities disappear; they all become very bland and friendly and clever, or bland and friendly and biddable. I thought it was just Clara at first; she's enigmatic and strong and beautiful until Henry marries her, and by the next book she's become a hot chocolate drink suitable for bedtime. She's still un-knowable but rather than it's being because her interior life is hidden, it's because she has none. But it's not sexism, the same thing happens to David Michael.
I suppose these books have to be taken in the Agatha Christie vein, where human relationships mainly matter in the service of the plot; for honest writing of male/female relations and friendships between classes, read Dorothy Sayers or Margery Allingham (Ngaio Marsh sort of over-indulges in the other direction and P.D. James and Reginald Hill can be kind of exhausting in their ENDLESS dissection and negotiation).
I do LIKE this series, very much. It has a good feel. But the subsuming of the disparate and not always likable returning characters into a sort of Gamadge soup strikes me as unusual.
As for this particular story, it's very cleverly managed. The story is something you can imagine any mystery writer writing, once you have the solution, but the way Daly writes it is uniquely hers, utterly inexplicable and strange.
It's odd though, the way the serial characters' personalities disappear; they all become very bland and friendly and clever, or bland and friendly and biddable. I thought it was just Clara at first; she's enigmatic and strong and beautiful until Henry marries her, and by the next book she's become a hot chocolate drink suitable for bedtime. She's still un-knowable but rather than it's being because her interior life is hidden, it's because she has none. But it's not sexism, the same thing happens to David Michael.
I suppose these books have to be taken in the Agatha Christie vein, where human relationships mainly matter in the service of the plot; for honest writing of male/female relations and friendships between classes, read Dorothy Sayers or Margery Allingham (Ngaio Marsh sort of over-indulges in the other direction and P.D. James and Reginald Hill can be kind of exhausting in their ENDLESS dissection and negotiation).
I do LIKE this series, very much. It has a good feel. But the subsuming of the disparate and not always likable returning characters into a sort of Gamadge soup strikes me as unusual.
As for this particular story, it's very cleverly managed. The story is something you can imagine any mystery writer writing, once you have the solution, but the way Daly writes it is uniquely hers, utterly inexplicable and strange.
July 5, 2021
First published in 1948, I expected this to be a bit stodgy and stilted. On the contrary, this has tight plot and snappy dialogue. A previous reviewer is right: it’s better to start earlier in the series. But now I can look forward to reading the earlier books for the characters’ back stories.
May 29, 2015
Another great 1940/50s mystery! I enjoy the character development and the unique crimes. Very Agatha Christie-esque!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews