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Langham and Dupré Mystery #4
Murder Take Three
1950s Private Investigator Donald Langham discovers that truth is stranger than fiction when he investigates a murder on an American movie set.
1956. Having just started work as a professional private investigator, Donald Langham’s first client is American movie star Suzie Reynard, currently shooting a murder mystery film at Marling Hall, an Elizabethan manor house in the depths of the Norfolk countryside. The film’s director – Suzie’s lover – has been receiving threats and Suzie is convinced his life is in danger.
On arriving at Marling Hall with his fiancée Maria, Langham finds the film set awash with clashing egos, petty jealousies, ill-advised love affairs and seething resentments. Matters come to a head when a body is discovered in the director’s trailer.
It would appear to be an open-and-shut case when someone confesses to the murder. Donald and Maria are not convinced – but why would someone confess to a crime they haven’t committed? If Langham is to uncover the truth, he must delve into the past and another murder that took place more than twenty years before…
1956. Having just started work as a professional private investigator, Donald Langham’s first client is American movie star Suzie Reynard, currently shooting a murder mystery film at Marling Hall, an Elizabethan manor house in the depths of the Norfolk countryside. The film’s director – Suzie’s lover – has been receiving threats and Suzie is convinced his life is in danger.
On arriving at Marling Hall with his fiancée Maria, Langham finds the film set awash with clashing egos, petty jealousies, ill-advised love affairs and seething resentments. Matters come to a head when a body is discovered in the director’s trailer.
It would appear to be an open-and-shut case when someone confesses to the murder. Donald and Maria are not convinced – but why would someone confess to a crime they haven’t committed? If Langham is to uncover the truth, he must delve into the past and another murder that took place more than twenty years before…
201 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2017
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53 people want to read
About the author
Eric Brown
375 books186 followersEric Brown was a British science fiction author and Guardian critic.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 13, 2017
This is the fourth in a mystery series, set in the 1950’s and featuring crime writer Donald Langham and his literary editor, and fiancée, Maria Dupre. The earlier books in the series are: Murder By the Book, Murder at the Chase and Murder at the Loch.
Langham makes a living through writer crime novels, featuring his fictional P.I. Sam Brooke. However, he has recently started working as a Private Investigator himself, as his friend, Ralph Ryland, needed some help. One day, Langham is alone in the office when a beautiful blonde appears; an American actress named Suzie Reynard. It turns out that Suzie is shooting a murder mystery at Marling Hall in Norfolk and that she thinks someone is threatening her lover, the director, Douglas Dennison.
Langham agrees to visit Marling Hall, with Maria, to investigate – hoping that the couple can have a pleasant weekend in the country. When they arrive though, it is obvious that things are not well on the film set. Those involved include an embittered scriptwriter, an ageing actress, an elderly, lecherous actor and the hosts, who own Marling Hall; Edward Marling and his wife Cynthia. There is animosity between many of those staying at the Hall, along with simmering passions between various characters. At first, Langham believes that Suzie is exaggerating and that the threat to Dennison is imagined, but soon events turns all too deadly and Langham and Dupre find themselves investing a real life murder.
This is an enjoyable addition to a fun series. I like Langham and Maria Dupre. The settings in the novels are enjoyable and there is a lot of wry humour. If you enjoy mysteries which concentrate on the puzzle element of the crime, as well as characters and setting, then you will enjoy this series. They can be read in any order, but, if you wish to start at the beginning, then Murder by the Book is the first in the series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Langham makes a living through writer crime novels, featuring his fictional P.I. Sam Brooke. However, he has recently started working as a Private Investigator himself, as his friend, Ralph Ryland, needed some help. One day, Langham is alone in the office when a beautiful blonde appears; an American actress named Suzie Reynard. It turns out that Suzie is shooting a murder mystery at Marling Hall in Norfolk and that she thinks someone is threatening her lover, the director, Douglas Dennison.
Langham agrees to visit Marling Hall, with Maria, to investigate – hoping that the couple can have a pleasant weekend in the country. When they arrive though, it is obvious that things are not well on the film set. Those involved include an embittered scriptwriter, an ageing actress, an elderly, lecherous actor and the hosts, who own Marling Hall; Edward Marling and his wife Cynthia. There is animosity between many of those staying at the Hall, along with simmering passions between various characters. At first, Langham believes that Suzie is exaggerating and that the threat to Dennison is imagined, but soon events turns all too deadly and Langham and Dupre find themselves investing a real life murder.
This is an enjoyable addition to a fun series. I like Langham and Maria Dupre. The settings in the novels are enjoyable and there is a lot of wry humour. If you enjoy mysteries which concentrate on the puzzle element of the crime, as well as characters and setting, then you will enjoy this series. They can be read in any order, but, if you wish to start at the beginning, then Murder by the Book is the first in the series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
June 18, 2017
It is the 1950s and the Ryland Detective Agency has a new client. Mystery Writer turned Investigator Donald Langham is called upon to visit the English set of an American movie, where the star, Suzie Reynard, feels that not all is what it seems.
And she may be right as the cast of characters assembled to star in this fictional murder mystery based on true events, find themselves at the centre of a series of very real murders. Long forgotten secrets rear their heads as the actors find that their lives have intersected over many years.
Can Donald Langham and his editor-fiancee Maria Dupre sort fact from fiction and solve these murders before the cast is slowly whittled down? Just who is directing the scenes - certainly not the Hollywood director.
Despite not having read the previous three books in the series, I found this easy to read, the main characters of Donald and Maria were likeable, the the story behind the murders was steadily drawn out and held the reader captive.
And she may be right as the cast of characters assembled to star in this fictional murder mystery based on true events, find themselves at the centre of a series of very real murders. Long forgotten secrets rear their heads as the actors find that their lives have intersected over many years.
Can Donald Langham and his editor-fiancee Maria Dupre sort fact from fiction and solve these murders before the cast is slowly whittled down? Just who is directing the scenes - certainly not the Hollywood director.
Despite not having read the previous three books in the series, I found this easy to read, the main characters of Donald and Maria were likeable, the the story behind the murders was steadily drawn out and held the reader captive.
May 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley
Donald Langham and his fiancée Maria Dupre are invited to spend the weekend at Marling Hall in Norfolk. Unfortunately it isn't a weekend of pleasure as Donald has been invited in his role of private investigator by film star Suzie Reynard because she fears for the safety of her lover, Douglas, the film's director.
When a murder occurs and almost immediately afterwards someone confesses it seems as though it is an open and shut case but neither Donald or Maria are convinced and continue to investigate. This is an entertaining and well written story set in 1956 and the period details are accurate and well drawn. I have read the previous books in this series and enjoyed them and this is a worthy addition to the series.
I like Donald as a character as well as his business partner Ralph Ryland. They make an unlikely partnership but they do work very well together in spite of their completely different backgrounds. If you enjoy crime novels without too much bad language and violence and with a period setting then this series is worth a try.
Donald Langham and his fiancée Maria Dupre are invited to spend the weekend at Marling Hall in Norfolk. Unfortunately it isn't a weekend of pleasure as Donald has been invited in his role of private investigator by film star Suzie Reynard because she fears for the safety of her lover, Douglas, the film's director.
When a murder occurs and almost immediately afterwards someone confesses it seems as though it is an open and shut case but neither Donald or Maria are convinced and continue to investigate. This is an entertaining and well written story set in 1956 and the period details are accurate and well drawn. I have read the previous books in this series and enjoyed them and this is a worthy addition to the series.
I like Donald as a character as well as his business partner Ralph Ryland. They make an unlikely partnership but they do work very well together in spite of their completely different backgrounds. If you enjoy crime novels without too much bad language and violence and with a period setting then this series is worth a try.
December 26, 2025
I originally came across this series by reading book 5 but with now reading this one I have caught up with myself and with Donald Langham and his bride to be Miss Maria Dupre.
This time Don is approached by a young actress from the silver screen who is worried about her lover who is also the director of a film about to start filming on a large country estate in East Anglia. Don and Maria are invited to join them.
Another country house murder mystery for them but at least they are not snowed in this time.
The storyline was OK but nothing out of the ordinary. The possibiility of the motive was only hinted at for the armchair detective and, I felt that the way the last crime was committed was a bit weak. Likewise the 'clue' from which Don solved it surely took an enormous guess on his part.
I have enjoyed this series so far and this little glitch , for which the title scored itself, won't put me off continuing with it.
9th Sept 2025
This time Don is approached by a young actress from the silver screen who is worried about her lover who is also the director of a film about to start filming on a large country estate in East Anglia. Don and Maria are invited to join them.
Another country house murder mystery for them but at least they are not snowed in this time.
The storyline was OK but nothing out of the ordinary. The possibiility of the motive was only hinted at for the armchair detective and, I felt that the way the last crime was committed was a bit weak. Likewise the 'clue' from which Don solved it surely took an enormous guess on his part.
I have enjoyed this series so far and this little glitch , for which the title scored itself, won't put me off continuing with it.
9th Sept 2025
September 21, 2017
A classic country house murder mystery, with a satisfying conclusion. It's set in 1950's England with a diverse cast of suspects. One loose end for me is the rationale for all the animal photos sent to one of the murder victims and the body of the hare placed on the property. Otherwise everything is nicely concluded.
June 16, 2017
I love mysteries involving early Hollywood. I also love classic manor house mysteries. Put the two together like Eric Brown has and the result is an absolutely delicious historical mystery. David Langham is a mystery author/private investigator. American movie star Suzie Reynard hires him to investigate a potential threat to her lover, the film’s director. The cast and crew are preparing to film a mystery based on an actual murder that occurred not far from the film’s location - Marling house, a stately home in the Norfolk countryside. Suzie believes that something sinister is going on at Marling house, so she wants Langham and his fiancee to pose as her friends and stay the weekend. The danger is not readily apparent, but tensions between the cast, crew and homeowners are palpable. The relationships and histories of the players are complicated and filled with ill will. When Suzie is discovered murdered in the Douglas’s trailer, Langham is uncertain who was the actual target. Was Douglas the target? Or was it Suzie all along? A manor house murder amongst a group of people creating a film about a manor house murder - delicious.
I loved the varied personalities of the stars, the rich complicated background and the many relationship twists. Eric Brown is a marvelous storyteller. I highly recommend Murder Take Three to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries, early Hollywood or classic manor house mysteries.
5 / 5
I received a copy of Murder Take Three from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
I loved the varied personalities of the stars, the rich complicated background and the many relationship twists. Eric Brown is a marvelous storyteller. I highly recommend Murder Take Three to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries, early Hollywood or classic manor house mysteries.
5 / 5
I received a copy of Murder Take Three from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
March 30, 2022
This is the fourth book in the Langham and Dupre series, set in 1950s England. The main characters are Donald Langham, a mystery writer and part-time private detective; his fiance Marie Dupre, who is his literary agent and assistant manager of a small publishing house; and Ralph Ryland, Donald's partner in the detective agency. Langham and Ryland are hired by American actress Suzie Reynard who is filming a movie at a rural Norfolk estate. Her lover, the film's director, has been receiving threatening letters and she is worried about his safety. Thinking it all a likely false alarm, Donald invites Marie along for what promises to be a lovely weekend in the country. But they arrive to find the set filled with tensions and animosities among the cast and crew. And when a murder takes places, there is no want for suspects. This proved to be an winning addition to an excellent series. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good cozy English mystery.
January 31, 2021
Sometimes silly, sometimes gruesome. The book follows the classic line of murder at a country home, including all the silly parts.
For example, it is not really clear why the people remain at the stately home after the first death. They could have moved to a local hotel, for example, and still been available to the police. That was silly.
And there are LOTS of detectives on the scene, yet more and more deaths happen. It makes our detectives look not so clever, especially since the killer is constantly making mistakes.
The leading man, Langham, is far too into his finacee's looks. With each book it gets more annoying. By now he should have got to know her a better, since they are to be married within weeks, and have come to love her for something other than her French accent and Gallic looks. It just got on me nerves a bit more in this fourth book in the series.
For example, it is not really clear why the people remain at the stately home after the first death. They could have moved to a local hotel, for example, and still been available to the police. That was silly.
And there are LOTS of detectives on the scene, yet more and more deaths happen. It makes our detectives look not so clever, especially since the killer is constantly making mistakes.
The leading man, Langham, is far too into his finacee's looks. With each book it gets more annoying. By now he should have got to know her a better, since they are to be married within weeks, and have come to love her for something other than her French accent and Gallic looks. It just got on me nerves a bit more in this fourth book in the series.
August 15, 2017
When I started reading this book, I just knew that there was going to be an ending that included gathering everyone in one room and announcing the killer. Yep, I was right. It was just that kind of read.
On a film set where just about everyone has some kind of hatred for the director, there are lots of suspects when his girlfriend gets killed in his bed.
At the ending with the list of suspects (everyone on the set) the culprit had a jaw dropping secret. There is also a historical murder that was once solved, or was it?
A decent and entertaining read.
Thanks to Severn House and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
On a film set where just about everyone has some kind of hatred for the director, there are lots of suspects when his girlfriend gets killed in his bed.
At the ending with the list of suspects (everyone on the set) the culprit had a jaw dropping secret. There is also a historical murder that was once solved, or was it?
A decent and entertaining read.
Thanks to Severn House and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
August 26, 2017
Donald Langham, who divides his time between writing detective fiction and working as a private detective, is hired to find out what is threatening American director Doug Dennison, who is directing a film at Marling Hall, which the company has rented from Dennison's World War II buddy. Donald brings his fiancée and literary agent Maria Dupre to spend the weekend at Marling Hall, but murder strikes--and it's the wrong person who is dead. The plot is not quite as complex as in Brown's earlier books, but I enjoyed the mid-1950's setting.
October 3, 2021
You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. However, I did this in being interested in reading this book. I read the author's first book in this series earlier, but just couldn't wait to read through the others in order before moving on to this one. So I just dived in. It was a joy to read, the only down side was that I did work out one part of solving the mystery and so the ending was anti-climatic for me because of that. But don't let that keep you from reading this, the setting and characters are just as enjoyable as in the author's first book in the series, Murder by the Book.
July 5, 2017
A 1950's setting where Donald Langham, a private detective and writer is employed by an American actress, Suzie Reynard, to spend the weekend at Marling Hall, as she believes someone is trying to harm the director of the film being made at that location.
An easy to read enjoyable mystery with likeable characters. My only problem was that I had worked out who the guilty party was before the end.
A NetGalley Book
An easy to read enjoyable mystery with likeable characters. My only problem was that I had worked out who the guilty party was before the end.
A NetGalley Book
November 25, 2017
This is one of my more favorite series, although this one seemed perhaps a little lighter and more ‘classic English country house mystery’ than the previous books. Still, a movie set on a grand estate with all kinds of animosities and secrets amongst the characters makes a great setting and turned into an intriguing plot. Two minor quibbles: a couple of ‘British-isms’ uttered by American characters, and the cover art with the creepy screen siren lady...
December 20, 2019
Yes, a book with 3 in the title is 4th in the series. Isn't the verboten? :)
The couple get invited to a country house where a movie is being planned and, shock of shocks, there's a murder. A simple period mystery that flows well.
The couple get invited to a country house where a movie is being planned and, shock of shocks, there's a murder. A simple period mystery that flows well.
September 22, 2017
very good mystery kept you guessing till the end.
July 4, 2019
The fourth Langham and Dupre mystery is another charmingly characterized and well-plotted murder mystery set in postwar Britain.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews