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Burford Family #3
The Affair of the 39 Cufflinks
Who ever tires of the zany British country house murder?
"But Lavinia, I don't want people staying here," said the Earl. "After the last two house parties, we agreed no more."
"This wouldn't be a house party, George, it's nine guests for one night."
"But the last two times we've had people here it's been disastrous."
"This is quite different. These people are family, not spies and jewel thieves and blackmailers and film stars. And when one occupies an historic house such as Alderley, one cannot shut its doors, because of a few unfortunate incidents."
Lord Burford's misgivings were understandable. After all, the "unfortunate incidents" had been murders. But these people were travelling a long way for the funeral of an elderly relative. There was nowhere else for them to stay in the village, so the Earl really had to offer them accommodations at Alderley, the Burfords' Carolean mansion.
Things started to go wrong when one of guests claimed she had knowledge that would ruin the others' reputations. But nobody took that seriously.
Until, that is, she was found murdered ...
Lord Burford had never been so relieved as when Chief Inspector Wilkins arrived. Again!
The Affair of the 39 Cuff Links, light-hearted sequel to The Affair of the Bloodstained Egg Cosy and The Affair of the Mutilated Mink, delightfully captures the atmosphere of the 1930s country-house mystery.
"But Lavinia, I don't want people staying here," said the Earl. "After the last two house parties, we agreed no more."
"This wouldn't be a house party, George, it's nine guests for one night."
"But the last two times we've had people here it's been disastrous."
"This is quite different. These people are family, not spies and jewel thieves and blackmailers and film stars. And when one occupies an historic house such as Alderley, one cannot shut its doors, because of a few unfortunate incidents."
Lord Burford's misgivings were understandable. After all, the "unfortunate incidents" had been murders. But these people were travelling a long way for the funeral of an elderly relative. There was nowhere else for them to stay in the village, so the Earl really had to offer them accommodations at Alderley, the Burfords' Carolean mansion.
Things started to go wrong when one of guests claimed she had knowledge that would ruin the others' reputations. But nobody took that seriously.
Until, that is, she was found murdered ...
Lord Burford had never been so relieved as when Chief Inspector Wilkins arrived. Again!
The Affair of the 39 Cuff Links, light-hearted sequel to The Affair of the Bloodstained Egg Cosy and The Affair of the Mutilated Mink, delightfully captures the atmosphere of the 1930s country-house mystery.
Audible Audio
First published February 1, 2003
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About the author
James Anderson
28 books67 followersJames Anderson was educated at Reading University where he gained a History degree and although born in Swindon, Wiltshire, he lived for most of his life near Cardiff.
He worked as a salesman before becoming a copywriter and then a freelance journalist, contributing to many newspapers, house journals and specialist magazines. He later turned to writing novels, the first of which was 'Assassin' (1969).
As well as his general thrillers, he wrote three books featuring Inspector Wilkins beginning with 'The Affair of the Blood-Stained Egg Cosy' in 1975. The series continued with 'the Affair of the Mutilated Mink Coat' (1981) and ended with 'The Affair of the Thirty-Nine Cuff Links' (2003).
He also wrote three novels based on the television series 'Murder, She Wrote', which were 'the Murder of Sherlock Holmes (1985), Hooray for Homicide' (1985) and 'Lovers and Other Killers' (1986). In total he wrote 14 novels and one play.
He died in 2007.
Gerry Wolstenholme
September 2010
He worked as a salesman before becoming a copywriter and then a freelance journalist, contributing to many newspapers, house journals and specialist magazines. He later turned to writing novels, the first of which was 'Assassin' (1969).
As well as his general thrillers, he wrote three books featuring Inspector Wilkins beginning with 'The Affair of the Blood-Stained Egg Cosy' in 1975. The series continued with 'the Affair of the Mutilated Mink Coat' (1981) and ended with 'The Affair of the Thirty-Nine Cuff Links' (2003).
He also wrote three novels based on the television series 'Murder, She Wrote', which were 'the Murder of Sherlock Holmes (1985), Hooray for Homicide' (1985) and 'Lovers and Other Killers' (1986). In total he wrote 14 novels and one play.
He died in 2007.
Gerry Wolstenholme
September 2010
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 10, 2021
The Burford family pile at Alderley is once again the setting for misdeeds. A funeral and the reading of a will bring a rather disparate selection of folk to Lord Burford's country estate.
Everything starts off well but then things go downhill and after some threats are uttered at the will reading, a murder takes place. Chief Inspector Wilkins arrives, as usual, and after Lady Burford offers her apologies for having to call him once more he says, "That is quite alright your ladyship. I, for one, am becoming quite accustomed to these occurrences."
So, too, are we as the readers! As is always the case at Burford various red herrings are thrown in until the murderer is finally unmasked, with the help of the Burford's daughter Lady Geraldine. Once again jolly good fun.
Everything starts off well but then things go downhill and after some threats are uttered at the will reading, a murder takes place. Chief Inspector Wilkins arrives, as usual, and after Lady Burford offers her apologies for having to call him once more he says, "That is quite alright your ladyship. I, for one, am becoming quite accustomed to these occurrences."
So, too, are we as the readers! As is always the case at Burford various red herrings are thrown in until the murderer is finally unmasked, with the help of the Burford's daughter Lady Geraldine. Once again jolly good fun.
June 20, 2018
The final installment of the Burford Family is as good as the first two. I am sorry that there are no more because I really enjoyed the characters, ambiance and for this one, just a teeny hint of a haunting by a beloved and favorite family member. More zany characters in the guise of family, and really, the crazy family members are the best.
There are only three of these books due to the passing of the author.
All around, a great read. I highly recommend this wonderful, if unintended, trilogy.
There are only three of these books due to the passing of the author.
All around, a great read. I highly recommend this wonderful, if unintended, trilogy.
December 10, 2011
I wish James Anderson had written more than three books in this series!
I loved the 1930s setting and the twisty plot - admittedly the ending didn't catch me by surprise as much as the previous book, but the numerous red herrings, the wonderful Wilkins, and the Earl of Burford and his entertaining family kept me happily occupied for a couple of hours.
I loved the 1930s setting and the twisty plot - admittedly the ending didn't catch me by surprise as much as the previous book, but the numerous red herrings, the wonderful Wilkins, and the Earl of Burford and his entertaining family kept me happily occupied for a couple of hours.
March 21, 2020
2020: Repeat listen. While still an okay listen, this is my least favourite in the series and it remains at 3 stars.
Extra for those that might like to know: manipulative, controlling, and abusive parent/s.
Extra for those that might like to know: manipulative, controlling, and abusive parent/s.
August 28, 2018
The last of Anderson's Alderley novels is possibly even more enjoyable and clever than the previous two. Again we have a disparate group of people spending the night in Lord Burford's country manor; and sure enough, one is murdered. What follows is a deliciously complex and comic puzzle, full of secrets and lies, ultimately solved by the unassuming Inspector Wilkins. Anderson pushes the limits of the classic British country murder dangerously close to satire, without ever crossing the line. It is really a remarkable achievement.
April 28, 2020
This is the third and last book in a trilogy of murder mysteries written by James Anderson and set at Alderley, the seat of the Burfords. The family hold the funeral, memorial and Will reading for the Honourable Florence ‘Florrie’ Saunders who had been 96 years old. However, the reading of the Will proves to be a catalyst for murder.
I inadvertently borrowed this book thinking it was Book 2 of this series but it isn’t its Book 3 so had to stop go and borrow actual Book 2 - The Affair of the Mutilated Mink. I was worried therefore reading the 2 books so closely together I might get bored but ... I am pleased to say I think this was the best of the last 2 in the series and I’m amazed I managed to pick the murderer! I found it funny in parts and I liked the whole set up of the story and the characters which carries through each book and the time period between each book is about 6 months. An enjoyable read.
I inadvertently borrowed this book thinking it was Book 2 of this series but it isn’t its Book 3 so had to stop go and borrow actual Book 2 - The Affair of the Mutilated Mink. I was worried therefore reading the 2 books so closely together I might get bored but ... I am pleased to say I think this was the best of the last 2 in the series and I’m amazed I managed to pick the murderer! I found it funny in parts and I liked the whole set up of the story and the characters which carries through each book and the time period between each book is about 6 months. An enjoyable read.
October 6, 2022
Great light reading!!! This and the previous 2 Burford Family Mysteries, "The Affair of the Blood Stained Egg Cosy" and "The Affair of the Mutilated Mink" are wonderful English Country House murder mysteries. If Agatha Christie and P.G. Wodehouse had collaborated something akin to these novels may well have been the result!!!
September 14, 2018
I'm so disappointed this is the last book in the series! The characters are fun and interesting. Light reading, humor, bit of a drama and scandal, lots of clever explanations for inexplicable goings-on.
July 18, 2017
An expected death leads to murder in this enjoyable recreation of a Golden Age mystery with a sense of humor. Set in a country manor house and featuring a complicated family with myriad characters, the book comes with floor plans and a family tree to help the reader keep track.
January 10, 2022
The plot was predictable but the way it was executed was humourous. I really enjoyed it
January 6, 2023
That was fun — interesting characters and a pretty good mystery.
January 9, 2024
Very entertaining, but I did guess the ending (unlike the previous two in the series).
November 8, 2025
Third and final in this glorious series of locked room murder mysteries. Sadly the author has passed away so we will not hear from Lord and Lady Burford, their exuberant daughter Geraldine or the unparalleled Inspector Wilkins again. I suppose you can only have a limited number of murders taking place in the same stately home without them becoming a tad samey. So maybe it’s best to go out on a high. And this certainly was a high. A cast of wonderful characters, all of whom are naturally suspects to the murder. A plot that twisted and turned and took us all around before Wilkins’ final denouement. He is in my top three fictional detectives of all time. Genius.
November 8, 2010
A thoroughly enjoyable detective murder mystery of the traditional variety - set in the 1930s, Lord Burford is playing host to some distant relatives after the funeral of Great Aunt Florrie. He's a little wary, because the last two times his family had houseguests people ended up dead and he had to call in Inspector Wilkins, but surely lightning couldn't strike three times...
This book kept me guessing throughout, with multiple plot twists and red herrings. A little hard to follow at first, with all the family relations being quite complicated, but easy enough to get into once they all meet up at the funeral. It's a really well-thought out murder mystery with some great characters and a brilliant plot. Highly recommended.
This book kept me guessing throughout, with multiple plot twists and red herrings. A little hard to follow at first, with all the family relations being quite complicated, but easy enough to get into once they all meet up at the funeral. It's a really well-thought out murder mystery with some great characters and a brilliant plot. Highly recommended.
January 18, 2015
Yes, I did get these last 3 in an omnibus edition! The Earl of Burford reluctantly agrees to host another house party, after the last 2 ended in murder. But surely the reading of Great Aunt Flossie's will to a few distant relatives can't cause any problems... I wish the author had written a few more of these - you've got interesting, well drawn characters, and delightfully convoluted mysteries, in a setting reminiscent of Downton Abbey! I think they really need to be read in order, but would recommend them to anyone who enjoys Agatha Christie-style murder mystery.
June 2, 2015
As with the previous books this is a good page turner which gallops along well. The characters are nicely drawn with a good balance between the stereotypical British nobs of the 1930s and a dash of realism. Unlike the two previous books I did spot the murderer at the discovery of the body but it did not spoil my enjoyment of a rattling good read.
November 23, 2013
Well the murder this time was pretty unimpressive and obvious almost from the start. However, the rest of the story and it's format-different from the earlier ones- was delightful. I hope there are more Birford mysteries to be found but I am afraid there may not be.
February 13, 2019
If only there were more in this series!
July 20, 2021
Love this book series. I am sad the author only wrote 3. Good clean mystery. Lots of tributes to the Golden Age mystery writers.
May 14, 2019
As historical, cozy mysteries go, this is a good one. The plot is clever, the characters all act appropriately to the period, the writing style is smooth and competent and there are numerous touches of humor (but not enough to turn it into a parody). The only thing missing is atmosphere. There isn't any, and I'm not sure why. Alderley, the seat of the Earl of Burford, is adequately described, but it never came to life for me. Perhaps it would have if I'd read the previous two books in the series, but my local library only had this one. This is a minor criticism that certainly doesn't ruin the book, but it's odd. Everything else about this novel is quite admirable although the pace is a bit slow until the murder happens (about a third of the way through) then things move along nicely to a satisfying conclusion. This one doesn't follow the Detection Club guidelines, but if you like cozies, you'll certainly still enjoy it.
May 7, 2023
Slow Start, But Great Progression
So many diverse characters and backstories made this a slow burn in terms of getting to the crux of the story. It was inevitable who the murder victim would be.
Notwithstanding that, the intrigue was just as compelling as the previous 2 tales and the culprit just as surprising (even though I had surmised who it must be. However, I don’t congratulate myself for that, because even Georgie solved it this time).
The usual mix of Brits and Yanks as guests (but no mysterious Europeans this time.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, wonderfully read by Cornelius Garrett.
So many diverse characters and backstories made this a slow burn in terms of getting to the crux of the story. It was inevitable who the murder victim would be.
Notwithstanding that, the intrigue was just as compelling as the previous 2 tales and the culprit just as surprising (even though I had surmised who it must be. However, I don’t congratulate myself for that, because even Georgie solved it this time).
The usual mix of Brits and Yanks as guests (but no mysterious Europeans this time.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, wonderfully read by Cornelius Garrett.
March 12, 2021
What a shame that this is the final instalment of the series. James Anderson was such an excellent writer! And so hilarious. I was roaring with laughter at Florrie's acerbic comments, Chief Inspector Wilkins's seeming incompetence, Lord Burford's perpetual lack of understanding of what is happening, Merryweather's unshakeable serenity, and quirks and weirdness of all the other characters. The novel is also flawlessly plotted and the most gripping out of the series.
I can't recommend this highly enough! Absolute perfection!
I can't recommend this highly enough! Absolute perfection!
December 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book! I was surprised to learn that it was written in the 90s and not in the 1920s when it’s set - most modern books set in that period feel too modern to be believable but this one fooled me. The mystery isn’t that great - I figured out who did it very early on - but the book itself was fun and I liked some of the characters. The sexism of the 90s is the one giveaway of when it was actually written though and it’s in full force here. Books actually written in the 20s are usually much less sexist than ones written in the 1990s in my opinion - hot take!
July 26, 2024
I borrowed this without realizing it was the third book in a series. Not to worry, though, as the author does an excellent job of introducing the main characters of the mystery. With enough, but not too many, suspects to choose from and with a good bit of red herrings this story was an interesting read.
When the culprit is revealed in the end there is, in the explanation, hints which were included in the tale that the reader might have latched onto in helping them to come to the proper conclusion.
This was a nice cosey mystery.
When the culprit is revealed in the end there is, in the explanation, hints which were included in the tale that the reader might have latched onto in helping them to come to the proper conclusion.
This was a nice cosey mystery.
January 14, 2022
Third and final Burford Family/ Inspector Wilkins mystery. So three books are equally good and entertaining. In this installment we had distant relatives staying on at Aderley after a funeral, and will reading. This time our guests are surrounded by possible paranormal activities, blackmail, misbehaving politicians and attorneys, as well as puppy love, and an imposter. I will definitely miss the Burfords, and may have to revisit these books in the years to come.
July 5, 2018
James Anderson's three books about Inspector Wilkins and the Saunders family are fun - all in the country-house murder tradition (indeed, all in the same country-house).
The blurb on the back has a nice quote from the author: "I prefer villains to be nice, refined people. The sort who quote Shakespeare and knock off their nearest and dearest between rubbers of bridge." Hear, hear!
The blurb on the back has a nice quote from the author: "I prefer villains to be nice, refined people. The sort who quote Shakespeare and knock off their nearest and dearest between rubbers of bridge." Hear, hear!
July 7, 2018
In some ways the best of the trilogy, as there are less complicated motives and people under false pretences. Instead we have the extended family arriving at Burford for a funeral and the reading of the will.
He victim, as in all the books, is signalled early. Cleverly and sadly, the murderer is the one I had deepest sympathy for.
He victim, as in all the books, is signalled early. Cleverly and sadly, the murderer is the one I had deepest sympathy for.
March 11, 2020
This book is Agatha - lite. An enjoyable story line that is carried along by the conversations between the characters with minimum descriptions. So if you like stories involving a dead, elderly relative, the reading of the will and an estate house full of 1920's style suspects, you'll enjoy this book if you're looking for a light read.
May 19, 2021
A delightful murder mystery, a cross between Agatha Christie and P. G. Wodehouse. The narrator Cornelius Garrett was wonderful at telling the story, with individual voices for each character, wjich had me equally gripped and chuckling to myself.
I throughly enjoyed the story, and was gripped throughout. I would definitely recommend this to anyone seeking a cosy mystery.
I throughly enjoyed the story, and was gripped throughout. I would definitely recommend this to anyone seeking a cosy mystery.
January 19, 2023
An enjoyable final installment in the Burford Family mysteries. I did find that this one dragged a bit in the early part of the book because of the number of characters that had to be introduced and maneuvered into place, but the ending did not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews