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Langham and Dupré Mystery #7
Murder by Numbers
And then there was one . . . can Donald Langham and Maria Dupr� stop a killer who's picking off victims one by one?
December, 1956. Donald Langham's wife Maria Dupr� receives a chilling invitation to attend a death at the home of Maxwell Falwell Fenton in Essex. The once-prominent artist has a number of enemies, and has faded into obscurity since the war ended. Is the invitation to his own death or someone else's? Arriving at Winterfield on a cold winter evening, Donald and Maria meet five strangers who have also received numbered invitations. They all had a reason to hate or fear Maxwell, including Maria, who reveals a secret from her own past. But is she telling the whole truth? The soiree produces a gruesome and dramatic twist, but it's about to get much worse when someone starts picking off the six, one by one. Can Donald untangle lies, betrayal, and incredible revelations to identify the killer before Maria becomes the next victim?
December, 1956. Donald Langham's wife Maria Dupr� receives a chilling invitation to attend a death at the home of Maxwell Falwell Fenton in Essex. The once-prominent artist has a number of enemies, and has faded into obscurity since the war ended. Is the invitation to his own death or someone else's? Arriving at Winterfield on a cold winter evening, Donald and Maria meet five strangers who have also received numbered invitations. They all had a reason to hate or fear Maxwell, including Maria, who reveals a secret from her own past. But is she telling the whole truth? The soiree produces a gruesome and dramatic twist, but it's about to get much worse when someone starts picking off the six, one by one. Can Donald untangle lies, betrayal, and incredible revelations to identify the killer before Maria becomes the next victim?
208 pages, Hardcover
Published February 2, 2021
3 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Eric Brown
396 books188 followersEric Brown was a British science fiction author and Guardian critic.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 24, 2020
This is the seventh in the mystery series featuring crime writer, and private detective, Donald Langham and his literary agent wife, Maria Dupre. The series is set in 1950’s London, although Donald and Maria have been thinking of moving to the country. However, before they can make their arrangements to leave for a country cottage, Maria receives a card inviting her to witness a death….
This intriguing card comes from reclusive artist, Maxwell Falwell Fenton, who Maria knew as a young girl. The opening reminded me slightly of, “A Murder is Announced,” as a group of people are invited to Fenton’s country house, Winterfield, and, of course, before long, there is indeed a death. However, Fenton has accused of all those invited of injuring him in some way and, when the guests begin to die, it is up to Donald to solve the murder and protect Maria from harm.
I enjoy this series very much. I like the characters, the period feel and the plot was interesting, with a good number of suspects. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
This intriguing card comes from reclusive artist, Maxwell Falwell Fenton, who Maria knew as a young girl. The opening reminded me slightly of, “A Murder is Announced,” as a group of people are invited to Fenton’s country house, Winterfield, and, of course, before long, there is indeed a death. However, Fenton has accused of all those invited of injuring him in some way and, when the guests begin to die, it is up to Donald to solve the murder and protect Maria from harm.
I enjoy this series very much. I like the characters, the period feel and the plot was interesting, with a good number of suspects. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
December 19, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House Publishing for an e-galley of this novel.
This is book number seven in this series by Eric Brown and a first book by this author for me. I enjoyed it quite a bit, more so once I went back and read the blurb that gives the setting date as 1956. I kept being distracted by trying to figure out the date just by clues within the novel. The book contains lots of plot elements that kept me thinking I was going to be reading something resembling books written by other authors but Brown managed to shake up my thinking each time by inserting a twist right out of left field. This story unfolded in a way that made it seem as if the investigation could have actually happened in just this way within the time setting.
My introduction to this cast of characters was a success; watching them work the problem from beginning to resolution was enjoyable. A little bit of an old fashioned crime novel feeling comes from the lack of profanity and each recurring character comes across as a genuinely nice person. They are working on a serious crime but there isn't a grim or gritty atmosphere. Quite enjoyable because most of the book was focused on solving the crime. The less family drama in a crime or thriller novel the better I like it.
This is book number seven in this series by Eric Brown and a first book by this author for me. I enjoyed it quite a bit, more so once I went back and read the blurb that gives the setting date as 1956. I kept being distracted by trying to figure out the date just by clues within the novel. The book contains lots of plot elements that kept me thinking I was going to be reading something resembling books written by other authors but Brown managed to shake up my thinking each time by inserting a twist right out of left field. This story unfolded in a way that made it seem as if the investigation could have actually happened in just this way within the time setting.
My introduction to this cast of characters was a success; watching them work the problem from beginning to resolution was enjoyable. A little bit of an old fashioned crime novel feeling comes from the lack of profanity and each recurring character comes across as a genuinely nice person. They are working on a serious crime but there isn't a grim or gritty atmosphere. Quite enjoyable because most of the book was focused on solving the crime. The less family drama in a crime or thriller novel the better I like it.
February 26, 2021
An OK Murder Mystery. A nice light read - despite 5 murders!
January 2, 2021
208 pages
4 and 1 / 2 stars
Maxwell Fenton, a once famous artist, invites six people to his home, one of them being Maria Dupré, Donald Langham's wife. (Insert the cliché, “It was a dark and stormy night...”) As they gather at the front door, the persons speculate as to why they received the invitation. They had heard a rumor that he was terminally ill and the idea of Fenton's suicide pops into the conversation. They are a widely varied group of people. Each person has reason to either fear or hate Fenton.
In total, there were nine people at the event. In addition to the invited seven (the original six plus Langham), there was Fenton and a butler named “Smith.” An event occurs that shocks everyone present. Later, when people start dying, Donald recommends that his wife and the others still alive secret themselves away for their safety.
While Donald and his partner Ralph Ryland begin interviewing the survivors, more deaths occur. Jeff Mallory, the police detective is flummoxed, for he had someone guarding one home, to no avail. This is a truly cunning and clever killer.
There are surprises aplenty in this book. The story moves in one direction, oh, wait, no it doesn't. It was very pleasing to read. The characters are wonderful. Langham and Ralph make fine partners. I like Ralph's panache in tricking his way into someone's house. He is more daring than Langham. And Maria and Langham make such a nice couple. I was pleased to learn more about Maria's past in this installment of the series. A very fine book. Keep up the good work, Mr. Brown!
I want to thank NetGalley and Seven House for forwarding to me a copy of this excellent mystery for me to read, enjoy and review.
4 and 1 / 2 stars
Maxwell Fenton, a once famous artist, invites six people to his home, one of them being Maria Dupré, Donald Langham's wife. (Insert the cliché, “It was a dark and stormy night...”) As they gather at the front door, the persons speculate as to why they received the invitation. They had heard a rumor that he was terminally ill and the idea of Fenton's suicide pops into the conversation. They are a widely varied group of people. Each person has reason to either fear or hate Fenton.
In total, there were nine people at the event. In addition to the invited seven (the original six plus Langham), there was Fenton and a butler named “Smith.” An event occurs that shocks everyone present. Later, when people start dying, Donald recommends that his wife and the others still alive secret themselves away for their safety.
While Donald and his partner Ralph Ryland begin interviewing the survivors, more deaths occur. Jeff Mallory, the police detective is flummoxed, for he had someone guarding one home, to no avail. This is a truly cunning and clever killer.
There are surprises aplenty in this book. The story moves in one direction, oh, wait, no it doesn't. It was very pleasing to read. The characters are wonderful. Langham and Ralph make fine partners. I like Ralph's panache in tricking his way into someone's house. He is more daring than Langham. And Maria and Langham make such a nice couple. I was pleased to learn more about Maria's past in this installment of the series. A very fine book. Keep up the good work, Mr. Brown!
I want to thank NetGalley and Seven House for forwarding to me a copy of this excellent mystery for me to read, enjoy and review.
January 16, 2021
Murder by Numbers is the 7th book in Eric Brown’s Langham and Dupre series but the first one I’ve read. I wasn’t sure what to expect since I was unfamiliar with the series, but I loved it! The plot description sounds like a mixture of A Murder is Announced and And Then There Were None but this story goes beyond those plots and provides several suspenseful twists and turns. Several times throughout the book, I thought I knew exactly who the killer was only to have a new plot twist dash my theory. There is a murderer on the loose and Maria is one of the people to be in the targets of a killer, making the stakes even higher to find the murderer before he or she strikes again.
There is a historical element to the story. The book takes place in London in 1956 and the Suez Oil crisis plays an important role in the story. I did some Internet research to get a better understanding of this event since I wasn’t very familiar with this event and the effect it had in Europe. The author uses this historical background very effectively at a crucial point in the story.
The four main characters of the book, Crime Writer and part-time PI Donald Langham, his wife Maria Dupre, a literary agent, Donald’s friend and business partner Ralph, and the PI agency’s assistant Pamela are all delightful. I love Donald and Maria’s relationship and the strong love they have for each other. It takes a little longer in the book to get to know Ralph and Pamela, but by the end of the book, Pamela proves her intelligence and her bravery and I came to enjoy Ralph’s down-to-earth, practical nature. Some of the police officers who are assisting with the case come across as inept, but that is a minor quibble in an otherwise exciting and well-written book that I would rate 4.5 stars. I look forward to reading other books in this series.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Severn House. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
There is a historical element to the story. The book takes place in London in 1956 and the Suez Oil crisis plays an important role in the story. I did some Internet research to get a better understanding of this event since I wasn’t very familiar with this event and the effect it had in Europe. The author uses this historical background very effectively at a crucial point in the story.
The four main characters of the book, Crime Writer and part-time PI Donald Langham, his wife Maria Dupre, a literary agent, Donald’s friend and business partner Ralph, and the PI agency’s assistant Pamela are all delightful. I love Donald and Maria’s relationship and the strong love they have for each other. It takes a little longer in the book to get to know Ralph and Pamela, but by the end of the book, Pamela proves her intelligence and her bravery and I came to enjoy Ralph’s down-to-earth, practical nature. Some of the police officers who are assisting with the case come across as inept, but that is a minor quibble in an otherwise exciting and well-written book that I would rate 4.5 stars. I look forward to reading other books in this series.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Severn House. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
December 26, 2025
The seventh of the series and within a few pages ,you realise that this one is different.
Its an otherwise quiet day at the Office of Langham and Ryall Private Investigators when Maria tells Donald that she has received a strange invitation to a death that evening. He accompanies her to an old run down house.
The theatrical suicide of the host that night seems to cast doubts on the frightening threats he had made to the invited six guests, all of whom he believed had wronged him. The doubts don't last for long.
Moving from a nice cozy mystery of the previous books this becomes almost a psychological thriller with Maria as its ultimate target.
I beat the investigation to part of the plot but totally missed the majority with its touches of Christie and Hitchcock.
As well as a serial killer to find, Don also discovers a very serious potential problem for his own recent marriage.
If I was beginning to thnk that the series was becoming too predictable, this one shows the authors ability to spring a surprise I knew it was coming but this one, for me , was the 5* at last and with still a few more of the series to go, can't wait.
15 Sept 2025
Its an otherwise quiet day at the Office of Langham and Ryall Private Investigators when Maria tells Donald that she has received a strange invitation to a death that evening. He accompanies her to an old run down house.
The theatrical suicide of the host that night seems to cast doubts on the frightening threats he had made to the invited six guests, all of whom he believed had wronged him. The doubts don't last for long.
Moving from a nice cozy mystery of the previous books this becomes almost a psychological thriller with Maria as its ultimate target.
I beat the investigation to part of the plot but totally missed the majority with its touches of Christie and Hitchcock.
As well as a serial killer to find, Don also discovers a very serious potential problem for his own recent marriage.
If I was beginning to thnk that the series was becoming too predictable, this one shows the authors ability to spring a surprise I knew it was coming but this one, for me , was the 5* at last and with still a few more of the series to go, can't wait.
15 Sept 2025
January 15, 2021
If you’re in the mood for a charming, old-fashioned cozy mystery, then be sure to check out this book. It has everything you want for a mid-winter mystery: oodles of atmosphere, a puzzling mystery, and winning characters. Just add a roaring fire, hot cocoa, and your favorite cozy blanket.
It's a traditional cozy mystery that’s smart, witty, and well-written. If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie-style mysteries, where all the pieces of the puzzle are readily available for armchair sleuths, then Eric Brown has you covered.
There’s more than one nod to Christie in the novel. If you read the blurb and thought, hey, didn’t this happen in–? Yes, it did. But Brown takes this in a different, unexpected direction that’s all his own. And if you take a look at the list of guests (and future victims), then they seem like a Christie-ish cast: a beautiful up-and-coming actress, a literary agent, a domineering art critic and her wimpy husband, a doctor with a drinking problem, and a failed poet. Plus there’s the host who might or might be dying and who might or might not be planning suicide. But Brown takes these characters and gives them a life of their own. (Well, until they’re killed off . . .)
The mystery is a real puzzle. Even though I read the last chapter first, I still couldn’t guess how everything all fit together. I appreciated that while the book doesn’t shy away from the horror of a violent death, it doesn’t dwell upon it, either. It’s more focused on solving the mystery than on the nastiness of the death. That’s a refreshing change.
Yet unlike some cozy mystery novels, it also doesn’t become too light-hearted and dismiss the gravity of death. Donald and his partner Ralph banter but they’re never callous and jaded. That’s also a refreshing change in this genre.
Even though this is the first book in the series that I’ve read, I was able to understand the relationships almost immediately. I enjoyed reading about Donald and Maria’s marriage. Even with her worries over a particular issue, there’s a sense of assurance that the couple will survive and be stronger than ever. In a genre filled with troubled relationships, their love and trust shines in contrast. I also enjoyed reading about Maria’s friendship with Donald and Ralph’s secretary, Pamela. It’s also refreshing to see supportive female relationships.
It’s reassuring somehow. Everything in the real world can go wrong; I’ve had a personally tumultuous year, and I know many others have as well. But in the world of the Ryland and Langham Detective Agency, the case will be solved, the marriage will thrive, friends will remain friends, and all will be well.
The writing is crisp and assured, and the pace moves quickly. I read the book in a few hours. It’s perfect for wiling the afternoon away, sipping on hot cocoa and curled up with your kindle.
I recommend this for armchair sleuths and cozy mystery fans, as well as readers who like quirky, atmospheric British novels. A solid 4.5 stars, rounded up to five.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Note #2: This will appear on my blog on February 8, 2021.
It's a traditional cozy mystery that’s smart, witty, and well-written. If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie-style mysteries, where all the pieces of the puzzle are readily available for armchair sleuths, then Eric Brown has you covered.
There’s more than one nod to Christie in the novel. If you read the blurb and thought, hey, didn’t this happen in–? Yes, it did. But Brown takes this in a different, unexpected direction that’s all his own. And if you take a look at the list of guests (and future victims), then they seem like a Christie-ish cast: a beautiful up-and-coming actress, a literary agent, a domineering art critic and her wimpy husband, a doctor with a drinking problem, and a failed poet. Plus there’s the host who might or might be dying and who might or might not be planning suicide. But Brown takes these characters and gives them a life of their own. (Well, until they’re killed off . . .)
The mystery is a real puzzle. Even though I read the last chapter first, I still couldn’t guess how everything all fit together. I appreciated that while the book doesn’t shy away from the horror of a violent death, it doesn’t dwell upon it, either. It’s more focused on solving the mystery than on the nastiness of the death. That’s a refreshing change.
Yet unlike some cozy mystery novels, it also doesn’t become too light-hearted and dismiss the gravity of death. Donald and his partner Ralph banter but they’re never callous and jaded. That’s also a refreshing change in this genre.
Even though this is the first book in the series that I’ve read, I was able to understand the relationships almost immediately. I enjoyed reading about Donald and Maria’s marriage. Even with her worries over a particular issue, there’s a sense of assurance that the couple will survive and be stronger than ever. In a genre filled with troubled relationships, their love and trust shines in contrast. I also enjoyed reading about Maria’s friendship with Donald and Ralph’s secretary, Pamela. It’s also refreshing to see supportive female relationships.
It’s reassuring somehow. Everything in the real world can go wrong; I’ve had a personally tumultuous year, and I know many others have as well. But in the world of the Ryland and Langham Detective Agency, the case will be solved, the marriage will thrive, friends will remain friends, and all will be well.
The writing is crisp and assured, and the pace moves quickly. I read the book in a few hours. It’s perfect for wiling the afternoon away, sipping on hot cocoa and curled up with your kindle.
I recommend this for armchair sleuths and cozy mystery fans, as well as readers who like quirky, atmospheric British novels. A solid 4.5 stars, rounded up to five.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Note #2: This will appear on my blog on February 8, 2021.
January 7, 2021
I have been reading this series for a while and I have noticed that the culprit is almost always a person with artistic leaning. I don't know why the author almost always picks up such a character as the perpetrator but it is so. Perhaps he hates himself or the others of such persuasion as pretentious hacks or it may be that he is more comfortable in such milieu so the culprit almost always is a person of artistic bent. Anyways the synopsis makes it seem like this was a country house murder mystery in the vein of Agatha's Then there were None but on the contrary it is not confined to the artists mansion but shifts to other places. I must say that the author has taken the plot of Agatha's classic and given it his own spin convincingly in some points but lacking in others. The person who turns out to be the culprit invited suspicion from the very beginning and Langham and co do come off as poor detectives when they are seen to be outwitted by such a puerile person. Pamela the recent hire seems shoed in and her character was unnecessary to the plot in my opinion. It seems like the author felt it was essential for Maria to have a female confident in the vein of Langham having his partner whose life he saved so he shoed her in. Can't say that it's brilliant but is a average albeit competent read. The romance is drippy and at points boring to rdaa difference that would make it stand out from other such pairs. .They seem like couple going through all the stereotypical stuff that such a pairing entails. It would be more fun if the writer tired to portray more of Maria's flamboyance and go beyond the perfunctory ma cheres. Langham could also do with a added layer or two. As it is the current portrayal is very typical and perfunctory without a
strong factor that lifts them or differentiates them from other such typical detecting pair. The Detective Dou is certainly deserving of certain appreciation but I fear it is inadequate to hold interest if it continues to be a series that ticks all the trite tropes.
strong factor that lifts them or differentiates them from other such typical detecting pair. The Detective Dou is certainly deserving of certain appreciation but I fear it is inadequate to hold interest if it continues to be a series that ticks all the trite tropes.
May 29, 2021
This is the seventh in the Langham and Dupre series of light mysteries. In it Maria Dupre receives an invitation "to a death" from a renowned artist she knew when she was a teenager. She asks her husband Donald Langham to attend it with her. Donald is an author and a partner in a private detective agency. When they arrive at the artist's delipidated country house, there are several other invited guests: a doctor, an art critic and her husband, a young poet and a show girl. The event is bizarre from the beginning but takes a macabre turn when the artist shoots himself in front of his guests.
It's a well-crafted "closed circle" mystery set in the English countryside after WW2. The story is set against the background of the then prevailing austerity with such hardships as gasoline rationing. There is a strong supporting cast of characters from previous books in the series as well as the other guests at the country house. The mystery comes to an exciting conclusion as the puzzled is solved. While not the strongest book of the series, it merits a read and is recommended.
I received a complementary advance reading copy of the eBook of "Murder by Numbers" from Severn House via Netgalley for my independent review. The comments about it are my own.
November 2, 2020
As a devoted fan of Langham and Dupré Mystery Series I am very happy that Murder by Numbers will be a next gem in this collection. It's a classic, elegant mystery novel in style of R. Chandler and with wit of A. Christie's plots.
We meet again a crime novel writer/private investigator Donald Langham, his charming wife Maria, and Langham's partner Ralph Ryland.
Maria has been invited by her old friend Maxwell Falwell Fenton, once very well known artist but recently suffering for faded fame, to a macabre party to witness death.
When arrived, all invited persons, are accused by the host of being guilty of hurting him somehow and are sentenced to be punished. Six guests, six numbered invitations, six targets of the revenge. Maria's invitation has number 6. Will Donald be able to save his wife by solving that case?
It was a delightful read, very atmospheric, with great characters; a real joy for mystery lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House Publishing for an e-Galley of this novel.
We meet again a crime novel writer/private investigator Donald Langham, his charming wife Maria, and Langham's partner Ralph Ryland.
Maria has been invited by her old friend Maxwell Falwell Fenton, once very well known artist but recently suffering for faded fame, to a macabre party to witness death.
When arrived, all invited persons, are accused by the host of being guilty of hurting him somehow and are sentenced to be punished. Six guests, six numbered invitations, six targets of the revenge. Maria's invitation has number 6. Will Donald be able to save his wife by solving that case?
It was a delightful read, very atmospheric, with great characters; a real joy for mystery lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House Publishing for an e-Galley of this novel.
February 23, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is the 7th book in the Donald Langham and Maria Dupre' series. This book is set in 1956, Essex, England. This is the first book of the series that I've read. I happened to come across it on display at my library and was intrigue enough to check it out. I loved the story enough to buy a copy of it so that I will have it around to read it again. Of course I plan to read the rest of the series as well.
Donald is a co-owner of a detective agency. His wife Maria receives a mysterious invitation to a death from an artist she knew in her past that she actually hates. Curiosity got the better of Maria and they both ended up attending the event as well as the other five individuals that were also invited by the artist. This one horrible night ends up tying these strangers together till death do them part. This story was not what I expected, surprising and I enjoyed learning the British lingo. It was also a trip to think about how much had changed between 1956 and 30 years later - 1986 when I was entering high school.
Donald is a co-owner of a detective agency. His wife Maria receives a mysterious invitation to a death from an artist she knew in her past that she actually hates. Curiosity got the better of Maria and they both ended up attending the event as well as the other five individuals that were also invited by the artist. This one horrible night ends up tying these strangers together till death do them part. This story was not what I expected, surprising and I enjoyed learning the British lingo. It was also a trip to think about how much had changed between 1956 and 30 years later - 1986 when I was entering high school.
August 5, 2021
I’ve never read any of the other books in the series: I actually didn’t realize this was part of a series until I brought this book home. I just saw it in the new books shelf at the front of the library and thought it was interesting. Gave some Agatha Christie vibes. And in terms of the actual mystery, it did deliver on that. I also appreciated not having to read the other books in the series before this one to understand what was happening, although I’m sure that would’ve given me a better introduction to the repeating characters. Which, actually, is one of the things I thought this book was lacking, and it was somewhat simplistic in that reading it was quite straightforward. Maybe I’ve just been reading too many books that twist my mind and jump trains of thought and perspectives? Nevertheless, this was a nice quick afternoon read.
October 21, 2020
The 7th in the Langham and Dupre series. Set in 1950’s London and Essex, the novel has an authentic feel. Ralph Ryland and Donald Langham are partners in a PI firm. Donald also writes crime novels. Wife Maria works for Donald’s literary agent.
Maria and several others are invited to a macabre event. Each invitation arrives numbered. At the event each guest is seated according to their number. After the event, the guests are killed in the order of the numbered invitations. Four are killed in quick succession, Maria has number 6.
Donald, Ralph, and the London police pit their knowledge against a diabolical killer. A very enjoyable read.
Highly recommend.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
Maria and several others are invited to a macabre event. Each invitation arrives numbered. At the event each guest is seated according to their number. After the event, the guests are killed in the order of the numbered invitations. Four are killed in quick succession, Maria has number 6.
Donald, Ralph, and the London police pit their knowledge against a diabolical killer. A very enjoyable read.
Highly recommend.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
January 14, 2021
1956. Maria Dupre has been invited, among others, to attend the death of dying Maxwell Falwell Fenton at 6.00 pm on the 3rd December at his home, Winterfield, in Lower Malton. On time he shoots himself in front of the witnesses after stating that they will all get their just punishment. The next day the first death occurs but by whom. Inspector Mallory investigates with the help of Langham and Ryland.
A well-written and entertaining mystery with a cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A well-written and entertaining mystery with a cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2021
Has-been painter and womanizer Max Fenton invites six former friends to his decrepit mansion. One of them is Maria Dupree, whose husband Donald Langham insists on coming with her. Max warns his guests of his coming revenge--then shoots himself. When the guests start dying, Donald--a writer and part-time private investigator--is determined to protect Maria, even though he can't figure out how Max can be getting his revenge from beyond the grave. But what if Max isn't really dead? Donald's business partner and also their secretary take their own parts in unveiling a murderer and saving Maria.
January 2, 2021
I am always wary of reading a novel by a prolific author. Eric Brown is prolific but thankfully he doesn't sacrifice quality for quantity. To my shame this is the first book of his I have ever read. It won't be the last. He is a fine author.
Set at the time of the Suez Crisis, in 1950s London, the plot and setting blend together so perfectly that it reads like a crime classic written in that era.
Donald Langham, Maria Dupre and Ralph Ryland are splendid characters. There's plenty of suspense and a couple of very clever twists. Fans of Agatha Christie should love this book. I did.
Set at the time of the Suez Crisis, in 1950s London, the plot and setting blend together so perfectly that it reads like a crime classic written in that era.
Donald Langham, Maria Dupre and Ralph Ryland are splendid characters. There's plenty of suspense and a couple of very clever twists. Fans of Agatha Christie should love this book. I did.
February 2, 2021
I love this historical mystery series and this is the best installment I read so far.
It's gripping, fast paced and full of twists and turns.
The plot is tightly knitted and I wasn't able to put it down turning pages as fast as I could.
The mystery is solid and there's plenty of surprises. The solution was unexpected and satisfying.
Excellent character and plot development, a vivid historical background.
I had a lot of fun and it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's gripping, fast paced and full of twists and turns.
The plot is tightly knitted and I wasn't able to put it down turning pages as fast as I could.
The mystery is solid and there's plenty of surprises. The solution was unexpected and satisfying.
Excellent character and plot development, a vivid historical background.
I had a lot of fun and it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 28, 2021
3.5 stars
The story was well-written, the characters were well-developed, and the ending shocked me. However, I felt like there was some suspense missing. There was nothing that made me want to turn the pages faster or bring me to the edge of my seat, which was what I had anticipated after reading the synopsis.
I would recommend if you're looking for a slow-ish paced, but good mystery.
The story was well-written, the characters were well-developed, and the ending shocked me. However, I felt like there was some suspense missing. There was nothing that made me want to turn the pages faster or bring me to the edge of my seat, which was what I had anticipated after reading the synopsis.
I would recommend if you're looking for a slow-ish paced, but good mystery.
December 20, 2020
A slightly predictable unsophisticated murder mystery with nevertheless engaging characters and detailed descriptions of places and settings.
February 11, 2023
I enjoyed this mystery; the characters were well-developed and the plot was twisty.
September 29, 2024
Unfortunately I didn't realize this was part of a series when I grabbed it BUT I will definitely be going back to read the rest! Very well written, just plain good murder mystery!
August 27, 2021
Maria's life pre-Robert came back to haunt her when a former lover invites her to witness his death. Hiding the truth from Robert, he accompanies Maria to the man's home and meets others from his past whose only memory is of a manipulating and cruel man. The story doesn't end with his death but begins as the guests start dying one by one.
This book is part of a series featuring Donald Langham and Maria Dupre, and I haven't read the previous books, so I felt a little lost and unsure what to expect. It is a bit gumshoe, and a little Agatha Christie dragged into one.
HOWEVER, in the parts that are not filled with cold calling or looking for anyone who could remember anything from 10+ years ago, it is exciting with a very dark and shocking plot. I love that Brown doesn't sugarcoat anything regarding the who, what and why. Although set in Post WWII England, the theme felt modern, yet Brown remains true to how people thought and acted.
I'm not too impressed with this book but interested enough to read the series. I feel like I'm pecking into someone's life I knew and realizing a shocking truth. This is definitely worth the read.
This book is part of a series featuring Donald Langham and Maria Dupre, and I haven't read the previous books, so I felt a little lost and unsure what to expect. It is a bit gumshoe, and a little Agatha Christie dragged into one.
HOWEVER, in the parts that are not filled with cold calling or looking for anyone who could remember anything from 10+ years ago, it is exciting with a very dark and shocking plot. I love that Brown doesn't sugarcoat anything regarding the who, what and why. Although set in Post WWII England, the theme felt modern, yet Brown remains true to how people thought and acted.
I'm not too impressed with this book but interested enough to read the series. I feel like I'm pecking into someone's life I knew and realizing a shocking truth. This is definitely worth the read.
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