Creeping Venom

Irish Gardening Mystery #2

by Sheila Pim

When the old lady died after dining on poisoned escargot, The Irish Guard suspected the woman's cousin--an Irish nationalist--in this first American edition of this 1946 Irish village gardening mystery.

Genres: Mystery

155 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1946

About the author

Sheila Pim wrote her first detective novel, Common or Garden Crime, to satisfy her father's thirst for detective stories, the publication of which had been curtailed thanks to the paper shortages which affected neutral Ireland during the "Emergency"--or World War II, as it was called in most other parts of the globe.

* Full biography here.

Reviews

[Catie]

Fun, quick little vintage mystery. Pim has written a total of four crime fiction novels, all set in an Irish village. Each has an element of mystery, but are primarily about Irish life, prompting reviewers to describe her as an Irish Angela Thirkell (another favourite author of mine). Gardening is also a key element in all her books. So this has been a perfect summer read. The ending had a twist, that I didn't expect, and made the book even more charming and enjoyable. If you like mysteries, set in a quaint village with an eclectic cast of characters, and a hint of romance, this book won't disappoint.

[Jazz]

Very much enjoyed this Golden Age mystery set in the fictional Irish village of Bainsborough. I was drawn to it for the gardening aspects which did not disappoint. The writing was clever and amusing, just as I like in my mysteries, and the small-village, closed circle of suspects is always fun to figure out whodunnit. My only quibble was the resolution which in the end was a little disappointing, but overall it was just a very good, entertaining read. I wish Sheila Pim had written more than four mysteries, but I have the others on order because I enjoyed this one so much.

[Kye Campbell-fox]

This book was definitely written for people who like both golden age mysteries and gardening (apparently, this was Pim's general vibe), and although my interest in gardening is minimal, it was quite interesting anyway. I am interested in understanding poisons, which was one of the botanical topics discussed. There were also some other interesting historical tidbits, such as the tension between Protestants and Roman Catholics in Ireland and some architectural intrigue. I also liked the romantic storyline - sweet and rather funny without being distracting from the mystery.

My only real complaint is that I thought the solution kind of obvious, particularly because no one considered it until it was revealed at the end. However, I think that is less of an inherent problem with the book and more of the reality of reading a book written nearly 80 years ago when very few people knew very much about poison (and I admittedly know an above average amount about poisons as well). People didn't have the kind of mass access to information back then, and poisons were less well understood in general.

[Lillian]

Another excellent Sheila Pim Irish garden mystery! The writing is so witty with the characters all interesting and engaging. I suspected everyone but eventually had a feeling how it would end. But I didn't feel it was predictable. This was a light mystery with a little romance. The main characters were very well written with excellent dialogue. I wish modern writers were able to write as intelligently as these "old-fashioned" writers. These mysteries are never filled with unnecessary descriptions, unnatural or contrived dialogue or tedious diatribes on social views. Hints are dropped in the book as to how the "murder" occurred which definitely makes me want to put this book on my reread pile. I will definitely collect all four of Pim's mysteries.

[Jane Irish Nelson]

Set in Ireland just after the end of the Second World War. The town of Brainborough is shocked when old Miss Hampton dies after eating poisoned snails. Naturally the police are called in to investigate. In addition, a distant cousin, twenty-year-old Tim Linacre, begins his own investigation, wondering if perhaps this could be his future career. This a very gentle mystery, with a touch of humor, and a very surprising solution.

[Dee]

Good -- a little long.

[Ron Kerrigan]

Another satisfying Irish village mystery from Pim. No blood or gore, and a glimpse into the social mores of post-WWII Ireland, with well-rounded characters and an easy reading style.

[John]

A very entertaining story, which included loveable, amusing characters, social comedy, and a fairly interesting puzzle. This was my first Sheila Pim book, but I will be sure to read more.

[Peggy]

I absolutely adored this mystery! I have to have the other 3 Sheila Pim books now! Her depiction of Irish village life is delightful and the characters are quirky and lovable.

Cast of characters:
Miss Rebecca Hampton is 80 and a fierce Protestant, she had her will alter to forbid her heir to marry a Catholic.

Liam Hampton, her cousin and closest relative, thought to be courting a Catholic girl!

Meriel Booley Browne, the Catholic girl in question and so lovely the rector wistfully proclaimed it a pity that 'providence had not seen fit to bestow such beauty on a Protestant'.

Priscilla Hoyle, a Dubliner, and Miss Hampton's secretary-companion. Is she falling in love with Liam?

Tim Linacre, 20, a college student home on holiday, can't make up his mind what he wants to be. Maybe a detective! A distant cousin of Miss Hampton and 2nd in line to inherit the estate.

Lizzie Shegog, town witch, self-proclaimed expert on herbs, and keeper of an errant goat.

Just to mention a few of the wonderful inhabitants of Bainsborough!

In chapter 16 Miss Pim writes - 'Already he knew all the relevant facts,* though he had so far failed to assemble them.' at the bottom of the page: * And so does the reader. I thought that was very interesting! So pay close attention from the get go and you might be able to solve it!

[Fran Irwin]

So glad I read this for a second time... it gained 2 stars in my estimation. This is an absolutely charming Irish country village mystery in the style of Agatha Christie. The irascible, elderly owner of the village's crumbling manor house dies after eating a dish of poisoned escargot (this is, after all, a gardening mystery). Suspects abound (including the village witch and her goat), the police are called in, a romance is begun, and the game is afoot! Pim is a sharp observer of humanity with a wry sense of humor. But above all, she is a very, very good writer.

[Sandy Weir]

A delightful garden/crime book created by author for her father during WWII, since there was a shortage of mystery books at that time in Ireland. I was so impressed with this book that I ordered 2 more! A garden-lover's mystery read in a different setting! Pimm kindly offers garden tips as she develops her story!