Dandy Gilver and the Unpleasantness in the Ballroom

Dandy Gilver #10

by Catriona McPherson

Glasgow,1932, is a city in the grip of dance-fever. Public ballrooms and backstreet dancehalls are thronged every night and competition for professional titles is fierce. Even after the sudden death of one of last year's hopefuls there are plenty willing to take his place, and few who stop to wonder why he died. In the melting pot of the Locarno Ballroom in Sauchiehall Street, a debutante rubs shoulders with denizens of Glasgow's meanest streets, her respectable fiance oblivious, her parents dismayed. When she starts receiving threats from a rival, they grow frantic enough to call on Dandy Gilver to save their precious daughter from harm. But as Dandy and her sidekick, Alec Osborne, begin to unravel the secrets of the dancehall, they soon discover that the rot goes much deeper than rivalry and there's more at stake than a silver cup. Despite the pretty frocks and dancing shoes, this apparently glittering world is a darker place than they've ever been before ...

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Crime, Historical, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Detective

320 pages, Hardcover

First published July 2, 2015

About the author

Catriona McPherson (she/her) was born in Scotland and immigrated to the US in 2010. She writes: preposterous 1930s private-detective stories about a toff; realistic 1940s amateur-sleuth stories about an oik; and contemporary psychothriller standalones. These are all set in Scotland with a lot of Scottish weather. She also writes modern comedies about a Scot-out-of-water in a “fictional” college town in Northern California.

She has won multiple Anthonys, Agathas, Leftys and Macavitys for her work and been shortlisted for an Edgar, three Mary Higgins Clark awards and a UK dagger

Catriona is a proud lifetime member and former national president of Sisters in Crime.

Reviews

[Aditi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It is the brain, the little gray cells on which one must rely. One must seek the truth within--not without."

----Agatha Christie


Catriona McPherson, a Scottish crime writer, has penned a spell binding and extremely thrilling crime fiction novel, Dandy Gilver and the Unpleasantness in the Ballroom which is the tenth book in the Dandy Gilver mystery series. Dandy Gilver and her sidekick, Alec Osborne's journey continues and this time they travel to Glasgow to solve yet another unraveling mystery where a rich man's daughter, who is a dancer, is subjected to constant life-threatening menace.


Synopsis:

Glasgow,1932, is a city in the grip of dance-fever. Public ballrooms and backstreet dancehalls are thronged every night and competition for professional titles is fierce. Even after the sudden death of one of last year's hopefuls there are plenty willing to take his place, and few who stop to wonder why he died. In the melting pot of the Locarno Ballroom in Sauchiehall Street, a debutante rubs shoulders with denizens of Glasgow's meanest streets, her respectable fiance oblivious, her parents dismayed. When she starts receiving threats from a rival, they grow frantic enough to call on Dandy Gilver to save their precious daughter from harm. But as Dandy and her sidekick, Alec Osborne, begin to unravel the secrets of the dancehall, they soon discover that the rot goes much deeper than rivalry and there's more at stake than a silver cup. Despite the pretty frocks and dancing shoes, this apparently glittering world is a darker place than they've ever been before.


Dandy and Alec are two unusual and quirky sleuths solving crimes of their times. This time the mystery is set in 1930s Glasgow, which was then dominated by the culture of tango and foxtrot kind of dances among the upper-class families and also was dominated by some of the greatest and notorious gangster organizations. A debutante dancer's life is in peril as she is constantly receiving life-taking threats. That is when Dandy along with Alec begins an investigation behind the true identity of the culprit and also to find out the motive behind it. The air in one of the most famous ballrooms in Glasgow is then ripe with fierce competitive air for the championships and every dancer is on the verge to remove their opponent from their way due to the pressure. Not to mention this debutante has befriended some people from the gangster community who too are a part of that dancehall. But when bodies started piling up, it became obvious that Locarno Ballroom in Sauchiehall street is not only threatened by rage and jealously amongst the dancers but it is also more darker and evil than that.

The setting is something that will make the readers more drawn into the core of this fast-paced gripping mystery. The story is set in 1930s Glasgow and it is the era of dancing among the aristocrat, and dancing was so largely popular back in those times that dancers fought for the Championships and that intense atmosphere among the dancers have been vividly arrested by the author. from the streets to the grand hotels to the glittering ballrooms, everything have been captured by the author strikingly. Overall, the author have managed to project that charming landscape of this city with its proper hues in the color, brightness and elegance. Not only the city, but the author has reproduced the timeline perfectly.

The writing style of the author is pretty articulate with an equally appealing narrative style that kept me hooked onto this book. The writing is quite layered, sometimes, the tone of the speech turned dark filled with suspense and at times, it shifted to being humorous and witty that gave me a good laugh. The mystery layered with the tension among the dancers is quite evident from the first page and stayed on till the very last page. This whodunit story is a complete page turner that kept me guessing till the very end.

The characters are quirky and are well-developed. The sleuths' modus operandi is quite skillful, unusual and smart. Dandy and Alec both project a lot of realism in them and it is quite hard to miss their witty demeanor. At times, I was laughing so hard with Dandy or Alec's comment and at times, I was frowning and sweating with anticipation to know what is going on inside their heads. The supporting characters are unique, charming and left a lasting impression on my brain.

Overall, this is not like a typical murder mystery story, instead it has an amusing side to it along with it's riveting edge. And the book left me wanting for more action and mystery from Dandy Gilver.

Verdict: A really charming historical mystery which is funny yet thrilling that is set in the city of Glasgow, that is hard to miss.

Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Catriona McPherson, for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have met the author at a mystery convention, and I was curious to sample her writing. This is the 10th book in the series, and I have not read any of the earlier books, but that was no impediment to being able to dive into the mystery case in this book. It’s set in 1930s Great Britain, much like Rhys Bowen’s successful Her Royal Spyness series. Both series star an upper class woman doing some private detecting. Frankly, I like Rhys Bowen’s series better, but this mystery by McPherson was “up to snuff” and held my attention. This one revolves around professional ballroom dancers preparing for a competition in Glasgow and the rivalry reaches the heights of threats and murder.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 5 out of 5]

1932: Glasgow is a city in the grip of dance-fever. But the dance floor has blood on it..

See the locations here: Dance away on the booktrail here

Glasgow and ballroom dancing? Well this is quite a mix. Not the first place you might think has something to do with sequins and fancy dancedresses but the Glasgow of the 30s was the hotbed of foxtrot and tango if this book is anything to go by.

The author note mentions that the Locarno Ballroom in Sauchiehall street was the real locations and venue of the First Scottish Professional Dancing Championships in 1928 but has since closed.

Glasgow society was divided between the haves and the have nots and the dancers were a force to be reckoned with in the city. The Razor Gangs which feature heavily in the story and the character of Sir Percy Stott is based on a real life detective who dealt with the city’s scourge back in the 1931.

The world of ballroom is cut throat and deadly. This places you at the heart of the tension, so be careful to avoid the stiletto shoes and mind the sequins don’t whip past you so fast that they slice your eye. The greasepaint, the noise of the shoes on the wooden dance floor and the swish of the coattails and dressed spin you into a frenzy as you read.

Quite exciting is the fact that the opulent Grand Central hotel is real and you can stay there to really get a sense of this book as the hotel is still very much in the Victorian decor that the characters in the book would have seen. The hotel is also famous for being the place where the world’s first long-distance television pictures were transmitted on 24 May 1927 by John Logie Baird. TV or books? You decide.

This was great fun. A murder set in a real place and in a real time and setting evoked with such grace that I was not only there but wearing the costumes detailed in the dance hall environment. This was the Strictly come Dancing of its day – the excitement and thrill of the dancing, the competitions and the whole pomp and circumstance whipped me up into a state of excitement. Who was behind the mysterious threats and why? I lapped this up – what a whirlwind of excitement and nostalgia. I say nostalgia – I’m not that old but I do feel as if I’ve spent a bit of time in the 1930s now. Wearing silver dancing shoes of course.

This is part of a series, a fun and witty series that needs to be out there more. The snobbery of the posh PIs to the Glasgow and its people made me laugh more than once…a page.

A cracking good read!

[Linda Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catriona McPherson convinced me in the first chapter that #10 in the Dandy Gilmore series would be another winner. The description of Dandy's slightly shabby, but very agreeable sitting room made me feel that the author must be channeling the spirit of a matron that lived in a Scottish manor house in the early 1930's. Dandy's grief at the loss of her beloved dog brought tears for a special loss of my own.

All the books in this historical mystery series have been meticulously researched. The second one in the series, The Burry Man's Day was quite a surprise to me. I enjoyed it, but thought it was beyond belief. There just couldn't be such a festival. I checked it out and found that there certainly was, and it was just as described. A couple of other times, I've thought I had found an anachronism, but, upon checking, McPherson was always right.

I sometimes don't understand a reference, such as "Dick Whittington's cat" in this one, but I enjoy learning, and don't mind looking things up.

In the last few books, Dandy's maid has been involved in solving the mystery, and in this one Alec's valet/butler was also part of the team. I'm looking forward to see if the two servants will continue being assistant detectives.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dandy and Alec are brought to Glasgow to investigate vague threats being made to a debutante and are drawn into the world of competitive ballroom dancing. Professional rivalries, a previous death, hints of Glasgow mobsters all come together in a sparkling mystery. Dandy and Alec's investigations uncover the sordid underbelly of ballroom dancing and they learn that some people will do whatever it takes to make it to the top.

I have to confess I was mildly disappointed initially that this wasn't set in some aristocratic ballroom but as the tensions mount and the perpetrators' sordid motives are revealed this ranks as one of the most enjoyable of these mysteries I have read so far.

[Rog Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book I have read in this series. Dandy Gilver is a female private detective in Scotland and this book is set in 1931. Earlier books were set in the 1920s. I like Dandy and the author writes in a lighthearted style. This story is set in Glasgow and involves ballroom dancing and gangsters! I am not sure that the plot really makes sense but it is a an entertaining read. I have another book in this series to read next.

[Ashley Lambert-Maberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should probably give these all five stars: they're so engrossing, I love her sense of humour, she keeps me guessing, the characters are almost always interesting and distinct, and I look forward to reading these. I'm just a hardass who tries to save five for when something's just that little bit extra-extra special. Even Agathat Christie mostly gets fours from me, so I can reward And Then There Were None with the full complement.

So another terrific read from Ms. McPherson, who I think should be better known: despite her output, no one I know has heard of her).

I had very little inkling of what had actually occured, with one tiny exception (and even then wasn't sure why/how), until she told me, but she played fair, as usual.

Note to self: this is the one set in the milieu of ballroom dancing.

(Note: I'm a writer, so I suffer when I offer fewer than five stars. But these aren't ratings of quality, they're a subjective account of how much I liked the book: 5* = an unalloyed pleasure from start to finish, 4* = really enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a few pages to get Dandy's voice, but then I spent the rest of the book seeing and hearing her as Diana Rigg in the Mrs Bradley mysteries - which isn't a bad thing.

I will be reading more of Dandy's cases, for sure, in spite of the fact that some of the plot seemed contrived. Sustaining the mystery relied too much on characters telegraphing the fact they had a secret, while refusing to say what it was - and then our intrepid detectives politely not pressing them to talk. I guess their upper-class British upbringing prevented them giving their witnesses a good grilling, but I'd have expected them at least to utter words like, "Mr ....., your daughter's life is at risk. If you know anyone at all who may pose a threat to this family, you must tell us". But no, they walked away.

In spite of that it was a fun, light-hearted read and of course I enjoyed the ballroom motif.

[Soozee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story, Dandy and Alec are drawn into the world of ballroom dancing in Glasgow in the early 1930s; one of the dancers, a really nauseous character called 'Tweetie' has received some rather threatening items and they are called in to find out who is targeting her. The rivalries and jealousies one would expect in such an environment are well portrayed, as the level of threat escalates and dancers are in danger. Tweetie's parents don't want her in that world, and she has promised to leave when she marries in a few weeks, after the Championship. Her fiance knows nothing about her dancing.

Its a setting bound to result in danger and disaster, and as usual Dandy works her way through, and eventually discovers what is really going on.

Its well written, as are all the books in this series, portraying a way of life long gone, but with humour and honesty that are refreshing and fun to read. I loved it.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably 3.5 stars. Dandy and Alec are retained by Sir Percy and Lady Stott to protect their daughter, Theresa, known as Tweetie Bird, from whoever has been sending her threatening messages, related to her ballroom dancing. Once again they are thrown into the fray without all the facts, and left to discover and deduce information that would have been a great help if provided up front. With help from Grant, Dandy's maid, and Barrow, Alec's valet, they investigate the Locarno Ballroom, where Theresa trains, and where the championships will be held. This book provides a fascinating peek into a lost period of time.

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gangsters and dancers…Glasgow and Dandy…oh my! And a second Bunty! The way the author described what it feels like to lose a beloved pet…I understand that feeling. There are just so many good details and moments in these books. Such human feeling and emotion and behavior. So very well written. My heart sinks thinking I’ve finished #10 of 16 and I really hope the author keeps writing forever so I get to continue to read about Dandy and Alec’s exploits. Also, I’m getting anxious about the Second World War on the horizon. There’s already been some foreshadowing for Donald and Teddy to be involved.

[Nofar Spalter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not as good as its predecessor (the Red Herrings book), but it's still a good, solid, cozy, period mystery. There are no ghoulish or "supernatural" elements here, but there's also less of the historical background that makes McPherson's mysteries so unique. Also, some of the motives here are not entirely convincing, and the murder weapon... well, it's a bit of a stretch, and I can understand the police on this one.

[Carol Randall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't really know why I keep reading these books as I find them quite irritating with very convoluted plots. Most of the characters are rather unconvincing but I suppose the only thing that makes me want to read the next book in the series is to learn more about the relationship between Dandy and Alec.

[Lorna Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and think it is one of the best from the series so far. Very easy to read and fast paced. Set in the glittery ballroom world with an unsavoury undertone. Great story. I really like the main characters and how their relationship has developed (even Bunty 🐕) Looking forward to reading the next in the series.

[Nerka Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Dandy Gilver book. The previous few books in the series were duds, but this book reminded me why I so enjoyed the first few. Dandy's investigation takes her to Glasgow. Loved the characterization and the dancing. And Dandy is charming.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a drag through the middle bits, if I'm honest. Not quite as exciting as other installments in this series.

[Vonne Learmonth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. A bit boring.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better. What fun.

[Homerun2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[JoAnn Steinly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to delight. Dandy and Alec are off to Glasgow to investigate threats aimed at a dancing debutante.
But everyone seems a bit cagey...

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series.

[Diane Close · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm actually struggling whether to rate this book 4 stars or 5. The fact that the who-done-it is well broadcast from the very early pages, as is the main motive, as well as a lot of the mystery hinges on people simply not speaking, means I'd normally take off one star from this otherwise stellar mystery. However, the setting and plot twists which add delicious complications and conspiracy to the mix, definitely raises this a notch.

The dance-centric focus of the book is handled spectacularly well. Ms McPherson never gets too bogged down in the details. You get just enough information to really visualize the dancers and enjoy the steps and movement. Unlike her earlier "Brimstone" novel, I didn't expect to see price sheets and detailed menus included, if you know what I mean. She gave just enough detail to make it interesting, without making it seem like she needed to dump all her research on the page. It was perfectly balanced, in my opinion, just like her dancers!

I enjoyed the Glasgow setting, too. The trips to and through its various different neighborhoods are quite interesting. In addition to covering the dancers, the book also covers those involved in the costume making too. My grandmother was raised in Glasgow, and her mother was a seamstress there, so I got a lot out of those parts.

When I started it, I hesitated to continue much beyond the first couple chapters, because it was very obvious what was going on and who was behind things. However, I'm glad I persevered because the plot became a lot more complicated, though a bit bogged down at times by too many "no comments". While my initial observation were correct, there were additional complications and extenuating circumstances that greatly added to both the enjoyment of this mystery and the solving of the crime in ways I had not expected.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dandy Giliver & unpleasantness in the Ballroom by Catriona McPhenson was sent courtesy of Goodreads.

This detective story was set in Glasgow in the early thirties, in the competitive world of competition dancing. Private detectives Dandy and Alec have been employed by a wealthy couple to protect their daughter Teresa, who is a competitor and who is being threatened. Someone will do anything to win – but who? And anything could mean murder!

The book is very understated, right from the title – Unpleasantness, not murder in the ballroom. The investigations do not get in the way of class protocol. Dandy seems surprised at the working class, rather squalid conditions she finds the investigation takes her. There are urchins at hand to ‘mind’ their car when they venture into the dance hall, which is considered somewhat socially suspect. She is more at home with her titled employers. She has a maid, and Alec has a valet, who accompany them to the dance hall – where they discover a deep rot beneath the pretty dresses and dancing shoes.

I like the description of the characters. The maid at one point had eyes and mouth round with surprise. Teresa or “tweetie” is pretty, flighty and prone to melodramatic behaviour. She is having a dancing fling before settling down to an arranged marriage, trying to keep her fiancée in the dark over her activities. You feel nothing violent is going to happen to Dandy, Alec or Teresa, even if others around them are having mishaps.

The plot keeps you wondering who is behind the unpleasantness, so quite a compulsive read.

[Kate Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another captivating mystery solved through the services of detectives Dandy Gilver and Alec Osborne. This time they're off to Balmoral Manse at the behest of Sir Percival Stott, Rubber Industry tycoon. He seeks their discreet services in identifying and ostensibly stopping whomever is terrorizing their daughter with threatening notes and gifts as she forges forward to the Scottish Professional Dancing Championship. As they get to the bottom of things, they stumble upon a covered up murder from the previous year's championship and now try to derail similar goings on in this year's. Such a tangled mess they've gotten themselves into this time: the constabulary is in the local gangster's pockets and of no use.

This is a quick and thoroughly enjoyable read, with its twists, turns and numerous red herrings. A delightful diversion, to say the least.

[Briar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy the Dandy Gilver books. They're my absolute favourites of the horde of 20s/30s/40s detective stories people are writing at the moment. Catriona McPherson is an accomplished writer who knows how to construct a decent plot and, more importantly (for me, at any rate), write convincing, engaging and likeable characters. The writing itself is good but unobtrusive (hurrah) and the period details are accurate enough that one isn't cringing twice a page. It's true that the plot twists have a tend to be... well, let's just say unlikely... but as far as I'm concerned that is more than made up for by the characters, whom I really like and find interesting.

[Donald · Rating 3 out of 5]

She really threw everything into this one, even the kitchen sink, well it was a cloakroom sink . . .
Set against the backdrop of Ballroom dancing and tenements in Glasgow, we got disgruntled relatives, poison, blackmail, a hushed up murder, gangsters, a marriage of convenience, upward mobility . . .
The fact Dandy ad Alec failed to stop a second murder and one of the murderers 'got away with it' seems par for the course, it's the story that's important, not necessarily delivering the culprit to the authorities . . .

[Alexander Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

After 'The Burry Man's Day', my favourite in the series. Especially as it's set in Glasgow, my home city! The same streets and districts ( mostly ) exist to this day, although the tenements today appear a lot fresher than they would have in the 1920's. (Sand-blasted in the early 1980's to remove a hundred years of soot!) A modern take on Agatha Christie; the identity of the killer, and the character's place in the plot, is certainly a trope Mrs Christie employed on several occasions!

[Verity W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murder mystery in the ballrooms of Glasgow in the early 30s. What is not to like. Add a dash of mob violence, and some nouveau riche class clashing and it's an engrossing and entertaining read. Dandy and Alec are a great team - their strengths and weaknesses work so well together. An intriguing solution too.

[Damien G · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best of the series it evokes a period when sectarianism was rife and corruption existed. The book is well plotted and thanks to strictly I understood the ballroom terminology I like the way that minor characters are being developed I have a soft spot for Dandy's maid. I like the detail and the reality that some times life's unfair and some people can get away with murder.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really intricate mystery and I have enjoyed thinking about it now that I've finished reading it. Characters were fabulous as always. The setting is Glasgow's competitive ballroom dancing which is of course beneath Dandy and Alec and Hugh is horrified. McPherson writes the best mysteries- she writes the best novels that happens to be mysteries.