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No Love Lost
In The Patient at Peacocks Hall a young and beautiful woman doctor fights to save the life of her rival; lost poison seems damning evidence, and dramatic revelations follow each other in a neatly constructed story of suspense, involving a film-star, a mysterious Frenchman, and other material for village gossip.Safer than Love is set in a preparatory school at the beginning of the summer holidays. The headmaster’s young wife has her own reasons for prevaricating when inquisitive neighbours in the small town inquire about her husband’s whereabouts.(Publisher’s description) Patient at Peacocks Hall — Safer than love
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1954
56 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Margery Allingham
254 books608 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 8, 2015
These two short murder mystery novellas feature women heroines/detectives instead of Albert Campion, Allingham’s usual lead. While the characters and stories are less developed than in a full length mystery, her sharp perspective on human nature and dry English humor are still here, especially in the second novella.
In “The Patient at Peacock’s Hall” the other woman who broke up a doctor’s romance suddenly appears as a patient. In “Safer Than Love” (my favorite of the two), a young woman marries the headmaster of a boys’ boarding school and slowly discovers how little she knows him. Add Izzy (her quirky Scottish terrier), the eccentric masters of the school, some gossipy small town residents, an old beau and a far-seeing policeman for a pleasant mystery read.
“She was a product of the twenties, when it had been fashionable to say the unforgiveable thing, and like the little girl who grimaced in the nursery story, the wind had changed and she had stayed like it. I remember thinking vaguely that it was quite clear that she meant well, and perhaps that was why no one had ever gone berserk and killed her.”
In “The Patient at Peacock’s Hall” the other woman who broke up a doctor’s romance suddenly appears as a patient. In “Safer Than Love” (my favorite of the two), a young woman marries the headmaster of a boys’ boarding school and slowly discovers how little she knows him. Add Izzy (her quirky Scottish terrier), the eccentric masters of the school, some gossipy small town residents, an old beau and a far-seeing policeman for a pleasant mystery read.
“She was a product of the twenties, when it had been fashionable to say the unforgiveable thing, and like the little girl who grimaced in the nursery story, the wind had changed and she had stayed like it. I remember thinking vaguely that it was quite clear that she meant well, and perhaps that was why no one had ever gone berserk and killed her.”
August 25, 2015
Well, that was delightful. Both frothy and sharp. Undemanding but not insulting. A++, would froth again.
March 18, 2008
No Love Lost consists of 2 short novellas -- The Patient at Peacocks Hall and Safer than Love. Of the two, the former is undoubtedly the best, and after I finished reading it, I thought that it would make a splendid movie. A young woman doctor, jilted earlier by the love of her life (and not very happy about it) is called upon by the mysterious tenant of Peacocks Hall to arrange for an ambulance to be brought down to London to pick up a friend of his & return her to Peacock Hall. She makes the arrangements, then when she is asked to go up and take care of the patient one night, who has some mysterious ailment that needs the doctor's immediate attention, she realizes that it is one Francia Forde, an actress for whom her fiance had broken off their engagement during the war. The doctor at first refuses, but the tenant (a Mr. Gastineau) leaves her with no choice but to do as he asks. I can't give away the story, but it is really an amazing little novella and a fine mystery. The second story is "Safer Than Love," which seemed a bit muddled to me so I didn't enjoy it as much. A young woman marries the headmaster of a small school in a rural area of England. It seems that the entire town knows her business and that of her husband, and the woman is finding that she's a bit tired of the whole thing -- the marriage, the provincial town, her husband's unwillingness to change. After he is found dead, guess who becomes the most obvious suspect?
The first story was wonderful, with enough tension to keep me reading; the second seemed a bit confusing and by the time the end came, I was ready to be done with it.
I'd recommend the book to those who enjoy Allingham, and to people who enjoy British mysteries in general.
The first story was wonderful, with enough tension to keep me reading; the second seemed a bit confusing and by the time the end came, I was ready to be done with it.
I'd recommend the book to those who enjoy Allingham, and to people who enjoy British mysteries in general.
April 13, 2020
These two novellas made for an odd Allingham reading experience - unlike all the Albert Campion books, both stories are told in the first person, and by women (!), in one case a woman doctor (!!). Having just read Allingham’s The Fashion in Shrouds, whose views on women made me want to stab something, this was a refreshing change, though I can’t say that either one of the No Love Lost narrators was deeply compelling.
Both novellas had some good moments of suspense (especially the first one), with a satisfying if absurd denouement that tied everything up in a neat bow. Entertaining, though not particularly memorable.
Both novellas had some good moments of suspense (especially the first one), with a satisfying if absurd denouement that tied everything up in a neat bow. Entertaining, though not particularly memorable.
September 1, 2023
Two little nuggets - think I prefer these to Campion.
It must have been fashionable in the 1950s to have murderers killed in road traffic accidents - presumably the issue with detection if someone hangs as a result.
It must have been fashionable in the 1950s to have murderers killed in road traffic accidents - presumably the issue with detection if someone hangs as a result.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2024
This is two murder mysteries with an extra love interest between the actual couple. The first one is Ann, a country doctor's assistant, jilted by her childhood friend and lover after the war. He had met an actress, Francia Forde, and they were married. But Ann threw herself into her work and eventually had her own patient load, one of which was a Mr. Gastineau, newly arrived in the area. Then Francia Forde was at Gastineau's place and dangerously ill. Ann was called to tend to her. And then John showed up. The plot thickened until it was clear Francia was to die and Ann and John were to be blamed.
The other story also takes place in a country setting but in a private boys' school. Elizabeth has married the headmaster, Victor, but the marriage is one of convenience. Told in the first person, Liz has to learn the ins and outs of the town where everyone seems to be somehow related and knows everyone else's business years back. When her love interest, Andy, shows up and tells her he is leaving the country, she accepts that -- until Victor is found dead, murdered. Superintendent South is on the job and his investigation takes in the actions of both Liz and Andy as well as what he knows of the town having lived there all his life.
Allingham is at her best in teasing out the personalities and matching them with the clues. Both stories kept me reading to the end. I had read this book before but many years ago and it was good to reacquaint myself with the details.
The other story also takes place in a country setting but in a private boys' school. Elizabeth has married the headmaster, Victor, but the marriage is one of convenience. Told in the first person, Liz has to learn the ins and outs of the town where everyone seems to be somehow related and knows everyone else's business years back. When her love interest, Andy, shows up and tells her he is leaving the country, she accepts that -- until Victor is found dead, murdered. Superintendent South is on the job and his investigation takes in the actions of both Liz and Andy as well as what he knows of the town having lived there all his life.
Allingham is at her best in teasing out the personalities and matching them with the clues. Both stories kept me reading to the end. I had read this book before but many years ago and it was good to reacquaint myself with the details.
January 17, 2019
Two beautifully crafted novellas, different versions of women who lose, or appear to lose, a relationship that promises to be that of a soul mate through circumstances largely out of their control. The stories show the dilemmas for strong-minded women in wartime or just after - the difficulties of knowing what was happening to men-folk who were being exposed to experiences that the women could not share, and subsequent difficulties for women in deciding at what point promises may be null and void. I really like the portrayal of these women who make their own independent choices, deal with the consequences, but hang on to their feelings.
It does, of course, pay off in the long run! The creation of the world of such choices, is however, convincing and sympathetic.
I also like that her police officers, especially those from Scotland Yard, are competent and thorough. They work away in the background, listen to and sift through the gossip to find the truth, understand motive and human nature and produce results without jumping to conclusions - or indeed, intruding too much on the narrative, which is fundamentally about people.
It is a great pleasure to relax with a clever, skilled storyteller that I can trust to present a world-view and set of characters with whom I empathise.
It does, of course, pay off in the long run! The creation of the world of such choices, is however, convincing and sympathetic.
I also like that her police officers, especially those from Scotland Yard, are competent and thorough. They work away in the background, listen to and sift through the gossip to find the truth, understand motive and human nature and produce results without jumping to conclusions - or indeed, intruding too much on the narrative, which is fundamentally about people.
It is a great pleasure to relax with a clever, skilled storyteller that I can trust to present a world-view and set of characters with whom I empathise.
February 10, 2018
These were two short novellas "of suspense." Each about 100 very enjoyable pages. Written in the 50's. Ms. Allingham was apparently a very popular mystery writer in the 50/60's. I'd never heard of her. It was great way to spend my snow-day. Reminded me a bit of Agatha Christie, though, in way, I kind of liked the writing better? Ms. Allingham also had a series detective that was very popular; Albert Campion. I don't think I've read any of those. (though somehow, I feel like I've seen him on some BBC show.) If I see her name again on bag day at the book sale, I will definitely grab.
Both stories starred plucky smart young women. The first was a young doctor, and though in one scene she was encouraged to trade her modern pants for a traditional wool skirt, no one ever challenged her knowledge or skill in the medical profession. Everyone treated her as competent, and the fact that she was a doctor as something completely normal. For 1950 something, that was a great thing to see. The star of novella #2, had given up her job upon marriage, something that she rued throughout, and something she planned to rectify; even before learning her stingy husband had been murdered. Enjoyed the (relatively) 'modern' women in these tales as much as the mysteries themselves.
