The Case of the April Fools

Ludovic Travers #9

by Christopher Bush

“Let us know when you’re dead!” Ludovic Travers had known it was a publicity stunt, all that business about the anonymous threatening letters. He expected a hoax but what he found was two men lying dead on the floor of Crewe’s bedroom. To be confronted with murder at eight in the morning was no joke. Norris, the quiet, steady Inspector of Scotland Yard, certainly didn’t think so, although during the weeks he and Travers sought to puzzle it all out, he many times remarked, “It was on April Fool’s Day, don’t forget that.” This is one of Bush’s masterpieces – an intricate and baffling country house murder mystery. The Case of the April Fools was originally published in 1933. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.

Genres: Mystery

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1933

About the author

Christopher Bush was educated in the local school. He then won a scholarship to Thetford Grammar, and went on to study modern languages at King's College London, after which he worked as a school teacher.

He participated in both world wars.

He was a prolific writer of detective novels, wrote three autobiographical novels and nine books about Breckland life using the nom-de-plume Michael Home.

He lived in Great Hockham.

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 1933, this, the ninth Ludovic Travers case, is the best so far, even better than “Cut Throat".

It is complex, yet not convoluted, with a really puzzling pair of country house deaths on April Fools’ Day, and it manages to blend genuine clues and red herrings in an elaborate yet fascinating way.

Travers is invited by Courtney Allard, a rich young man with an interest in theatre and film, and his associate, Charles Crewe, to visit Allard’s house, “The Covers” in order to involve him in a film publicity stunt.

There are illusions and secrets. There is a simple solution which eludes everyone, until Chief Inspector Norris works it out. This is an interesting departure from the Golden Age norm of the amateur beating the professionals.

Can the reader beat the detectives? Read Chapter Three very carefully if you wish to try.

An excellent read, very highly recommended with an unhesitating five star rating.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars.
Another fairly complex story set in an English country house where Ludo happened to be staying at the time. Franklin or The General didn't appear in this one but Inspector Norris seems to be being groomed to become a "character" for the future. The main protagonists all have solid alibis and a lot of the story revolves around the testing of these. Quite enjoyable but as with many of Bush's books the reader needs to concentrate.

[Pgchuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the only Ludovic Travers story I have read, and it was quite enjoyable in an academic puzzle sort of way. None of the characters had any real depth, although Ludovic and the police chief inspector were likeable enough. I found it hard to distinguish between Samuels and Drew, and the female characters existed only in their capacity as the wives of the male suspects.

One of the murdered men was condemned all round for not being a "gentleman", whereas the butler was "a damn good chap", in a peculiarly British way. Entertaining enough, but not memorable.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3

Found this to be an okay read tbh.
Have read a couple of titles from this long running series now and although don’t think they were bad, neither did they really entice me to read another sooner rather than later.
Will read a few more as have them on my kindle but once they’ve been read unless one of them really excites me won’t get any more.

[Puzzle Doctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true classic Golden Age country house mystery. The best Travers mystery that I've read so far. Full review at classicmystery.wordpress.com

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll Never Guess

Cleverly constructed mystery! Smart detectives & Mr Travers is brilliant. The solution that explains the murders is twisted & ingenious!

[A.g. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not fast-paced enough for me, I lost patience with lengthy speculations.

[ShanDizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

But just what precisely were Samuels and his colorful cohorts up to during that deadly country house weekend that culminated in a dastardly double murder on April Fools’ Day? It is up to Travers and Chief Inspector Norris to find the solution to the bizarre crime.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my full review click on the link below:
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...