The Corpse with The Eerie Eye

by R.A.J. Walling

The Corpse with the Eerie Eye, first published in 1942 (and in the UK as Castle-Dinas) features private investigator Philip Tolefree. From the “There was mystery rampant in Castle-Dinas, although Tolefree at first didn’t recognize it. He thought he was there to straighten out a lovers’ quarrel—until the telephone rang at dinner that night and turned a gay and charming atmosphere into one resembling a wake. Mrs. Lowell returned to the table with her face strained beyond her well-carried years. Mr. Lowell retired dejectedly into a shell. And Katherine, their daughter, became tense and distraught. Later at Dr. Mapperley’s, a succession of peculiar sounds kept Tolefree on his feet most of the night—to the obvious dismay of Peter, the nautical butler. And then they found the corpse—the corpse with a vacant stare and pupils the size of a pin-point. … Mr. Walling is noted not only for his excellent plots, but his subtle characterizations and portrayal of English country life. The picture of Castle-Dinas, situated on the rolling moors of Devonshire, and its leisurely way of life are pleasing highlights in this mystery from the pen of a master craftsman.” Robert Alfred John Walling (1869-1949) was an English journalist and author of numerous novels featuring private investigator Philip Tolefree.

Genres: Mystery

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1942

About the author

Robert Alfred John Walling (11 January 1869, Exeter – 4 September 1949 Plympton) was an English journalist and author of detective novels, who signed his works "R. A. J. Walling".

See also Robert Alfred John Walling.

Reviews

[Anna Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very hit or miss are the detective Tolefree mysteries. This one was a definite hit. A superb cast of diverse characters leaping off the page and plenty of needle-sharp dialogue to propel the story along at a crisp pace without descending into a conflab of rubbishy filler. I enjoy the casual philosophical references redolent of that Golden Age of fiction when being intellectual was not something to be sneered at; elitist, yes, but not yet reduced to an ironic trope.

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting period piece in the mystery genre.

[Leo G · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent old school book marred by lots of typos which affect the enjoyment of the book.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, I can't believe this will be my last mystery review of the year. I only have three more reviews to write, and they are high fantasy books. And we all know how much I enjoy writing those reviews. I already have some great vintage mysteries lined up for the new year, I just need to keep myself from getting started on them too early.

Before I picked this book up, I didn't not realize it was part of a series, let alone it was one of the last books to feature Philip Tolefree. Philip, much like a few other British detectives, doesn't seem to be all that interested in the common folk. He seems to be a private detective that hobnobs with the rich, walks the halls of manor homes, and knows which silverware to use. When he is asked to delve into the private dealings of a very wealthy family, he is met with roadblocks at every turn. While everyone is polite to his face, engages him in conversation, and like the guy, they aren't willing to have him nose around in what could be embarrassing family secrets. Not used to such behavior, Philip is ready to wash his hands of the whole thing. The only thing that keeps him on the case is his admiration for the young man who hired him, and the inner strength he sees in the young couple.

When a man that nobody seems to have liked is found dead, laying on an isolated moor, Philip suspects that everyone around him knows what happened, but aren't willing to fill in the details. It's all about keeping the family safe and protected from a scandal. It's only through some brilliant thinking, and quite a bit of luck, that Philip is able to piece the whole sorry plight together. The fact that he solves the murder case, makes sure the young couple marry, and does it all without the family secrets coming to light, makes me like the guy even more. He may be a upper crust snob, but he has tact and sympathy, both of which many detectives are lacking.

[Ethan Hulbert · Rating 1 out of 5]

MEH.

Seriously, not a good book. The mystery didn't start forever, and for a while I considered just stopping because nothing was happening. I guess Walling was trying to set the mood or environment but unless he meant it to be set in a very boring place with a boring tone, it did not work.

The main character spends most of his time *avoiding* the mystery and just wanting to go home and shows no real enthusiasm or motivation at all.

The "eerie eye" bit is about the corpse's eyes and how the pupils were the size of pinholes. Which, ok, kind of interesting, maybe he was poisoned or something? But no he was shot. It turns out that the eerie eye thing was because he had smoked marijuana beforehand. Which isn't a spoiler because it has no bearing on the plot whatsoever and doesn't matter at all. And also marijuana literally does the opposite of that!

The police characters in this book could have been good but the author kept changing them out. I don't know why. They all filled the same role and had the same personality. Why make it 2-3 characters? Why not just have a police character who's motivated to solve the mystery and make the story about him instead!

The resolution was also terrible. Nothing unexpected, no big reveals, no consequences, all just kind of normal.

And then the ending... what the fuck. "and then nothing mattered because Hitler was invading and WW2 had begun." WHAT?????

This was one of the most disappointing mysteries I've ever read.