Both stories starred plucky smart young women. The first was a young doctor, and though in one scene she was encouraged to trade her modern pants for a traditional wool skirt, no one ever challenged her knowledge or skill in the medical profession. Everyone treated her as competent, and the fact that she was a doctor as something completely normal. For 1950 something, that was a great thing to see. The star of novella #2, had given up her job upon marriage, something that she rued throughout, and something she planned to rectify; even before learning her stingy husband had been murdered. Enjoyed the (relatively) 'modern' women in these tales as much as the mysteries themselves.
February 25, 2018
This disappointing little book barely made it to 2 stars for me. Even the Carroll & Graf paperback edition I was reading was second-rate, with its tiny, crammed-onto-the-page print. It contains 2 novellas:
THE PATIENT AT PEACOCKS HALL (1 star)
Simply awful, excruciatingly boring little melodrama with characters I didn't give a rat's ass about. It features a silly young woman doctor with a 'mysterious' patient. I think it's supposed to be suspenseful and shocking, and maybe in the mid-50's it was, but it's not what I expected from Margery Allingham. A complete waste of time.
SAFER THAN LOVE (2 stars)
Better than the first one, this features a young woman who has done a very stupid thing and has come to regret it. When her husband (who we never meet) is murdered, she realizes that her innocent words and actions can be seen in a different and suspicious light by the investigating detective. I have to admit, I had a theory which turned out to be completely wrong but the real solution turned out to be somewhat of a letdown.
THE PATIENT AT PEACOCKS HALL (1 star)
Simply awful, excruciatingly boring little melodrama with characters I didn't give a rat's ass about. It features a silly young woman doctor with a 'mysterious' patient. I think it's supposed to be suspenseful and shocking, and maybe in the mid-50's it was, but it's not what I expected from Margery Allingham. A complete waste of time.
SAFER THAN LOVE (2 stars)
Better than the first one, this features a young woman who has done a very stupid thing and has come to regret it. When her husband (who we never meet) is murdered, she realizes that her innocent words and actions can be seen in a different and suspicious light by the investigating detective. I have to admit, I had a theory which turned out to be completely wrong but the real solution turned out to be somewhat of a letdown.
October 12, 2018
Two novellas, neither featuring her usual character Albert Campion.
I found these lingered in the mind well after I'd finished reading them; in no way could you describe them as feminist, but they both featured women struggling alone with impossible situations where, to their horror, they find themselves the chief suspects in malicious and deadly acts.
These were atmospheric and gothic in the best way - the sense of creeping dread was brilliantly conveyed and the second novella, Safer than Love, reminded me a little of Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, in the way it mixed small town banality with terror.
I found these lingered in the mind well after I'd finished reading them; in no way could you describe them as feminist, but they both featured women struggling alone with impossible situations where, to their horror, they find themselves the chief suspects in malicious and deadly acts.
These were atmospheric and gothic in the best way - the sense of creeping dread was brilliantly conveyed and the second novella, Safer than Love, reminded me a little of Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, in the way it mixed small town banality with terror.
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October 19, 2024Two short novellas, the first of which is quite ingenious, the second of which you spend your time wondering what in the world the poor girl is up to and why, make interesting mysteries to solve. I liked the first, The Patient at Peacock Hall, the best because the two protagonists were mature in their actions. In the second, Safer Than Love, I couldn't understand the town or the characters and their actions, although Ms. Allingham did a good job of portraying what a young wife might get up to just to avoid being the subject of gossip. Different times, I guess. Now, no one cares.
October 12, 2022
This book contains two mystery novellets set in southern England after World War II. There is a lot to unpack in these books because they touch on so many themes of being human. That is their beauty and what makes them special. War changes people. For some, it writes deep lines into their souls while the integrity of the person still remains. For other people, the lines are written in the soul twist it, tangling what is good and what is right with what is evil and wrong.
April 23, 2022
I loved this book! Upon my word. It is really good. I enjoyed how both stories ended on a happy note. I was not expecting it at all. They both seemed a little depressing at first and I felt the melancholy and defeatism creeping in, enveloping me and the personality of the story only for things to absolutely turn around! It was exquisite. Unexpectedly romantic in the 19th-century sense.
October 20, 2023
Two novellas, two murder mysteries and one Queen of Crime. Not a single word is wasted here. The starting point of each story is lost love of a kind, hence the title.There's not an ounce of grit in these stories set in late 40s middle England, but there is enough tension to keep the pages turning. Royally enjoyable reading.
March 10, 2019
2 stories in one book. I enjoyed them both. Not like the Campion mysteries although the writing is just as good. Interesting psychological perspectives in both with an almost Hichcockian sense of danger and suspense.
April 18, 2018
This was my first foray into Allingham and I really enjoyed her style and mystery! I think I'll enjoy her full length novels better, when they'll have more plot and character and not have to rely so heavily on some lucky coincidences.
April 23, 2019
Readable... but really for completists.
October 19, 2019
The two stories are quite similar.
July 3, 2020
First story ok. Returned early - lost interest in 2nd story. Or perhaps I should say it never really engaged my interest.
DD@Phila
DD@Phila
July 29, 2021
I prefer Campion...
But have still enjoyed these novellas. They have had interesting character studies, along with fun twists and turns.
Perfect summer reading.
But have still enjoyed these novellas. They have had interesting character studies, along with fun twists and turns.
Perfect summer reading.
May 31, 2023
Two novellas which were okay but not something to seek out specially.
January 4, 2024
I bought this not realizing it wasn’t an Albert Campion mystery. The two short stories were interesting but not very complicated and really worked out very pat.
December 30, 2024
Clever
January 16, 2025
Short but made longer by the fact that it isn’t always the most comprehensible work
October 18, 2014
Two short mystery stories with interesting plots.
The Patient At Peacock's Hall: A young fledging woman doctor working with an older establish doctor in small rural area of England. She is cajoled by a older patient she has recently started treating into moving an unknown person friend of his from London to Peacock's Hall. She discovers he is trying to kill this person as she frantically works to save the patient's life. She is set up to help him kill the woman as she resists his efforts. There are a couple of strong subplots which add complications and interest to the story.
Safer Than Love: A young woman jilts her doctor boyfriend and marries the a slightly older man who is the head master of a elite private school in a small town outside of London. 6 months later she realizes that she's in a loveless marriage to a man who basically ingnores him. He is suddenly found murdered and she is a suspect.
The Patient At Peacock's Hall: A young fledging woman doctor working with an older establish doctor in small rural area of England. She is cajoled by a older patient she has recently started treating into moving an unknown person friend of his from London to Peacock's Hall. She discovers he is trying to kill this person as she frantically works to save the patient's life. She is set up to help him kill the woman as she resists his efforts. There are a couple of strong subplots which add complications and interest to the story.
Safer Than Love: A young woman jilts her doctor boyfriend and marries the a slightly older man who is the head master of a elite private school in a small town outside of London. 6 months later she realizes that she's in a loveless marriage to a man who basically ingnores him. He is suddenly found murdered and she is a suspect.
March 22, 2014
Set in the 1940s (and written not long after), this book consists of two 100 page complete stories. Both involve love and murder, and both are fascinating. I thought the first was the stronger - the story of a female doctor whose sweetheart went to war and ended up marrying a movie star. Jilted and still in love, she takes a job at a surgery in a small English village, but a foreign gentleman takes an interest in her and the next thing she knows she is being framed for a murder. The second is about a woman who has married a Headmaster of a small, exclusive boys school and finds herself the target of pitying village gossip. I found this character slightly irritating as she implicates herself in a murder by her own need to 'keep up appearances'. The ending wasn't quite as exciting, but it was still really enjoyable. I love the subtlety of detective and crime fiction from this era.
March 24, 2015
Two novellas by Margery Allingham. No Campion, although the description of one character made me think it might be a cameo.
In the first story, a self-reliant young women who has become a doctor after being jilted by her fiance is put into a gothic situation. The romance comes back but is secondary to the suspense.
The second story has a young women who does not seem to fit in. It was interesting but felt more dated.
In the first story, a self-reliant young women who has become a doctor after being jilted by her fiance is put into a gothic situation. The romance comes back but is secondary to the suspense.
The second story has a young women who does not seem to fit in. It was interesting but felt more dated.
February 19, 2013
A printing of 2 of Allingham's shorts, "The Patient at Peacocks Hall" and "Safer Than Love". Like another reviewer has said, they're not her best, but they're good for a rainy afternoon.
My rating is actually 3.5 stars. I took off half a star because the second story seemed overfull of everything but tension.
(My copy is a hardcover published by Doubleday & Co.)
My rating is actually 3.5 stars. I took off half a star because the second story seemed overfull of everything but tension.
(My copy is a hardcover published by Doubleday & Co.)
May 20, 2012
Two short stories by Allingham. Nice fun reads, both have something of psychological edge. Not her best work, but good for a lazy afternoon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews