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Ernest Lamb #1
The Blind Side: An Ernest Lamb Mystery
“Anybody could have told you what Ross was like.”
“They did tell me,” said Mavis tearfully. “That’s why I did it.”
Ross Craddock was just the type to be murdered. The new landlord of Craddock house, he begins by giving eviction notice to his aunt Lucy. He threatens the doorman with dismissal. He makes a violent and unwelcome pass to his cousin Mavis. He is vindictive and spiteful and ends up dead. The suspects include Lee who may have walked in her sleep and killed him out of unconscious fear. Or Peter who may have found Ross’ advances to Mavis unbearable. Or aunt Lucy who unexpectedly came back. Or possibly Bobby who was still in love with Mavis and furious that she was seen with Ross. The answer will be yet another Wentworth twist.
The Blind Side was originally published in 1939. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.
“When I pick up a book by Patricia Wentworth I think, now to enjoy myself—and I always do.” Mary Dell, Daily Mirror
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1939
295 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Wentworth
162 books522 followersPatricia Wentworth--born Dora Amy Elles--was a British crime fiction writer.
She was educated privately and at Blackheath High School in London. After the death of her first husband, George F. Dillon, in 1906, she settled in Camberley, Surrey. She married George Oliver Turnbull in 1920 and they had one daughter.
She wrote a series of 32 classic-style whodunnits featuring Miss Silver, the first of which was published in 1928, and the last in 1961, the year of her death.
Miss Silver, a retired governess-turned private detective, is sometimes compared to Jane Marple, the elderly detective created by Agatha Christie. She works closely with Scotland Yard, especially Inspector Frank Abbott and is fond of quoting the poet Tennyson.
Wentworth also wrote 34 books outside of that series.
She was educated privately and at Blackheath High School in London. After the death of her first husband, George F. Dillon, in 1906, she settled in Camberley, Surrey. She married George Oliver Turnbull in 1920 and they had one daughter.
She wrote a series of 32 classic-style whodunnits featuring Miss Silver, the first of which was published in 1928, and the last in 1961, the year of her death.
Miss Silver, a retired governess-turned private detective, is sometimes compared to Jane Marple, the elderly detective created by Agatha Christie. She works closely with Scotland Yard, especially Inspector Frank Abbott and is fond of quoting the poet Tennyson.
Wentworth also wrote 34 books outside of that series.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 58 reviews
February 10, 2019
I am a huge Patricia Wentworth fan but until recently had no idea she had written so many non-Miss Silver mysteries. These have all been reprinted recently by a paperback outfit whom I salute. I am starting to work my way through them and this is one.
Many of the non-Miss Silver stories are barely coherent romances involving mistaken identities, lost heiresses and buried treasure. I chose this one because the presence of dependable Inspector Lamb and Sergeant Frank Abbott indicated that it would be a more sober deductive affair, and so it proved.
We have all the usual ingredients of a PW detective story - universally disliked individual living cheek by jowl with lots of people who loathe him is summarily murdered. In this instance, it is a large London house turned into flats which are mostly occupied by near relatives of the murdered man - a rather convenient conceit, but it just about works. And as characters, we have the spirited young girl trying to make her way in the world, the dependable hero, the flighty piece who gets herself into a mess and the fluffy old lady. It's predictable stuff and probably will only please those who are confirmed PW fans like me. However, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the resolution of the plot, which was quite inventive and required some actual detection rather than just Miss Silver eavesdropping on servants. A thumb's up, then, to this fun period piece - I just wish it had had a better title.
Many of the non-Miss Silver stories are barely coherent romances involving mistaken identities, lost heiresses and buried treasure. I chose this one because the presence of dependable Inspector Lamb and Sergeant Frank Abbott indicated that it would be a more sober deductive affair, and so it proved.
We have all the usual ingredients of a PW detective story - universally disliked individual living cheek by jowl with lots of people who loathe him is summarily murdered. In this instance, it is a large London house turned into flats which are mostly occupied by near relatives of the murdered man - a rather convenient conceit, but it just about works. And as characters, we have the spirited young girl trying to make her way in the world, the dependable hero, the flighty piece who gets herself into a mess and the fluffy old lady. It's predictable stuff and probably will only please those who are confirmed PW fans like me. However, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the resolution of the plot, which was quite inventive and required some actual detection rather than just Miss Silver eavesdropping on servants. A thumb's up, then, to this fun period piece - I just wish it had had a better title.
September 27, 2021
This one is easily the best of Wentworth I have read till now. The end was unpredictable, the tension about the suspense hanging above the main leads quite palpable and the characters although similar to those in other books, still believable. Quite a page turner and although a bit of criticism is attracted by the epilogue, still one can easily get past that.
March 22, 2020
This first book of the Inspector Lamb series (in which Lamb & Frank Abbott appear without Miss Silver) was excellent & the culprit was quite a surprise.
October 21, 2020
For various reasons, this book reminded me of the Marlene Dietrich movie, Witness for the Prosecution. As Wentworth mysteries go, it's awfully talky. All the "stuff" happens in the first two or three chapters, and then people sit around in one of three flats and talk about it. And talk about how tired they are of the flats. Surely "don't leave town" doesn't need to mean "don't leave the building".
Only three stars because I found the ending a disappointment. I found it hard to believe that
Only three stars because I found the ending a disappointment. I found it hard to believe that
May 14, 2020
It's a good mystery. Lamb and Abbott are on their own without Miss Silver. The only real fault I found was the wrap up where the culprit is hit by a train and still survives long enough to make a confession/statement to the police running to several pages. I can suspend disbelief but gee, that's stretching it some. I still give it four stars.
October 29, 2022
Not Lamb at his best
If you want a well written story for a dull afternoon then Miss Wentworth provides this one for you and if anyone asks why you a reading such old fashioned and barely believable books, you can say with certainty that the book is an excellent source of early 20th century morals and customs, and it also gives a description of the clothes people wore depending on their status in life and the attitude of the Police, also depending as it does now, on their status. Excellent historical research and a jolly good read to boot.
If you want a well written story for a dull afternoon then Miss Wentworth provides this one for you and if anyone asks why you a reading such old fashioned and barely believable books, you can say with certainty that the book is an excellent source of early 20th century morals and customs, and it also gives a description of the clothes people wore depending on their status in life and the attitude of the Police, also depending as it does now, on their status. Excellent historical research and a jolly good read to boot.
June 7, 2015
Not a Miss Silver, this features Inspector's Lamb and Abbott both of whom appear in the Miss Silver books. My only complaint was that I worked out whodunnit!
November 18, 2023
Reliable classic golden age puzzle
March 25, 2018
Ross Craddock ought to be a good sort… but he’s not. He frightens his elderly Cousin Lucy.
The old family house has been split into four levels of apartments, the third level is all Craddocks; Ross, his elderly Cousin Lucy and cousin Mary. But Mary dies and too quickly, Ross is handing Lucy a letter to quit after thirty years.
Mary’s apartment has been taken over by another cousin, Peter who is executor of her estate.
Lucy heads off on a trip to Europe and lets another relative, Miss Lee stay in her apartment.
Peter sees Ross at a nightclub with their cousin Mavis, who is drunk and obviously out of her depth. Her boyfriend Robert isn’t pleased, either. Some time late that night, Peter hears a noise and finds a distressed Mavis and a bleeding Ross in the stairwell. She hit him with the decanter when he came on too strong. Peter takes Mavis into his rooms and he sleeps on the couch.
Oh, Mavis. *shake my head*
Later that same night, Ross is shot and killed.
And pretty much everyone could have done it.
Cousin Lucy has come home again, too distressed for a holiday when she’s about to lose her home. Lee sleepwalks and wakes to find blood on her feet. Mavis goes back into Ross’ rooms to get her bag. Peter is ex-army and knows how to use a gun, and Rush the building manager was threatened with sacking by Ross recently, too.
Lamb’s assistant Det. Abbot was fag to Peter at boarding school. [Fagging. It’s a weird English boarding school thing where a young pupil would be required to act as personal servant to a senior boy. ] A change of circumstances has meant Abbot has switched from a legal career to the salaried police job.
Inspector Lamb has too many suspects.
Snorts.
Lucy, Peter and Lee made me laugh… they’re so English…
***
I hadn’t ever heard of Wentworth but she fits in the ‘golden age of mystery’ and it’s pretty good. I like the characters, all the details are here, the police aren’t silly or ignorant, and the solution was very clever indeed.
I’ll be looking for more of these.
4 stars
He looked as he always did , so very handsome and so masterful . It was ridiculous to feel afraid of someone she had seen christened , but there was something about Ross that made you feel as if you didn’t matter at all . (Kindle Locations 168-169).
The old family house has been split into four levels of apartments, the third level is all Craddocks; Ross, his elderly Cousin Lucy and cousin Mary. But Mary dies and too quickly, Ross is handing Lucy a letter to quit after thirty years.
Mary’s apartment has been taken over by another cousin, Peter who is executor of her estate.
Lucy heads off on a trip to Europe and lets another relative, Miss Lee stay in her apartment.
Peter sees Ross at a nightclub with their cousin Mavis, who is drunk and obviously out of her depth. Her boyfriend Robert isn’t pleased, either. Some time late that night, Peter hears a noise and finds a distressed Mavis and a bleeding Ross in the stairwell. She hit him with the decanter when he came on too strong. Peter takes Mavis into his rooms and he sleeps on the couch.
“ The pleasure was far from mutual , ” said Peter , in his most disagreeable voice . “ Mavis , you really are an absolutely prize , champion idiot . Anybody could have told you what Ross was like . ”
“ They did tell me , ” said Mavis tearfully . “ That’s why I did it . ” (Kindle Locations 591-594).
Oh, Mavis. *shake my head*
Later that same night, Ross is shot and killed.
And pretty much everyone could have done it.
Cousin Lucy has come home again, too distressed for a holiday when she’s about to lose her home. Lee sleepwalks and wakes to find blood on her feet. Mavis goes back into Ross’ rooms to get her bag. Peter is ex-army and knows how to use a gun, and Rush the building manager was threatened with sacking by Ross recently, too.
Lamb’s assistant Det. Abbot was fag to Peter at boarding school. [Fagging. It’s a weird English boarding school thing where a young pupil would be required to act as personal servant to a senior boy. ] A change of circumstances has meant Abbot has switched from a legal career to the salaried police job.
“ I’ve taken a dislike to this place , Abbott , ” he said .
“ Did you say ‘ place , ’ or ‘ case , ’ sir ? ”
“ Both , ” said the Inspector succinctly .(Kindle Locations 1639-1640).
Inspector Lamb has too many suspects.
“ I’ll go down and have a word with Rush . Perhaps he’ll be easier to handle in his own quarters . And I’d rather like to see that wife of his . I suppose she is bedridden . ”
“ Haven’t you got enough suspects without her , sir ? ” said Detective Abbott . (Kindle Locations 1753-1756).
Snorts.
Lucy, Peter and Lee made me laugh… they’re so English…
There was a knock on the outer door . Peter got to his feet . “ If it’s a policeman , Lucy’s lying down , you are completely prostrated , and I am raving . I shall give an exhibition performance of biting the hall linoleum . ”
“ I can’t bear another policeman , ” said Lee — “ I really can’t — not even the Pet Lamb . ” (Kindle Locations 2400-2403).
***
I hadn’t ever heard of Wentworth but she fits in the ‘golden age of mystery’ and it’s pretty good. I like the characters, all the details are here, the police aren’t silly or ignorant, and the solution was very clever indeed.
I’ll be looking for more of these.
4 stars
January 2, 2017
In my teens I read The Gazebo, one of Wentworth's Miss Silver mysteries, and didn't get on with it. The result has been that I've missed decades of reading Wentworth's work, as I discovered on reading her Danger Point a year or so ago. At some point I really must have a blitz on her books, because if anything I enjoyed The Blind Side even more than Danger Point.
(I'm confused by one thing, though. Here and elsewhere the novel's referred to as "Ernest Lamb #1." In fact, Inspector Lamb, although the top cop in charge of the case, is very much a subsidiary character in this novel -- yer actual detecting is done by the civilians. Is this just another example of series-mania, the relatively modern habit of trying to thrust books into series even if the connections are a bit tenuous?)
Anyway, The Blind Side is a fine example of a traditional mystery story. Rich heir Ross Craddock is deservedly loathed by most who know him, and now someone has put a bullet through his brain. There's a goodish range of suspects, from family members to the dumped boyfriend of the young cousin Ross was trying to seduce, to the janitor of the building that's home to Ross and other family members.
The solution, when it comes, does so very beautifully out of left field. The possibility of that character being the baddie had actually flitted across my mind, but I thought, "Surely Wentworth wouldn't have the audacity to pull that one." Well, she did, and she did it so neatly that I didn't feel in the least cheated.
Much recommended to anyone who's fond of Golden Age detections. Really, Wentworth should be listed as one of the Crime Queens alongside Marsh, Christie, Sayers and Allingham.
(I'm confused by one thing, though. Here and elsewhere the novel's referred to as "Ernest Lamb #1." In fact, Inspector Lamb, although the top cop in charge of the case, is very much a subsidiary character in this novel -- yer actual detecting is done by the civilians. Is this just another example of series-mania, the relatively modern habit of trying to thrust books into series even if the connections are a bit tenuous?)
Anyway, The Blind Side is a fine example of a traditional mystery story. Rich heir Ross Craddock is deservedly loathed by most who know him, and now someone has put a bullet through his brain. There's a goodish range of suspects, from family members to the dumped boyfriend of the young cousin Ross was trying to seduce, to the janitor of the building that's home to Ross and other family members.
The solution, when it comes, does so very beautifully out of left field. The possibility of that character being the baddie had actually flitted across my mind, but I thought, "Surely Wentworth wouldn't have the audacity to pull that one." Well, she did, and she did it so neatly that I didn't feel in the least cheated.
Much recommended to anyone who's fond of Golden Age detections. Really, Wentworth should be listed as one of the Crime Queens alongside Marsh, Christie, Sayers and Allingham.
July 11, 2022
This is the first of three Inspector Lamb mysteries by Patricia Wentworth without Maude Silver. It came bundled on a download to my kindle with the other two (great for traveling), but since I felt differently about each title, I am going to list and review them separately.
This first one came out in 1939-- about the time the third Miss Silver title was published. I have read about the first 15 of the Miss Silver titles and quite enjoy them for their atmosphere, interesting characters and the faltering romantic couples which are usually in every book. I also really enjoy the repartee between Lamb and Frank Abbott, his detective. Lamb is stodgy and can be very stubborn and really only "tolelrates" Miss Silver. Abbott is younger, more worldly and goodlooking and adores and appreciates Maude.
I was interested, then, in seeing how the relationship between the two Scotland Yard officers played out in these titles.
I liked it well enough, but I was not sure I wanted to read the other two when I in the middle of it. Lots of characters, lots of talking, not so much interplay between Lamb and Abbott, and Peter, one of the suspects, is really the one who solved the murder. Also, as other reviewers have said, the ending seemed a bit too pat. Nonetheless, being in the mood for a cozy British mystery, I read the other two and was very happy I did.
This first one came out in 1939-- about the time the third Miss Silver title was published. I have read about the first 15 of the Miss Silver titles and quite enjoy them for their atmosphere, interesting characters and the faltering romantic couples which are usually in every book. I also really enjoy the repartee between Lamb and Frank Abbott, his detective. Lamb is stodgy and can be very stubborn and really only "tolelrates" Miss Silver. Abbott is younger, more worldly and goodlooking and adores and appreciates Maude.
I was interested, then, in seeing how the relationship between the two Scotland Yard officers played out in these titles.
I liked it well enough, but I was not sure I wanted to read the other two when I in the middle of it. Lots of characters, lots of talking, not so much interplay between Lamb and Abbott, and Peter, one of the suspects, is really the one who solved the murder. Also, as other reviewers have said, the ending seemed a bit too pat. Nonetheless, being in the mood for a cozy British mystery, I read the other two and was very happy I did.
October 28, 2020
The book is a police procedural, and it begins with a great muddle of relations. I can't believe the author expected us to keep them all straight, going back generations! I'm guessing it was to confuse us. Then the story plays out, and it was entertaining enough.
We have the usual offensive ethnic/racial slurs that are in almost all Wentworth's early books, and we have the British use of a homosexual slur that there means a dogsbody or gopher at boarding school.
The story is of a murder, lots of suspects, two intrepid policemen, who recur in Wentworth's Miss Silver murder mystery books quite often, who are something of a prototype Dalziel and Pascoe of TV (and the books) fame. I don't really understand the title and what it has to do with the story.
The plot and setting actually resemble a bit a Miss Silver series book by this same author. The young man courting the young woman in this book is rather obnoxious and seems very unlike the military man he is supposed to be, but what do I really know about that era and British men?
We have the usual offensive ethnic/racial slurs that are in almost all Wentworth's early books, and we have the British use of a homosexual slur that there means a dogsbody or gopher at boarding school.
The story is of a murder, lots of suspects, two intrepid policemen, who recur in Wentworth's Miss Silver murder mystery books quite often, who are something of a prototype Dalziel and Pascoe of TV (and the books) fame. I don't really understand the title and what it has to do with the story.
The plot and setting actually resemble a bit a Miss Silver series book by this same author. The young man courting the young woman in this book is rather obnoxious and seems very unlike the military man he is supposed to be, but what do I really know about that era and British men?
December 16, 2023
First sentence: Craddock House stands at the end of one of those streets which run between the Kings Road and the Embankment.
Premise/plot: This one is the first in the Ernest Lamb mystery series by Patricia Wentworth. It was my first time--to my recollection--reading Patricia Wentworth. This one is, in many ways, your typical classic British mystery. It involves a murder....and a dysfunctional [extended] family is at the center of the drama. Though not every suspect is a [distant or near] relation.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I would probably have enjoyed it a LOT more if the library due date had not made me rush through the last hundred pages. There's nothing quite like the feeling of having to race through a book because it is due at the library. I enjoyed it enough that I would reread it again at some point and possibly continue on in the series.
Premise/plot: This one is the first in the Ernest Lamb mystery series by Patricia Wentworth. It was my first time--to my recollection--reading Patricia Wentworth. This one is, in many ways, your typical classic British mystery. It involves a murder....and a dysfunctional [extended] family is at the center of the drama. Though not every suspect is a [distant or near] relation.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I would probably have enjoyed it a LOT more if the library due date had not made me rush through the last hundred pages. There's nothing quite like the feeling of having to race through a book because it is due at the library. I enjoyed it enough that I would reread it again at some point and possibly continue on in the series.
October 18, 2017
Early Bird Books Deal | Some women writers of the time really didn't have a high opinion of other women, and it shows. | Just awful female characters in this one, I had little patience for any of them. Lucy is too obvious with her 'I've got a secret' hints from the very start, and the field of suspects is small enough to limit the suspense. It is, then, in every way a standard Wentworth mystery. Fluff, but comforting fluff, when you want something that's not taxing to spend an evening on.
November 24, 2020
An Introduction To Scotland Yard Pre Miss Silver
This is an Inspector Lamb & Sargeant Abbott before they meet up with Miss Silver! I find that I'm not that impressed with the Inspector from this outing. It's very clear that Frank Abbott has not yet come into his own - something that I grew to love about him.
The story of itself is really well put together, I defy anyone to guess who the perpetrator(s) is/are... (or at least not until the very end. This is a slow and febrile story of the sweet young things of the post war era (WW2), and it's enjoyable to visit this time.
This is an Inspector Lamb & Sargeant Abbott before they meet up with Miss Silver! I find that I'm not that impressed with the Inspector from this outing. It's very clear that Frank Abbott has not yet come into his own - something that I grew to love about him.
The story of itself is really well put together, I defy anyone to guess who the perpetrator(s) is/are... (or at least not until the very end. This is a slow and febrile story of the sweet young things of the post war era (WW2), and it's enjoyable to visit this time.
November 29, 2020
I enjoyed it in an escapist way, like reading Agatha Christie. You try to guess who did it (I was right). The characters are not quite relatable but fun. The thing I couldn't stand was Peter's horrible bossy marriage proposals to Lee and I felt she should have told him to rack off (but it was a time when women needed to be married I guess). I am glad it all started with Lucy, not with Lee or Peter as I liked her better for all that she was a fussy old stereotyped spinster.
Imagine having a name like "Ernest Lamb" LOL
Imagine having a name like "Ernest Lamb" LOL
September 7, 2017
Written and set in the 20s or 30s in London, it definitely has the flavor and tone of books of the time. Including some language/descriptors that would be considered derogatory nowadays. The mystery was well crafted, but the characters were a bit predictable without a lot of depth. This is the first of a series; not sure I'll continue.
April 16, 2023
This mystery has some similarities to the boarding house plots of Constance and Gwyneth Little. Here the family mansion has been divided up into rooms occupied by family and paying tenants. On a single day, one family ember is kicked out by the new heir, who is later murdered, while another family member, who sleepwalks, shows up unexpectedly. Who was in the room and when drives the plot.
March 26, 2025
Not a bad little read, but a lot of repetition and rather confusing stuff about family trees and who was in what particular flat at what time etc. I must confess I missed a few chunks out as I was bored with the same conversations about who was where when, etc. A good surprise ending though, which I did not see coming.
May 21, 2025
Inspector Lamb was a fairly interesting character but faded too much in the background to be the hero of the story. One of the chief suspects did more investigating to solve the mystery than the detective. Perhaps this was because the suspect had to clear himself so he could marry the girl (as there always seems to be one in Miss Wentworth’s novels). It was a pleasant diversion.
October 9, 2017
This one was a mess! But then again, it's from 1939, which makes it one of her very first mysteries, and there's a reason I'm not bothering to reread the first few Miss Silver books. Not really recommended, and definitely not worth rereading. (Trust me on this, future self.)
November 4, 2022
The first book by Patricia Wentworth that I’ve ever read. The opening page is a far-too-daunting account of the family history, but after that it quickly gets better. Overall, Iit’s an enjoyable read, with some good characters, and a satisfying conclusion.
March 20, 2018
Old fashioned murder story but satisfying in that it contains a usualWentworth twist
September 19, 2018
Enjoyable light mystery read--great plot, good characters, very Agatha Christie--I will be reading more hopefully! Wish my library had these!
May 13, 2019
Great mystery
Great mystery with lots of suspects. The Craddack House has been apartments for years, but the newest heir is a mean one.
Great mystery with lots of suspects. The Craddack House has been apartments for years, but the newest heir is a mean one.
Read
October 4, 2019Dated but pleasant.
April 14, 2020
It's quite a good twist in the story, although the improbably coincidences do pile up...
Read
August 22, 2021This was quite different from the Miss Silver mysteries I've read--a nice little whodunit that kept me guessing till the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 58 reviews