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Chief Inspector Dan Pardoe #3
Deed Without a Name
At the beginning of the Second World War, Chief Inspector Parode is called to investigate the murder of Archy Mitfold, a young man cut down in his prime whilst training to enter the Foreign Office. Interviews with Archy’s friends and family reveal not only that the young man had already survived three attempts on his life, but also that he knew the identity of his would-be assassin. Could the affair have anything to do with the fascist organisation Archy had infiltrated? What is the connection with the empty house that Archy mistakenly stumbled into one evening under the impenetrable cover of the blackout, but which now seems to have completely vanished? And what could possibly be the significance of the bird sketches which the young man appears to have left as clues to his killer's identity?
Originally published in 1940, this is a classic wartime mystery from the golden age of crime fiction.
Originally published in 1940, this is a classic wartime mystery from the golden age of crime fiction.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1940
11 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Bowers
12 books7 followersDorothy Violet Bowers (1902-1948) was born in Leominster. Bowers graduated from the Society of Oxford Home-Students (now St Anne’s College) with a third-class honours degree in Modern History. Temporary jobs teaching history and English did not inspire her, and she turned to writing.
Between 1938 and 1941, Bowers published four Inspector Pardoe novels in rapid succession. The outbreak of war brought Bowers to London, where she worked in the European News Service of the BBC. Her final book, The Bells at Old Bailey, was published in 1947. Never of robust health, Bowers contracted tuberculosis during this period and eventually succumbed to the disease in August 1948. She died knowing that she had been inducted into the prestigious Detection Club, the only writer selected for membership in 1948.
Between 1938 and 1941, Bowers published four Inspector Pardoe novels in rapid succession. The outbreak of war brought Bowers to London, where she worked in the European News Service of the BBC. Her final book, The Bells at Old Bailey, was published in 1947. Never of robust health, Bowers contracted tuberculosis during this period and eventually succumbed to the disease in August 1948. She died knowing that she had been inducted into the prestigious Detection Club, the only writer selected for membership in 1948.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 19, 2020
Full review at classicmystery.blog
June 19, 2017
In Deed Without a Name (1940) by Dorothy Bowers Archy Mitfold is a self-important young man who has often daydreamed about playing Sherlock Holmes and has often made ordinary events mysterious just to feed his longing for adventure. He reminds me a bit of Walter Mitty--turning everyday events into Something Important. That is, until something important actually does happen. As he tells the maid in his aunt's house (where he has been staying since summer), it's something he "stumbled onto by chance" and he's just got to see it through on his own. It doesn't matter that somebody has already tried to kill him three times--once by speeding automobile, once by a shove in the back when he was at the train station waiting to meet someone, and once through poisoned chocolates--that just adds spice to the game. And, really, that's all it is to Archy...just a game. But somebody's playing for keeps and he won't survive attempt number four.
After the three stymied attempts, Archy meets two of his friends at an "Old Boys" weekend for their school. He gives them a brief summary of the facts and when they urge him to tell the police, he insists that this is his show and he's going to come up with more clues before turning them over to the police. He then heads back to his aunt's house--which is empty because she has gone away for the weekend herself--where he plans to write up his latest findings in his diary. While he's working away, there is a knock at the door. He opens it, says "Oh, it's you, is it?" and lets someone (we're not told who) in. The next we see Archy, he's dead. He's found hanging from a curtain rod in an apparent suicide.
But it doesn't take Inspector Dan Pardoe and Sergeant Tommy Salt long to figure out that it's murder they're dealing with. Archy was bashed on the head before being strung up and then, of course, his friends come forward with the tale of the previous attempts on Archy's life. The maid also has information about Archy's late-night rambles. She doesn't know where he went, but he was dreadfully excited and secretive about it.
Meanwhile, all of England is on the hunt for the whereabouts of Sampson Vick, a philanthropic millionaire who has recently gone missing. And Pardoe's investigation reveals that Archy was interested in Vick's disappearance as well. Is there a connection? And what is the meaning of the bird drawings and clay figures that Archy has left amongst his papers and around his room? Pardoe believes the birds to be a secret code and if he and Salt can just find the key then they'll be able to pinpoint Archy's murderer.
This is a solid Golden Age Mystery. The war has just begun and the blackout plays a bit of role. Pardoe and Salt are good coppers, not quite as idiosyncratic or charismatic as some policemen of the period, but an interesting pair all the same. Bowers plays fair with her readers--and, if you know much about birds (particularly the birds of England), you'll probably spot the villain much earlier than I did. I did get there before all was revealed at the end though.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
After the three stymied attempts, Archy meets two of his friends at an "Old Boys" weekend for their school. He gives them a brief summary of the facts and when they urge him to tell the police, he insists that this is his show and he's going to come up with more clues before turning them over to the police. He then heads back to his aunt's house--which is empty because she has gone away for the weekend herself--where he plans to write up his latest findings in his diary. While he's working away, there is a knock at the door. He opens it, says "Oh, it's you, is it?" and lets someone (we're not told who) in. The next we see Archy, he's dead. He's found hanging from a curtain rod in an apparent suicide.
But it doesn't take Inspector Dan Pardoe and Sergeant Tommy Salt long to figure out that it's murder they're dealing with. Archy was bashed on the head before being strung up and then, of course, his friends come forward with the tale of the previous attempts on Archy's life. The maid also has information about Archy's late-night rambles. She doesn't know where he went, but he was dreadfully excited and secretive about it.
Meanwhile, all of England is on the hunt for the whereabouts of Sampson Vick, a philanthropic millionaire who has recently gone missing. And Pardoe's investigation reveals that Archy was interested in Vick's disappearance as well. Is there a connection? And what is the meaning of the bird drawings and clay figures that Archy has left amongst his papers and around his room? Pardoe believes the birds to be a secret code and if he and Salt can just find the key then they'll be able to pinpoint Archy's murderer.
This is a solid Golden Age Mystery. The war has just begun and the blackout plays a bit of role. Pardoe and Salt are good coppers, not quite as idiosyncratic or charismatic as some policemen of the period, but an interesting pair all the same. Bowers plays fair with her readers--and, if you know much about birds (particularly the birds of England), you'll probably spot the villain much earlier than I did. I did get there before all was revealed at the end though.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
September 24, 2018
An entertaining mystery about people who are too clever for their own good!
It's the beginning of WWII and people are moving away or into London as their risk tolerance and role in the war dictates. Archie is one of the young men who flock to London, in his case to prep for a career in the Foreign Office. There's nothing unusual about him, and so his friends and family are flabbergasted when he's found murdered. Or, perhaps not quite so, since he'd been victim of a couple of very nasty "accidents". When the police are called in, they try to connect the hit-and-run, the shove in the subway, the poisoned chocolates and his murder with the mysterious activities he'd been hinting at in the last couple of weeks before his death. It turns out that Archie fancied himself as a detective, but had grievously underestimated the cunning and ruthlessness of his opponent. Inspector Pardoe is convinced that the little sketches and clay models that Archie left behind refer to his secret adversary... but how to decode them?
This was a fun read, full of jaunty young men-about-town, faithful servants and gossipy old ladies. Exactly what one wants in a Golden Age mystery.
It's the beginning of WWII and people are moving away or into London as their risk tolerance and role in the war dictates. Archie is one of the young men who flock to London, in his case to prep for a career in the Foreign Office. There's nothing unusual about him, and so his friends and family are flabbergasted when he's found murdered. Or, perhaps not quite so, since he'd been victim of a couple of very nasty "accidents". When the police are called in, they try to connect the hit-and-run, the shove in the subway, the poisoned chocolates and his murder with the mysterious activities he'd been hinting at in the last couple of weeks before his death. It turns out that Archie fancied himself as a detective, but had grievously underestimated the cunning and ruthlessness of his opponent. Inspector Pardoe is convinced that the little sketches and clay models that Archie left behind refer to his secret adversary... but how to decode them?
This was a fun read, full of jaunty young men-about-town, faithful servants and gossipy old ladies. Exactly what one wants in a Golden Age mystery.
January 13, 2019
'“Reticence, yes,” the commissioner said thoughtfully. “The case has been marked by it all through..."'.
Pardoe and Salt investigate the apparent suicide by hanging of young Archy Mitfold in a densely-plotted and highly-entertaining novel. Although plotted fairly, the solution hinges on a piece of ornithological knowledge contained in a bird book published in 1910 which can be located online.
This must be the only detective fiction I have read in which the author gives a hint to the solution in the acknowledgements preceding Chapter One!
As always with Bowers, the characterisation and character depictions are excellent, and there is a real feeling of life in London during the blackout and at the start of WW2.
This is very readable, most enjoyable and highly-recommended.
4.5 stars.
Pardoe and Salt investigate the apparent suicide by hanging of young Archy Mitfold in a densely-plotted and highly-entertaining novel. Although plotted fairly, the solution hinges on a piece of ornithological knowledge contained in a bird book published in 1910 which can be located online.
This must be the only detective fiction I have read in which the author gives a hint to the solution in the acknowledgements preceding Chapter One!
As always with Bowers, the characterisation and character depictions are excellent, and there is a real feeling of life in London during the blackout and at the start of WW2.
This is very readable, most enjoyable and highly-recommended.
4.5 stars.
February 7, 2022
Comincia bene, anzi benissimo, questa crime story inglese, così classica che più classica non si può: l'omicidio della vittima è preannunciato da una serie di fortunosi eventi, nella Londra che affronta i primi mesi della guerra con il coraggio di chi vuol rimanere ancorato alle vecchie abitudini, dal tè delle cinque alla servitù decorosamente pettegola. Peccato che perda di mordente verso la metà, con una indagine inutilmente tirata per le lunghe e un disvelamento completamente provo di suspence. Resta comunque una bella lettura- e un plauso a questa nuova casa editrice specializzata nel giallo "vintage", per far conoscere autori rimasti in ombra dai giganti della golden age del genere.
Tre stelle e mezzo.
Tre stelle e mezzo.
September 28, 2013
Another first class detective story from this not very well known (these days) author. Perhaps a little far-fetched but most enjoyable nevertheless.
Lots of good detection from Pardoe and Salt, plenty of clues and red herrings.
Recommended.
Lots of good detection from Pardoe and Salt, plenty of clues and red herrings.
Recommended.
June 15, 2017
For my full review click on the link below:
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...
January 21, 2021
A contorted, over-complex and not especially satisfying read. The American gangster subplot was cringeworthy, the characters, though well drawn, didn’t hold my interest, and I still have no idea of the significance of the title. Only one bright spark - I quickly guessed the meaning of the chief clue!
July 23, 2024
Pretty good overall. Dorothy Bowers creates an atmospheric wartime mystery where - not for the first time - this victim is too irritating to live. Detective Inspector Pardoe and Sargent Salt are on the case in London at the beginning of the War.
April 2, 2018
Interesting mystery story, but as usual with Dorothy Bowers books the end is impossible to deduct from the reading. Not fair play at all !!!!
February 22, 2020
Good story
A good story. Shame about all the typos. Very irritating!
I hope the errors will be corrected.
I've done a lot of work on this text. Perhaps you can pay me for it.
A good story. Shame about all the typos. Very irritating!
I hope the errors will be corrected.
I've done a lot of work on this text. Perhaps you can pay me for it.
July 28, 2021
Recensito per il blog Polveredilibri
Archy si trova a vivere con una zia e frequenta lezioni di tedesco con il professore August Speyer, in previsione di entrare nell'ufficio degli affari esteri e una sera causa la nebbia e l'oscuramento entra per errore in una casa sbagliata e per suo malgrado, ascolta una conversazione che sa di losco.
Quando la sua vita è messa in pericoli da incidenti alquanto strani, ne accenna qualcosa a dei suoi amici che gli consigliano di andare alla polizia.
Netta la governante dei vicini di casa di zia Marie nota una cosa strana e con il suo padrone fanno una macabra scoperta, trovano Archy impiccato.
Si pensa a un suicidio che in realtà le prove danno come omicidio.
Chi ha ucciso il ragazzo? E perché?
Una lettura scorrevole con personaggi ben caratterizzati e con citazioni adatte alla storia narrata, riferendosi a dei classici e spunti di ornitologia per l'ambiente di narrazione, ovviamente la scrittura è in chiave moderna e la narrazione in prima persona, inizialmente mi è sembrato poco entusiasmo ma essendo una lettrice caparbia sono andata oltre, capendo da quasi subito chi fosse l'assassino e che sono dovuta arrivare alla fine per sapere il movente.
Cit:
È difficile riordinare i propri pensieri senza nessuno nei paraggi. Chi è solo ascolta una casa vuota di notte?
Continuo a interrompersi per ascoltare...cosa?
*** e mezzo
Archy si trova a vivere con una zia e frequenta lezioni di tedesco con il professore August Speyer, in previsione di entrare nell'ufficio degli affari esteri e una sera causa la nebbia e l'oscuramento entra per errore in una casa sbagliata e per suo malgrado, ascolta una conversazione che sa di losco.
Quando la sua vita è messa in pericoli da incidenti alquanto strani, ne accenna qualcosa a dei suoi amici che gli consigliano di andare alla polizia.
Netta la governante dei vicini di casa di zia Marie nota una cosa strana e con il suo padrone fanno una macabra scoperta, trovano Archy impiccato.
Si pensa a un suicidio che in realtà le prove danno come omicidio.
Chi ha ucciso il ragazzo? E perché?
Una lettura scorrevole con personaggi ben caratterizzati e con citazioni adatte alla storia narrata, riferendosi a dei classici e spunti di ornitologia per l'ambiente di narrazione, ovviamente la scrittura è in chiave moderna e la narrazione in prima persona, inizialmente mi è sembrato poco entusiasmo ma essendo una lettrice caparbia sono andata oltre, capendo da quasi subito chi fosse l'assassino e che sono dovuta arrivare alla fine per sapere il movente.
Cit:
È difficile riordinare i propri pensieri senza nessuno nei paraggi. Chi è solo ascolta una casa vuota di notte?
Continuo a interrompersi per ascoltare...cosa?
*** e mezzo
July 25, 2021
This is the first of Dorothy Bowers’ 5 books I have read. It was well plotted and the consistent following of Inspector Pardoe’s reasoning and partnership with Sargeant Salt, which, while not explored or explicitly developed, is sketched well enough to allow for empathy. Some of the other characters, notably Archy Mitford, as irritating as he might be.
That said, there is a surfeit of detail and sentences that could do with editing to remove a tendency to verbosity. The technique of secret diaries might work once in a novel, but twice is a bit over the top, even in the 1940s.
I’d be interested in reading the rest of Bowers’ output. On the basis of this volume I wouldn’t list her as one of the Queens of Golden Age Crime Fiction, but she’s certainly in the palace.
That said, there is a surfeit of detail and sentences that could do with editing to remove a tendency to verbosity. The technique of secret diaries might work once in a novel, but twice is a bit over the top, even in the 1940s.
I’d be interested in reading the rest of Bowers’ output. On the basis of this volume I wouldn’t list her as one of the Queens of Golden Age Crime Fiction, but she’s certainly in the palace.
October 8, 2021
È ufficiale: amo i vintage. E questo grazie a Tiziana Prina!
Non avrei mai pensato di dirlo – che amo i vintage – , perché avevo dei pregiudizi belli grossi, che invece questo giallo, ben confezionato e scritto benissimo, ha spazzato via già dalle prime pagine.
La prima scena è molto Novecentesca: 3 giovani, all’apparenza perdigiorno, di quelli che non capisci come si mantengano, parlano dei tre attentati alla vita che ha subito uno di loro, Archy Mitfold. All’inizio scettici, si convincono che non c’è da scherzare: chi lo ha già spaventato 3 volte, non esiterà a continuare a dargli il tormento.
Il resto della recensione è al link https://chilidilibri.altervista.org/u...
Non avrei mai pensato di dirlo – che amo i vintage – , perché avevo dei pregiudizi belli grossi, che invece questo giallo, ben confezionato e scritto benissimo, ha spazzato via già dalle prime pagine.
La prima scena è molto Novecentesca: 3 giovani, all’apparenza perdigiorno, di quelli che non capisci come si mantengano, parlano dei tre attentati alla vita che ha subito uno di loro, Archy Mitfold. All’inizio scettici, si convincono che non c’è da scherzare: chi lo ha già spaventato 3 volte, non esiterà a continuare a dargli il tormento.
Il resto della recensione è al link https://chilidilibri.altervista.org/u...
August 6, 2013
Very ingenious complex plot! Good police work, solid characters. Two mysteries in one. It certainly was not the culprit I thought it was! Hint: if your a bird lover you might be able to figure this one out!
August 25, 2013
Very solid Golden Age mystery. If you are a fan of this genre, it is definitely worth a look. While I figured out the solution pretty early on, this did not detract from my enjoyment. Based on this book, I will be searching out Ms. Bowers' four other novels.
February 5, 2022
Piacevole, ma non esattamente il mio tipo di giallo preferito: seguire l’indagine così come portata avanti dalla polizia non mi entusiasma più di tanto; ammetto di preferite i detective “privati” o “dilettanti”, se non improvvisati per via delle circostanze.
June 28, 2012
The third of the five outstanding golden age mysteries Dorthy Bowers wrote before her early death from TB. all mystery lovers ought to read all of Her stories.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews