What do you think?
Rate this book
Albert Campion #5
Sweet Danger
Way back during the crusades Richard I presented the Huntingforest family with the tiny Balkan principality of Averna but since then the kingdom has been forgotten, until circumstances in Europe suddenly render it extremely strategically important to the British Government. They hire unconventional detective Albert Campion to recover the long-missing proofs of ownership - the deeds, a crown, and a receipt - which are apparently hidden in the village of Pontisbright. On arriving in Pontisbright, Campion and his friends meet the eccentric, young, flame-haired Amanda Fitton and her family who claim to be the rightful heirs to Averna and join in the hunt. Mr. Campion and his two young friends, Eager-Wright and Farquharson, posted as the Hereditary Paladin of Averna and his entourage! Unfortunately, criminal financier Brett Savanake is also interested in finding the evidence of the oil-rich state's ownership for his own ends. Things get rather rough in the village as Savanake's heavies up the pressure on Campion to solve the mystery before they do. In the course of the hunt, Campion dresses in drag, takes refuge in a tree, is nearly drowned in a mill race, and his friends find themselves bound and gagged in sacks, shot at, and witnesses to a satanic ceremony led by the local doctor. The rural calm of Pontisbright is well and truly shattered.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1933
329 people are currently reading
1578 people want to read
About the author
Margery Allingham
269 books599 followersAka Maxwell March.
Margery Louise Allingham was born in Ealing, London in 1904 to a family of writers. Her father, Herbert John Allingham, was editor of The Christian Globe and The New London Journal, while her mother wrote stories for women's magazines as Emmie Allingham. Margery's aunt, Maud Hughes, also ran a magazine. Margery earned her first fee at the age of eight, for a story printed in her aunt's magazine.
Soon after Margery's birth, the family left London for Essex. She returned to London in 1920 to attend the Regent Street Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster), and met her future husband, Philip Youngman Carter. They married in 1928. He was her collaborator and designed the cover jackets for many of her books.
Margery's breakthrough came 1929 with the publication of her second novel, The Crime at Black Dudley . The novel introduced Albert Campion, although only as a minor character. After pressure from her American publishers, Margery brought Campion back for Mystery Mile and continued to use Campion as a character throughout her career.
After a battle with breast cancer, Margery died in 1966. Her husband finished her last novel, A Cargo of Eagles at her request, and published it in 1968.
Also wrote as: Maxwell March
Margery Louise Allingham was born in Ealing, London in 1904 to a family of writers. Her father, Herbert John Allingham, was editor of The Christian Globe and The New London Journal, while her mother wrote stories for women's magazines as Emmie Allingham. Margery's aunt, Maud Hughes, also ran a magazine. Margery earned her first fee at the age of eight, for a story printed in her aunt's magazine.
Soon after Margery's birth, the family left London for Essex. She returned to London in 1920 to attend the Regent Street Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster), and met her future husband, Philip Youngman Carter. They married in 1928. He was her collaborator and designed the cover jackets for many of her books.
Margery's breakthrough came 1929 with the publication of her second novel, The Crime at Black Dudley . The novel introduced Albert Campion, although only as a minor character. After pressure from her American publishers, Margery brought Campion back for Mystery Mile and continued to use Campion as a character throughout her career.
After a battle with breast cancer, Margery died in 1966. Her husband finished her last novel, A Cargo of Eagles at her request, and published it in 1968.
Also wrote as: Maxwell March
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
May 15, 2013
Ms. Allingham, you can't just slap some Ruritanian Romance into your mystery. It does not work, just like the Holy Grail stand-in, tower-of-mystery trappings in Look to the Lady didn't work. And while I'm being blunt, the gritty crime action? You're not so hot at that, either. Stick to the standard parlor-mystery with clues 'n' stuff -- you do that so much better. There's not much mystery in this mystery: the good guys (representing the British government) race to get the Ruritarian McGuffins before the the bad guys. There are a couple of cute barely-legal lasses and some fist-fights.
The brightest note in this installment was the introduction of Amanda Fitton, one of the few Allingham characters I find pretty consistently likable. It is slightly interesting, if it's not a coincidence, that the two novels with the most Romantic trappings are the two that also have the only vestiges for romance. For Campion, I mean; most of her books have the standard innocent-you-love-interests of mysteries of this period. I found the hint-of-interest-but-we're-not-acting-on-it here more convincing than the asserted romantic disappointment in Look to the Lady, because in that case he'd known the woman in question for years and had been ignoring her obvious attraction to him; he didn't display any interest in her until she fell for someone else. I feel like Allingham just put that in the book to make it clear that Campion isn't gay or completely asexual.
Also, there was a scene that pissed me off . Totally superfluous to the plot. A lot of the book felt kind of haphazard. Reasonably entertaining, but not terribly successful. I'd recommend it more to series completists than mystery lovers.
September 14, 2018
This is the fifth Albert Campion novel, written in 1933. I have, slowly, been reading two of the Golden Age ‘Queens of Crime,’ this year – Margery Allingham and Ngaio Marsh. I have already read probably everything Agatha Christie has ever written, and certainly all of Dorothy L. Sayers. Without doubt, both Christie and Sayers remain my favourites. However, I was keen to read the two other giants and am, so far, really loving Ngaio Marsh, while Allingham is more difficult for me to define.
Without doubt, Albert Campion is a great character. Allegedly first imagined as a parody of Lord Peter Wimsey, he gained his own personality; even if hidden behind a vacuous persona, which does not hide his intelligence. In this book he meets Lady Amanda Fitton, who becomes his fictional wife and so I was looking forward to this.
The issue is that, although some of the Campion novels are mysteries, others are adventures. This is one of those, complete with an investigation into the missing title of Averna, an oil-rich principality on the Adriatic. This involves Campion, and some acquaintances, veering around Europe and then travelling to the village of Pontisbright, in Suffolk, to meet the Fitton family.
People climb out of windows, there is a crazy doctor, a crown is bizarrely disguised as a necklace, and, at one point, Campion enters a wardrobe and is – so obviously – switched with someone else, that you cannot conceive the other character did not notice. This is a somewhat infuriating novel, full of bizarre characters. Although I was aware that Amanda would later become an important character in the series, I can’t say that I warmed to her in any way and I finished this particular volume with a sense of relief. When Allingham wrote a mystery, she did it well, but I am still not convinced that Campion is for me.
Without doubt, Albert Campion is a great character. Allegedly first imagined as a parody of Lord Peter Wimsey, he gained his own personality; even if hidden behind a vacuous persona, which does not hide his intelligence. In this book he meets Lady Amanda Fitton, who becomes his fictional wife and so I was looking forward to this.
The issue is that, although some of the Campion novels are mysteries, others are adventures. This is one of those, complete with an investigation into the missing title of Averna, an oil-rich principality on the Adriatic. This involves Campion, and some acquaintances, veering around Europe and then travelling to the village of Pontisbright, in Suffolk, to meet the Fitton family.
People climb out of windows, there is a crazy doctor, a crown is bizarrely disguised as a necklace, and, at one point, Campion enters a wardrobe and is – so obviously – switched with someone else, that you cannot conceive the other character did not notice. This is a somewhat infuriating novel, full of bizarre characters. Although I was aware that Amanda would later become an important character in the series, I can’t say that I warmed to her in any way and I finished this particular volume with a sense of relief. When Allingham wrote a mystery, she did it well, but I am still not convinced that Campion is for me.
March 23, 2025
Detective Champion meets the love of his life.
This is the second Albert Campion mystery I've read, but the fifth in the series. Sweet Danger introduces the character of Amanda Fitton who is to be Campion's wife eventually, but is only seventeen in this one and much too young for romance. She is a modern young woman and wants a car and is interested in electronics and how things work.
This has a completely ridiculous plot and includes witchcraft and statecraft oddly enough. It's quite fun though with lots of narrow scrapes for the characters and some jolly good rough and tumble fights. I thoroughly enjoyed this joy ride.
This is the second Albert Campion mystery I've read, but the fifth in the series. Sweet Danger introduces the character of Amanda Fitton who is to be Campion's wife eventually, but is only seventeen in this one and much too young for romance. She is a modern young woman and wants a car and is interested in electronics and how things work.
This has a completely ridiculous plot and includes witchcraft and statecraft oddly enough. It's quite fun though with lots of narrow scrapes for the characters and some jolly good rough and tumble fights. I thoroughly enjoyed this joy ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2018
This is outright adventure, with discredited heirs, regal impersonations, postage-stamp kingdoms, international implications, and a whale of a treasure hunt.
The story itself is great fun, but Amanda Fitton makes it her own. Flame haired, talking a mile a minute, reviving ancient motor cars, turning an old mill house into a battery-charger, and knowing far more about what's going on than initially expected. She makes a fantastic 'Loot' to Campion's 'Orph', and thankfully reappears several books from now as an aircraft engineer.
The story itself is great fun, but Amanda Fitton makes it her own. Flame haired, talking a mile a minute, reviving ancient motor cars, turning an old mill house into a battery-charger, and knowing far more about what's going on than initially expected. She makes a fantastic 'Loot' to Campion's 'Orph', and thankfully reappears several books from now as an aircraft engineer.
September 14, 2018
Margery Allingham may just be my favourite out of the four "queens of crime," even ahead of Sayers. I just love her writing style, and the fact that so many of her books are set in my part of the world, amid the East Anglian countryside, is a definite bonus.
But the biggest attraction is the enigmatic figure of Albert Campion - the fact that he hides so much of his personality behind endless witty banter, especially in the early, more lighthearted books, only adds to the fascination. This book is especially enjoyable because it is the one where he first meets the flame-haired, resourceful Amanda Fitton, who goes on to play an important part as his romantic interest in later books.
After reading a lot of Golden Age mysteries over the last few years, I've realised that many of those from the late 1920s and early 1930s aren't murder mysteries at all, but breathless adventure capers involving stolen jewels, gangs, fiendish chases through the countryside, etc. Allingham and Patricia Wentworth both wrote quite a few of these, and Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence stories are along the same lines.
This particular story is completely bonkers, with a bizarre treasure hunt-type plot involving a tiny kingdom (I assume Allingham was gently spoofing the then-current passion for Ruritania), a James Bond-type villain and various disguises and escapes along the way. To start off with, I knocked a star off my rating just because it is all so unlikely - but then it struck me that I should really give five stars to a book I love so much, and that I've read many times over the years. I can hardly believe it's more than 10 years since I'd read this last time round - it still seemed so familiar!
On the romance plot, rereading the books this time around, I've been noticing that Albert really has his heart broken by Biddy in Mystery Mile, even though this isn't dwelt on. He is still carrying a torch for her in the next couple of books - there is just a one-sentence mention of her or her family each time, as a pointer to this. In this book, Biddy is mentioned a couple of times by Amanda, who asks him outright if he still ever thinks of her - he answers, "Yes," but is clearly about to think of Amanda instead. I rather like the way this is all kept so terse and underplayed - quite a contrast with some of the romances in other detective stories of this era!
But the biggest attraction is the enigmatic figure of Albert Campion - the fact that he hides so much of his personality behind endless witty banter, especially in the early, more lighthearted books, only adds to the fascination. This book is especially enjoyable because it is the one where he first meets the flame-haired, resourceful Amanda Fitton, who goes on to play an important part as his romantic interest in later books.
After reading a lot of Golden Age mysteries over the last few years, I've realised that many of those from the late 1920s and early 1930s aren't murder mysteries at all, but breathless adventure capers involving stolen jewels, gangs, fiendish chases through the countryside, etc. Allingham and Patricia Wentworth both wrote quite a few of these, and Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence stories are along the same lines.
This particular story is completely bonkers, with a bizarre treasure hunt-type plot involving a tiny kingdom (I assume Allingham was gently spoofing the then-current passion for Ruritania), a James Bond-type villain and various disguises and escapes along the way. To start off with, I knocked a star off my rating just because it is all so unlikely - but then it struck me that I should really give five stars to a book I love so much, and that I've read many times over the years. I can hardly believe it's more than 10 years since I'd read this last time round - it still seemed so familiar!
On the romance plot, rereading the books this time around, I've been noticing that Albert really has his heart broken by Biddy in Mystery Mile, even though this isn't dwelt on. He is still carrying a torch for her in the next couple of books - there is just a one-sentence mention of her or her family each time, as a pointer to this. In this book, Biddy is mentioned a couple of times by Amanda, who asks him outright if he still ever thinks of her - he answers, "Yes," but is clearly about to think of Amanda instead. I rather like the way this is all kept so terse and underplayed - quite a contrast with some of the romances in other detective stories of this era!
February 11, 2017
Una búsqueda del tesoro con pistas, valientes detectives, peleas y malos malosos que quieren acabar con nuestros protagonistas, pero solo al final, que antes queda anticlimático.
Margery Allingham consigue una historia muy entretenida y divertida, con personajes que caen simpáticos. El misterio no es tan importante. Lo divertido es la persecución de las pistas (el contrato, la corona y el tambor), con ese sabor tan de película clásica de los años 30 0 40.
No es nada del otro mundo, si se analiza con frialdad, pero a mí me ha hecho pasar un rato estupendo, y al final es eso lo que valoro.
Margery Allingham consigue una historia muy entretenida y divertida, con personajes que caen simpáticos. El misterio no es tan importante. Lo divertido es la persecución de las pistas (el contrato, la corona y el tambor), con ese sabor tan de película clásica de los años 30 0 40.
No es nada del otro mundo, si se analiza con frialdad, pero a mí me ha hecho pasar un rato estupendo, y al final es eso lo que valoro.
March 8, 2008
So far, this may be my favorite Campion in the series. I haven't read them all yet, but up to this point, definitely my favorite. I'm amazed that so many people here gave it such low ratings, but to each his own, I suppose. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good adventure story, because it's not so much a mystery, but rather more of a suspense/adventure type thing. I would also say that if you've been following Campion up to this point, you're going to really enjoy this one.
In a nutshell, the story goes something like this:
Guffy Randall has just dropped his mother off at an Italian spa, and is on his way home when he calls in at a hotel he knows quite well. It seems the manager is quite upset because of three rather odd people staying there, the main one being the Hereditary Paladin of Averna, or in short, Albert Campion. The two men accompanying him are his good friends, who are in disguise as well. Campion must take Randall into his confidence and explains that a very important piece of property must be claimed by the British Government, and he is trying to get a lead on some rather important articles that will lead to that objective. His search leads him to a very tiny village in Suffolk, where a rival gang is also trying to find these articles. It is there that he meets the Fittons, a delightfully eccentric family who may or may not be the heirs to a fortune. Albert and friends get caught up in some very dangerous business along with the family and a rather batty doctor.
I loved this book, and I've been sitting on the DVD produced by the BBC so now I'll have the great fortune to be able to watch the book come to life. If you haven't seen these DVDs, do so now!
Highly recommended; not a cozy, not a police procedural, but mystery readers will enjoy it.
In a nutshell, the story goes something like this:
Guffy Randall has just dropped his mother off at an Italian spa, and is on his way home when he calls in at a hotel he knows quite well. It seems the manager is quite upset because of three rather odd people staying there, the main one being the Hereditary Paladin of Averna, or in short, Albert Campion. The two men accompanying him are his good friends, who are in disguise as well. Campion must take Randall into his confidence and explains that a very important piece of property must be claimed by the British Government, and he is trying to get a lead on some rather important articles that will lead to that objective. His search leads him to a very tiny village in Suffolk, where a rival gang is also trying to find these articles. It is there that he meets the Fittons, a delightfully eccentric family who may or may not be the heirs to a fortune. Albert and friends get caught up in some very dangerous business along with the family and a rather batty doctor.
I loved this book, and I've been sitting on the DVD produced by the BBC so now I'll have the great fortune to be able to watch the book come to life. If you haven't seen these DVDs, do so now!
Highly recommended; not a cozy, not a police procedural, but mystery readers will enjoy it.
November 10, 2024
“‘[…] There’s something very queer going on around ‘ere. I found a corpse to start with.’”
I think a mystery novel would be even queerer without a corpse, but strictly speaking, I would say that Sweet Danger is more of an adventure story with an enormous McGuffin in the centre (and then not in the centre). In fact, Alfred Hitchcock might have made a wonderful movie out of it, something along the lines of North by Northwest.
There is this little kingdom of Averna, somewhere in the Balkans, and it suddenly has become economically important because of its port. The rightful ownership of this kingdom had run in a British aristocratic family that is considered to have died out, and so at the beginning of the novel we find Campion pose in the role of the king of Averna in order to represent the interests of the British government, not least against the influential financier and scoundrel Brett Savanake, but then instead of taking us to Averna, Margery Allingham focuses the plot on the Fitton family, especially on the charming Amanda and her brother Hal, the rightful successor to the throne of Averna, and Campion now tries to prove the claim of the Fittons on their inheritance.
The plot, as you can probably see from my brief summary, is as threadbare as Robinson Crusoe’s clothes at the end of his stay on that remote island must have been, and even though there were a lot of action and a lot of humour I always felt alienated from the story because I just couldn’t take it any more seriously than the author did. Quite a number of things were played merely for effect, such as the appearance of Campion in drag or the side-plot around Dr. Galley
The writing, however, is very clever, and Amanda comes over as a very intriguing character, but then there was so much that went against the grain. In short, if you are interested in reading a rambunctious, crazy action story, you might enjoy this novel, but if you want a solid mystery, you had better miss out on this one.
I think a mystery novel would be even queerer without a corpse, but strictly speaking, I would say that Sweet Danger is more of an adventure story with an enormous McGuffin in the centre (and then not in the centre). In fact, Alfred Hitchcock might have made a wonderful movie out of it, something along the lines of North by Northwest.
There is this little kingdom of Averna, somewhere in the Balkans, and it suddenly has become economically important because of its port. The rightful ownership of this kingdom had run in a British aristocratic family that is considered to have died out, and so at the beginning of the novel we find Campion pose in the role of the king of Averna in order to represent the interests of the British government, not least against the influential financier and scoundrel Brett Savanake, but then instead of taking us to Averna, Margery Allingham focuses the plot on the Fitton family, especially on the charming Amanda and her brother Hal, the rightful successor to the throne of Averna, and Campion now tries to prove the claim of the Fittons on their inheritance.
The plot, as you can probably see from my brief summary, is as threadbare as Robinson Crusoe’s clothes at the end of his stay on that remote island must have been, and even though there were a lot of action and a lot of humour I always felt alienated from the story because I just couldn’t take it any more seriously than the author did. Quite a number of things were played merely for effect, such as the appearance of Campion in drag or the side-plot around Dr. Galley
The writing, however, is very clever, and Amanda comes over as a very intriguing character, but then there was so much that went against the grain. In short, if you are interested in reading a rambunctious, crazy action story, you might enjoy this novel, but if you want a solid mystery, you had better miss out on this one.
August 8, 2011
I never know if I am going to enjoy Allingham's Campion books since they are erratic. This one didn't make a whole lot of sense and I never knew exactly what was going one since there are so many holes in the plot that are never explained. This story is concerned with the restoration of a title, the hunt for the objects that will provide proof, witchcraft, and the secret machinations of big business to get their hands on land belonging to the putative Earl. It doesn't sound too confusing but frankly, it is, as the main characters run around all over the countryside on various errands and mysterious doings. Most of the protagonists are eccentric, shallow, and rather boring. Not one of the best of Allingham's prodigious output.
February 13, 2021
I’m quite getting the hang of Margery Allingham’s detective series (this is #5 published in 1933) and her seemingly ingenuous upper-class English sleuth, the 28-year-old Albert Campion.
I say ‘seemingly’ because there is a sharp brain behind the vacant, bespectacled expression – but, by the same token, he is in no sense disingenuous; it is a clever characterisation.
This endearing portrayal is enhanced via the urbane narration of the late Francis Matthews (he of the BBC Paul Temple series, and voice of Captain Scarlet) – indeed, the improbable Boy’s Own plots and action scenes become entirely plausible under his skilful stewardship.
Beginning in continental Europe but soon migrating to the more familiar climes of East Anglia, this story offers another variation on the theme, “Goodies vie with Baddies in quest for precious antiquity.”
An enjoyable sojourn into the cosy world before mobiles, gamesmanship and bad language.
I say ‘seemingly’ because there is a sharp brain behind the vacant, bespectacled expression – but, by the same token, he is in no sense disingenuous; it is a clever characterisation.
This endearing portrayal is enhanced via the urbane narration of the late Francis Matthews (he of the BBC Paul Temple series, and voice of Captain Scarlet) – indeed, the improbable Boy’s Own plots and action scenes become entirely plausible under his skilful stewardship.
Beginning in continental Europe but soon migrating to the more familiar climes of East Anglia, this story offers another variation on the theme, “Goodies vie with Baddies in quest for precious antiquity.”
An enjoyable sojourn into the cosy world before mobiles, gamesmanship and bad language.
March 16, 2014
This is a bit Raiders of the Lost Document/Ark in rural Suffolk. I found Campion's omnipotence a bit trying in this book and some of the escapes-from-death-and-injury caused me to roll my eyes. While Allingham maintains her skill with pace and description, this story would be more suited to a film genre where belief can be more easily suspended. As it is, this reader found it hard to maintain interest through the complexity and detail of the plot and sub-plots, finding some of it indulgence on the part of the author. I glad I read it, mostly to be In on the beginning of the romance - that element was well suited to the style of the murder mystery. For the most part, it didn't rise far above a clever Boys' Own Adventure
September 19, 2016
Margery Allingham is an old favorite, and every decade or two I go back and re-read the books. This is one I hadn't looked at in a long time; it was fun to rediscover it but just a bit of a disappointment, as I last read it in callow, wide-eyed wonderment. Allingham's books got more serious and credible as the years went by; this one is from her more whimsical early period. Albert Campion, her aristocratic sleuth with connections to the Powers-That-Be, is asked to lead the hunt for a trove of ancient documents and relics proving Britain's claim, via a medieval grant to an English crusader whose line has now died out (or has it?) to a tiny slice of the Balkans which has suddenly become strategically vital due to... never mind. It's a bit contrived, but who cares? It's all about the intrigue, as Campion and pals race to find the trove ahead of the sinister tycoon who wants to sell it to the highest bidder. His minions descend on the isolated Suffolk village where the relics may lie hidden; Campion's doughty band rallies to the side of the possible missing heir, who lives there along with his two appealing sisters (one of whom threatens to distract the heretofore celibate Campion); there are local eccentrics and sinister customs to deal with.
It's not one of Allingham's best, in my opinion, as the story is too diffuse, the suspense too diluted by the whimsy. But it has the Allingham touch, with distinct characters, vivid local color and Campion's self-effacing cleverness, a pleasing read for fans of the series.
It's not one of Allingham's best, in my opinion, as the story is too diffuse, the suspense too diluted by the whimsy. But it has the Allingham touch, with distinct characters, vivid local color and Campion's self-effacing cleverness, a pleasing read for fans of the series.
September 15, 2018
A ripping yarn. Wildly improbable but totally satisfying nonetheless.
The delightful and mysterious Albert Campion (not his real name) is tasked by the British government with finding the lost proofs of ownership of a minuscule eastern European duchy that has unexpectedly developed value. A criminal mastermind has also learned of that value and is sniffing around for clues. The mastermind and his henchmen are ruthless, but of course Campion and his pals are aristocrats of good education so naturally they have the edge, right?
The action plunges into the wilds of Suffolk, where we meet an endearing cast of locals, from the eccentric Dr. Galley to the true-blue Fittons, who will be of lasting importance in Campion's life. There are treasure-map-style clues written in doggerel and concealed in unlikely places for inadequate reasons (who cares?); there is much upperclass-twit bungling about and some of the delicious lower-class bungling of Campion's sidekick, Magersfontein Lugg. It all wanders along in mysterious fashion until the complex, fantastic, and suspense-filled climax.
The story is insanely inventive and an unalloyed escapist pleasure. If you are curious to explore Margery Allingham's books, this is not the first in the series but is an essential one to read.
The delightful and mysterious Albert Campion (not his real name) is tasked by the British government with finding the lost proofs of ownership of a minuscule eastern European duchy that has unexpectedly developed value. A criminal mastermind has also learned of that value and is sniffing around for clues. The mastermind and his henchmen are ruthless, but of course Campion and his pals are aristocrats of good education so naturally they have the edge, right?
The action plunges into the wilds of Suffolk, where we meet an endearing cast of locals, from the eccentric Dr. Galley to the true-blue Fittons, who will be of lasting importance in Campion's life. There are treasure-map-style clues written in doggerel and concealed in unlikely places for inadequate reasons (who cares?); there is much upperclass-twit bungling about and some of the delicious lower-class bungling of Campion's sidekick, Magersfontein Lugg. It all wanders along in mysterious fashion until the complex, fantastic, and suspense-filled climax.
The story is insanely inventive and an unalloyed escapist pleasure. If you are curious to explore Margery Allingham's books, this is not the first in the series but is an essential one to read.
February 23, 2023
Albert Campion takes to a bit of thriller/adventurer antics in this fifth entry in Allingham's series. The tiny Balkan principality of Averna becomes a hot-spot when an earthquake opens up a coastline on the Adriatic. There's always been a bit of oil in Averna, but never a good way to get the oil anywhere. Now, it has a handy little place to load up boats with the liquid gold. The hereditary title to Averna belonged to the British family of Pontisbright...but the line is believed to have died out. Campion is called upon to represent British interests and poses as the Hereditary Paladin of Pontisbright and search for the proofs that the place belongs to Britain. There are three proofs that must be found--the crown of Averna, the charter from King Henry the fourth, and a missing receipt for purchase of the land.
But the British government isn't the only party interested in Averna. And Campion and his man Lugg--and loyal friends Eager-Wright, Farquharson, and Guffy Randall are in a race to find the proofs with some very shady and determined characters. They all wind up in the village where the Pontisbright Estate used to stand (it's since been demolished) looking for an inscription on a tree. Near the abandoned estate is an old mill which belongs to the Fittons. In the early 1800s a Fitton tried to claim the Pontisbright Estate--saying that his mother had been secretly married to the Pontisbright heir, but the claim failed for lack of evidence. If Campion can find one group of proofs, he may just find the other--but the ruffians on the other side may have something to say about that...
It had been quite some time since I read a Campion book by Allingham. She really has a way with characters. All of the good guys are quite distinct and their own special flavor. The villains of the piece do get a bit short shrifted...all except for the main villain. So, they don't seem quite as menacing as they might. But the opening scenes with Guffy and the hotel manager are absolutely delightful and well worth the price of admission. In fact, Guffy may just be my favorite character in the book. He is an interesting combination of ready-for-anything....
"It sounds mad," said Guffy. "But I'm with you, of course, if there's anything I can do."
and being shy about trying to get hold of one of the clues by false pretenses (posing as lay-members of the local church and trotting off with an old drum in the possession of a museum)...
Guffy looked profoundly uncomfortable. A naturally law-abiding soul, he was appalled by the illegality of the project.
But he's still game to do what has to be done in the name of justice. In fact, all three of Campion's friends are willing to do whatever he needs them to do--even die in the name of Averna, if necessary. But, of course...it isn't.
My one slight quibble with character is with Dr. Galley. I do think it was a bit much to have the near over-the-top thriller villains vying with the very over-the-top maniacal demon-summoning doctor. His little Ashtaroth ceremony did serve to bring another piece of the puzzle to light, but surely we could have managed that without the theatrics. But overall this was great fun and I enjoyed watching Campion and company get the better of the bad guys.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
But the British government isn't the only party interested in Averna. And Campion and his man Lugg--and loyal friends Eager-Wright, Farquharson, and Guffy Randall are in a race to find the proofs with some very shady and determined characters. They all wind up in the village where the Pontisbright Estate used to stand (it's since been demolished) looking for an inscription on a tree. Near the abandoned estate is an old mill which belongs to the Fittons. In the early 1800s a Fitton tried to claim the Pontisbright Estate--saying that his mother had been secretly married to the Pontisbright heir, but the claim failed for lack of evidence. If Campion can find one group of proofs, he may just find the other--but the ruffians on the other side may have something to say about that...
It had been quite some time since I read a Campion book by Allingham. She really has a way with characters. All of the good guys are quite distinct and their own special flavor. The villains of the piece do get a bit short shrifted...all except for the main villain. So, they don't seem quite as menacing as they might. But the opening scenes with Guffy and the hotel manager are absolutely delightful and well worth the price of admission. In fact, Guffy may just be my favorite character in the book. He is an interesting combination of ready-for-anything....
"It sounds mad," said Guffy. "But I'm with you, of course, if there's anything I can do."
and being shy about trying to get hold of one of the clues by false pretenses (posing as lay-members of the local church and trotting off with an old drum in the possession of a museum)...
Guffy looked profoundly uncomfortable. A naturally law-abiding soul, he was appalled by the illegality of the project.
But he's still game to do what has to be done in the name of justice. In fact, all three of Campion's friends are willing to do whatever he needs them to do--even die in the name of Averna, if necessary. But, of course...it isn't.
My one slight quibble with character is with Dr. Galley. I do think it was a bit much to have the near over-the-top thriller villains vying with the very over-the-top maniacal demon-summoning doctor. His little Ashtaroth ceremony did serve to bring another piece of the puzzle to light, but surely we could have managed that without the theatrics. But overall this was great fun and I enjoyed watching Campion and company get the better of the bad guys.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
January 11, 2025
Una aventura con tintes de caballeros medievales embutidos en trajes ingleses bien cortados.
El protagonista Albert Campion se embarca en una aventura con tres jóvenes ingleses que hastiados de no hacer nada se involucran hasta la médula.
Se habla de unas tierras disputadas, un título pendiente de dueño, a partir de un enigma a resolver, y una poderosa persona que busca lo mismo pero para fines malévolos.
Se va construyendo a fuego lento, con un humor inglés bien definido, y personajes con ricas personalidades, una lógica disparatada, ecos de nobles caballeros y hermosas princesas que en lugar de ser rescatadas, liderean los rescates.
Se aleja de la literalidad del cuarto cerrado, transportando la acción a los campos abiertos, edificaciones ruinosas casi al aire libre, y muchas huidas.
El misterio se devela y deja contentos a todos.
Una lectura divertida, de una historia bien construida con aires de ingenuidad y personajes interesantes.
El protagonista Albert Campion se embarca en una aventura con tres jóvenes ingleses que hastiados de no hacer nada se involucran hasta la médula.
Se habla de unas tierras disputadas, un título pendiente de dueño, a partir de un enigma a resolver, y una poderosa persona que busca lo mismo pero para fines malévolos.
Se va construyendo a fuego lento, con un humor inglés bien definido, y personajes con ricas personalidades, una lógica disparatada, ecos de nobles caballeros y hermosas princesas que en lugar de ser rescatadas, liderean los rescates.
Se aleja de la literalidad del cuarto cerrado, transportando la acción a los campos abiertos, edificaciones ruinosas casi al aire libre, y muchas huidas.
El misterio se devela y deja contentos a todos.
Una lectura divertida, de una historia bien construida con aires de ingenuidad y personajes interesantes.
January 15, 2024
A review I read called this an adventure story rather than a mystery and I definitely agree. I’ve read a few other Campion books but it’s been ages and though I enjoyed those, this one was a little bit of a slog for me. I had difficulty acclimating myself in the story and found the plot to be difficult to follow. The action of the denouement was exciting but not enough to make up for the feeling of disjointedness I had throughout the majority of the story.
February 20, 2016
Who is the heir to Averna? Are there any Pontisbrights left to claim this small estate that has suddenly become a much coveted prize property? The dispute over a small parcel of land that an earthquake has revealed to be valuable property will only be settled when proof of the inheritance is found.
"There's every evidence that on the land behind the castle there's an untapped oil field."
Albert Campion, (along with the help of three friends and the irrepressible Lugg), is assigned to the case. The search for a British heir takes him from a hotel in France to a small village in Suffolk, where hidden clues are to be found. Throw in a couple of hired thugs, some highly resident superstitious folk, an eccentric-and-impoverished family living in an old mill, and you have all the ingredients for a fast-paced mystery.
"Our next little problem is the charter. That's written on parchment which, according to the stationery bills of the time, must have been either one-half or one quarter of a whole sheepskin. It's written in Latin, of course, bears Henry the Fourth's seal and his mark. I don't think the fellow could write. And the third treasure, is, as it should be, the most important of all, and simply consists of Metternich's receipt for the money in 1814. Heaven knows what that looks like. So, you see, we're going to have fun."
The Fittons, eccentric though they be, are also courageous and uninhibited in defending their rights to an inheritance they convinced that belongs to them. Missing is the deed and charter to the inheritance, but it is complicated by the fact that over the years, the property has changed:
"Guffy's pleasant round face flushed. "It's rather jolly though, isn't it?" he said. "I mean, I rather like it. Who's got the Pontisbright manor house now? I ought to know that part of the country well, but I can't even remember having heard the name before." Mr. Campion met Farquharson's eyes and grimaced. "That's where we come up against another snag,' he said. "There's no longer any house at all. When the title lapsed the old Countess, who was the only member of the family left, simply sold up everything, lock, stock and barrel. The entire place was dismantled and sold piece by piece, until nothing but a hole which had contained the foundations was left. It was one of the great acts of vandalism of the Victorian era."
Pursued by a famous internationally known but unscrupulous financier who greatly desires to uncover the secret clues to the missing charter, Campion and his buddies are racing against time. Savanake (what a name!) is one of the more 'evil' villains I have come across in Allinghams' mysteries, and he pulls out all the stops.
Campion is shanghaid but manages to keep one step ahead of the opposition and thwart the well-laid plans to get him out of the picture -- and the reader, along with his three friends, will not be able to guess how he manages to elude his adversary until he re-appears near the ending... but there is worse to come.
"Savanake came towards him. The side-lights fell upon the gleaming barrel of the revolver he levelled. In his left hand he still carried the iron box, as though he had been loath to set it down even for an instant."
This book was a slow start for me. After the excitement and atmosphere of "Tiger in the Smoke", I expected something similar. However, it picked up as I went along and I was eager to see who was going to win out in this race for an inheritance. Marjorie Allingham is so very clever in her potting and keeps the reader guessing through the entire book. Dialog is always enjoyable and realistic, and I so enjoy Lugg's character. He is just priceless!
It took me longer to get involved in the book and I had to use my head a little bit at the beginning to understand the sequence of events. There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot, and even though not my favorite of hers, definitely an enjoyable mystery read.
"Mr. Campion appeared to have been forgotten, and he sat in a little recess in a corner of the hall and looked through the open doorway at the quivering leaves and dancing water without. The old house seemed very quiet after the hullabaloo. It was really amazingly attractive. Like all very old houses it had a certain drowsy elegance that was very soothing and comforting in a madly gyrating world.
He allowed his thoughts to wander idly. He noticed the delicate Gothic carving of the stone fireplace, sniffed appreciatively at the mingled odours of wallflower and baking cookie, and wondered how the rabid busybodies who leap upon ancient monuments and tear them stone from stone that they may grace the dank loneliness of museums could have overlooked such a perfect unspoiled gem."
"There's every evidence that on the land behind the castle there's an untapped oil field."
Albert Campion, (along with the help of three friends and the irrepressible Lugg), is assigned to the case. The search for a British heir takes him from a hotel in France to a small village in Suffolk, where hidden clues are to be found. Throw in a couple of hired thugs, some highly resident superstitious folk, an eccentric-and-impoverished family living in an old mill, and you have all the ingredients for a fast-paced mystery.
"Our next little problem is the charter. That's written on parchment which, according to the stationery bills of the time, must have been either one-half or one quarter of a whole sheepskin. It's written in Latin, of course, bears Henry the Fourth's seal and his mark. I don't think the fellow could write. And the third treasure, is, as it should be, the most important of all, and simply consists of Metternich's receipt for the money in 1814. Heaven knows what that looks like. So, you see, we're going to have fun."
The Fittons, eccentric though they be, are also courageous and uninhibited in defending their rights to an inheritance they convinced that belongs to them. Missing is the deed and charter to the inheritance, but it is complicated by the fact that over the years, the property has changed:
"Guffy's pleasant round face flushed. "It's rather jolly though, isn't it?" he said. "I mean, I rather like it. Who's got the Pontisbright manor house now? I ought to know that part of the country well, but I can't even remember having heard the name before." Mr. Campion met Farquharson's eyes and grimaced. "That's where we come up against another snag,' he said. "There's no longer any house at all. When the title lapsed the old Countess, who was the only member of the family left, simply sold up everything, lock, stock and barrel. The entire place was dismantled and sold piece by piece, until nothing but a hole which had contained the foundations was left. It was one of the great acts of vandalism of the Victorian era."
Pursued by a famous internationally known but unscrupulous financier who greatly desires to uncover the secret clues to the missing charter, Campion and his buddies are racing against time. Savanake (what a name!) is one of the more 'evil' villains I have come across in Allinghams' mysteries, and he pulls out all the stops.
Campion is shanghaid but manages to keep one step ahead of the opposition and thwart the well-laid plans to get him out of the picture -- and the reader, along with his three friends, will not be able to guess how he manages to elude his adversary until he re-appears near the ending... but there is worse to come.
"Savanake came towards him. The side-lights fell upon the gleaming barrel of the revolver he levelled. In his left hand he still carried the iron box, as though he had been loath to set it down even for an instant."
This book was a slow start for me. After the excitement and atmosphere of "Tiger in the Smoke", I expected something similar. However, it picked up as I went along and I was eager to see who was going to win out in this race for an inheritance. Marjorie Allingham is so very clever in her potting and keeps the reader guessing through the entire book. Dialog is always enjoyable and realistic, and I so enjoy Lugg's character. He is just priceless!
It took me longer to get involved in the book and I had to use my head a little bit at the beginning to understand the sequence of events. There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot, and even though not my favorite of hers, definitely an enjoyable mystery read.
"Mr. Campion appeared to have been forgotten, and he sat in a little recess in a corner of the hall and looked through the open doorway at the quivering leaves and dancing water without. The old house seemed very quiet after the hullabaloo. It was really amazingly attractive. Like all very old houses it had a certain drowsy elegance that was very soothing and comforting in a madly gyrating world.
He allowed his thoughts to wander idly. He noticed the delicate Gothic carving of the stone fireplace, sniffed appreciatively at the mingled odours of wallflower and baking cookie, and wondered how the rabid busybodies who leap upon ancient monuments and tear them stone from stone that they may grace the dank loneliness of museums could have overlooked such a perfect unspoiled gem."
November 28, 2016
This book makes quite a lot more sense than the 1980s TV episode. Part of that may be that I saw it in Spanish, but more I think had to do with the changes the scriptwriters made.
Having said that, I much prefer Campion as a detective than as a James Bondy wannabe. This is more Bulldog Drummond than Holmes or Wimsey. The problem boils down to this: Allingham seems to be running two entirely different stories in tandem, one with a very unsuccessful woo-woo factor, and the other a race to get the proofs to own a tract of land that...nobody wants? The woo.woo is unsuccessful because she can't just give in to it and write it in "realistically" (inverted commas intended); no, she has to give it a "rational" explanation...which isn't very convincing either.
Allingham just can't keep out of the water, can she? There's yet another old well in this book, along with the mill and its race and pool, where she works in the Jamesy Bondy action scene. She did have fun naming the villages--Sweethearting and Great Kepesake--hint much?
What amused me was when we are told that impersonating a clergyman is "a rather serious, unpleasant offense." Well yes, if you're marrying couples without credentials, but other than that? Anyone who gives donations to a cleric they've never seen before and know nothing about is just asking to be tooken, in my view. As for just dressing up as one...but then if you think too hard about cosy mystery novels they just fall apart.
A quick read that rather bogged down in the middle. All those twists and turns and bags over the head and then the super criminal syndicate didn't even have the brains to find what they were looking for? In spite of the fact that Campion says more than once that these are the top baddies in their field? Uh-huh.
Having said that, I much prefer Campion as a detective than as a James Bondy wannabe. This is more Bulldog Drummond than Holmes or Wimsey. The problem boils down to this: Allingham seems to be running two entirely different stories in tandem, one with a very unsuccessful woo-woo factor, and the other a race to get the proofs to own a tract of land that...nobody wants? The woo.woo is unsuccessful because she can't just give in to it and write it in "realistically" (inverted commas intended); no, she has to give it a "rational" explanation...which isn't very convincing either.
Allingham just can't keep out of the water, can she? There's yet another old well in this book, along with the mill and its race and pool, where she works in the Jamesy Bondy action scene. She did have fun naming the villages--Sweethearting and Great Kepesake--hint much?
What amused me was when we are told that impersonating a clergyman is "a rather serious, unpleasant offense." Well yes, if you're marrying couples without credentials, but other than that? Anyone who gives donations to a cleric they've never seen before and know nothing about is just asking to be tooken, in my view. As for just dressing up as one...but then if you think too hard about cosy mystery novels they just fall apart.
A quick read that rather bogged down in the middle. All those twists and turns and bags over the head and then the super criminal syndicate didn't even have the brains to find what they were looking for? In spite of the fact that Campion says more than once that these are the top baddies in their field? Uh-huh.
January 8, 2018
When you pick up a book by one of the Grand-Old-Dames of mystery you may have certain expectations - a fine country house bursting at the seams with family including an ingénue and the neer-do-well son just back from Australia or the continent, the faithful gossipy cook, an absent minded vicar and his bossy wife... If you're expecting that in this book you'll be disappointed.
From the opening scene I felt like I was reading a farce rather than a serious mystery, as Campion is posing as the ruler of a tiny country no one's ever heard of in hopes of flushing out some information. The story then turns into an odd sort of treasure hunt with three young siblings, Mary, Amanda and Hal, holding the clues in their run-down mill.
Amanda is a delightful character, just 17 and clearly a sort of geek for her generation, she loves electricity and making useful things from scraps. She's also spunky and chatty, two characteristics that make her fun to read about.
There was one short chapter toward the end with séance-y weird stuff going on but it didn't matter and was quite short. Otherwise I greatly enjoyed this fun story, which is really more of a light-hearted adventure than a straight mystery. Fans of the series will enjoy meeting Amanda - who shows up in several later books, too. ;)
From the opening scene I felt like I was reading a farce rather than a serious mystery, as Campion is posing as the ruler of a tiny country no one's ever heard of in hopes of flushing out some information. The story then turns into an odd sort of treasure hunt with three young siblings, Mary, Amanda and Hal, holding the clues in their run-down mill.
Amanda is a delightful character, just 17 and clearly a sort of geek for her generation, she loves electricity and making useful things from scraps. She's also spunky and chatty, two characteristics that make her fun to read about.
There was one short chapter toward the end with séance-y weird stuff going on but it didn't matter and was quite short. Otherwise I greatly enjoyed this fun story, which is really more of a light-hearted adventure than a straight mystery. Fans of the series will enjoy meeting Amanda - who shows up in several later books, too. ;)
September 22, 2018
Wildly improbable and melodramatic, with ruthless villains, black magic, a mad doctor, a secret marriage, an obscure prophecy, lost heirs, and an unexpectedly valuable inheritance.
April 4, 2020
Apparently this is also called Sweet Danger, but the copy I read is definitely The Fear Sign. Interesting introduction to Amanda
.
.
January 16, 2019
Al parecer, hasta Agatha Christie estaba loca por las aventuras de Campion, pues Margery Allingham escribió más novelas acerca de este pintoresco detective. Y es que, aunque se trata de la típica novela de detectives, la autora la realza con ese humor característico inglés, lo cual da como resultado una obra única. Para el que le guste este tipo de humor, es un libro altamente recomendable, pues aún en momentos emotivos o de peligro, el lector no deja de reírse con la historia.
Además de ese humor tan particular, debo destacar también las descripciones fabulosas de la autora, de los valles, caminos, ríos por los que pasan los personajes, y de una imaginación sin igual: aparecen artilugios como coches eléctricos o radios extrañas, lo cual asombra al tratarse de un libro escrito en 1933, cuando hoy en día está tan de moda hablar de este tipo de tecnologías.
Gracias a estas características tan fabulosas, la novela pasa de ser una simple historia de detectives a un libro completamente original. El argumento tiene su comienzo, con la presentación del problema, el nudo en el que el detective Campion organiza a todos sus cómplices para encontrar una serie de tesoros, y un final predecible, pero, aún con esta estructura tan simple, vuelvo a recalcar que esta no es una novelas de detectives al uso.
Recomiendo totalmente este libro a todo aquel que quiera pasar un buen rato riéndose, con una novela de misterio a la altura de los grandes clásicos, de no demasiadas páginas.
Además de ese humor tan particular, debo destacar también las descripciones fabulosas de la autora, de los valles, caminos, ríos por los que pasan los personajes, y de una imaginación sin igual: aparecen artilugios como coches eléctricos o radios extrañas, lo cual asombra al tratarse de un libro escrito en 1933, cuando hoy en día está tan de moda hablar de este tipo de tecnologías.
Gracias a estas características tan fabulosas, la novela pasa de ser una simple historia de detectives a un libro completamente original. El argumento tiene su comienzo, con la presentación del problema, el nudo en el que el detective Campion organiza a todos sus cómplices para encontrar una serie de tesoros, y un final predecible, pero, aún con esta estructura tan simple, vuelvo a recalcar que esta no es una novelas de detectives al uso.
Recomiendo totalmente este libro a todo aquel que quiera pasar un buen rato riéndose, con una novela de misterio a la altura de los grandes clásicos, de no demasiadas páginas.
August 17, 2023
What a great adventure - I mean honestly I'm not entirely sure what it was all about, but it was hectic and fun.
Campion is up to ...something, I know not what.
He has a backup of earnest rich young men. There's sweet 'womanly' Mary for one to fall for, none if that 'modern nonsense' to the mild consternation of the bright younger Amanda.
Amanda is the energy in this, brave, resourceful and a good 'lieut' to Campion. Campion's past desires are acknowledged (Biddy) but he's ready to move on, on a timeline. There's such a practical side to Amanda it's a refreshing break from the standard formula.
Then throw in hereditary roles, lost documents, cryptic rhymes, witchcraft, madness, disguises, big bad guys, the army - it's manic fun.
Wasn't won over by brother Hal's angry manhandling of Amanda. Got to remember when these were written. He comes across very young (at 15 I think) and youngest sibling yet 'head of the household. At this point it's childish squabble but with position added, good thing Amanda has spark.
Not the best plotting or motivation, but who cares? It's entertaining.
Campion is up to ...something, I know not what.
He has a backup of earnest rich young men. There's sweet 'womanly' Mary for one to fall for, none if that 'modern nonsense' to the mild consternation of the bright younger Amanda.
Amanda is the energy in this, brave, resourceful and a good 'lieut' to Campion. Campion's past desires are acknowledged (Biddy) but he's ready to move on, on a timeline. There's such a practical side to Amanda it's a refreshing break from the standard formula.
Then throw in hereditary roles, lost documents, cryptic rhymes, witchcraft, madness, disguises, big bad guys, the army - it's manic fun.
Wasn't won over by brother Hal's angry manhandling of Amanda. Got to remember when these were written. He comes across very young (at 15 I think) and youngest sibling yet 'head of the household. At this point it's childish squabble but with position added, good thing Amanda has spark.
Not the best plotting or motivation, but who cares? It's entertaining.
May 23, 2020
The pale young man in the horn-rimmed spectacles who was wandering alone beside the others, his habitual expression of affable idiocy very much in evidence, glaced up.
"Oh, it's all very nice,!" he said cheerfully. "All very nice indeed. Let's hope it doesn't lead to membership of the oldest club in the world."
"What's that?" Said Goofy.
"Club on the head," said Campion promptly.
"In my present mood I should enjoy it," said Eager-Wright.
May 3, 2024
Rather confusing plot but the book grew on me.
September 13, 2018
Campion gets involved in a case of international diplomacy and crime, trying to prove ownership of the land of Averna. The trail leads him and his friends to Suffolk, and an eccentric impoverished family living in a water mill.
I read some of the Campion books many years ago, and it has been a real joy to rediscover them with a Goodreads group. The plots often seem outlandish, and they are definitely amusing to read, but there is a genuine undercurrent of danger that prevents them becoming ridiculous. Campion's foolish exterior hides a sharp mind, and even though we know this, he is still capable of springing surprises on the reader with his bravery and intelligence.
This is a sparkling thriller with plenty of fun and a hint of menace throughout, plus a cast of entertaining characters. I'm looking forward to the next adventure!
I read some of the Campion books many years ago, and it has been a real joy to rediscover them with a Goodreads group. The plots often seem outlandish, and they are definitely amusing to read, but there is a genuine undercurrent of danger that prevents them becoming ridiculous. Campion's foolish exterior hides a sharp mind, and even though we know this, he is still capable of springing surprises on the reader with his bravery and intelligence.
This is a sparkling thriller with plenty of fun and a hint of menace throughout, plus a cast of entertaining characters. I'm looking forward to the next adventure!
Read
May 26, 2009Ah, what fun Campion is. I think my enjoyment is heightened by viewing the BBC dramitization of many of Margery Allingham's Campion mysteries. The characters enacted by Peter Davison (the seemingly distracted sleuth) and Brian Glover (his willful manservant Lugg) are always in my mind as I read these stories. For anyone who has not seen these episodes, buy or rent the DVDs at once!
This book did not disappoint. The bad guys are almost characatures of villians and the good guys are pure and heroic and always win the day. All this adds to the enjoyment of the story. One real bonus is the insertion of the mad doctor - what fun! And of course Campion lives to solve another mystery.
This book did not disappoint. The bad guys are almost characatures of villians and the good guys are pure and heroic and always win the day. All this adds to the enjoyment of the story. One real bonus is the insertion of the mad doctor - what fun! And of course Campion lives to solve another mystery.
October 27, 2011
This had some good characters, including one whom I hope becomes an eventual regular, and it wins big points for having a teenage girl who is an electricity geek, demonstrates tons of agency, and is shown to really brave without being stupid. But the overall plot is definitely more in the thriller category, and I was reading it hoping for detective fiction, so I was not as thrilled as I might otherwise be.
February 22, 2008
My absolute favorite Campion book thus far. Not only does it have all the elements that made Look to the Lady a favorite, but it also introduces Amanda Fitton, the woman who will eventually win Albert's heart, and you could not find a more perfect match for him--brilliant, stubborn, spirited, long-lost royalty, and best of all, a redhead! *g*
December 15, 2022
Not a mystery: a treasure-hunt adventure story, like a (good) Hitchcock movie. The silly stock characters, MacGuffin of a main plot, and weird doctor subplot are made up for by the vivid setting and the arrival of Amanda, who is just wonderful. I photocopied the two maps from the Penguin paperback edition and inserted them in this edition—vital for one’s reading pleasure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews