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Henry Gamadge #3
Murders in Volume 2
When Mr. Henry Gamadge, expert on ancient manuscripts, arrives on the scene, there hasn't been any murder, only the curious reappearance of a long-lost volume of Byron's poetry in the Vauregard household. An old New York family with position but no wealth, the Vauregards live in such a desiccated atmosphere it is unthinkable that the passion for murder could flourish there. But it does.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1941
78 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Daly
33 books54 followersElizabeth Daly (1878-1967) was born in New York City and educated at Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania and Columbia University. She was a reader in English at Bryn Mawr and tutored in English and French. She was awarded an Edgar in 1960. Her series character is Henry Gamadge, an antiquarian book dealer.
Daly works in the footsteps of Jane Austen, offering an extraordinarily clear picture of society in her time through the interactions of a few characters. In that tradition, if you knew a person's family history, general type, and a few personal quirks, you could be said to know everything worth knowing about that person. Today the emphasis is on baring the darkest depths of psycho- and socio-pathology; contemporary readers raised on this style may find Ms. Daly both elitist and somewhat facile. But fans of classic movies and whodunits know that a focus on polished surfaces brings with it the possibility of hidden secrets and things unsaid; for those who disdain the obvious confessional style of today, the Gamadge books have much to recommend them.
Elizabeth Daly now seems sadly forgotten by many which a shame as all her books are superbly crafted and plotted, indeed she counted none other than Agatha Christie as one of her fans. She published sixteen books all of which featured her main series character Henry Gamadge. He is a bibliophile and expert on rare books and manuscripts which makes her books particularly appealing to fans of the bibliomystery. There was some disparity between UK and US releases some being published out of sequence, the bibliography shown follows the US editions which are the true firsts. Murder Listens In and Shroud for a Lady are re-titled reissues of earlier books.
Daly works in the footsteps of Jane Austen, offering an extraordinarily clear picture of society in her time through the interactions of a few characters. In that tradition, if you knew a person's family history, general type, and a few personal quirks, you could be said to know everything worth knowing about that person. Today the emphasis is on baring the darkest depths of psycho- and socio-pathology; contemporary readers raised on this style may find Ms. Daly both elitist and somewhat facile. But fans of classic movies and whodunits know that a focus on polished surfaces brings with it the possibility of hidden secrets and things unsaid; for those who disdain the obvious confessional style of today, the Gamadge books have much to recommend them.
Elizabeth Daly now seems sadly forgotten by many which a shame as all her books are superbly crafted and plotted, indeed she counted none other than Agatha Christie as one of her fans. She published sixteen books all of which featured her main series character Henry Gamadge. He is a bibliophile and expert on rare books and manuscripts which makes her books particularly appealing to fans of the bibliomystery. There was some disparity between UK and US releases some being published out of sequence, the bibliography shown follows the US editions which are the true firsts. Murder Listens In and Shroud for a Lady are re-titled reissues of earlier books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 28, 2023
Elizabeth Daly is one of the lesser-known mystery writers of her time -- early to mid-20th century, which in my opinion is a shame. Her mysteries featuring Henry Gamadge are good reading, character-driven soft crime dramas, cozies really.
June 18, 2023: This is my second read of this book in the Henry Gamadge series. The first time I read a mystery, I'm mostly focused on getting to the outcome. Subsequent reads allow me to better take my time and focus my interest as much on the reading journey as the mystery's destination.
Henry Gamadge is a bit of a mystery man himself. While not a detective, private or otherwise, he conducts a thorough investigation. In Murders in Volume 2, he is approached by a young woman who seeks to hire him for his knowledge of books. That would be simple enough and surely not fodder for a novel in and of itself. The book in question becomes important in relation to a woman who went missing 20 years ago and has mysteriously reappeared. I'm not giving away anything when I share that a murder ensues soon after Gamadge agrees to take the case.
Ms. Daly leads the reader on a merry chase as the investigation progresses.
June 18, 2023: This is my second read of this book in the Henry Gamadge series. The first time I read a mystery, I'm mostly focused on getting to the outcome. Subsequent reads allow me to better take my time and focus my interest as much on the reading journey as the mystery's destination.
Henry Gamadge is a bit of a mystery man himself. While not a detective, private or otherwise, he conducts a thorough investigation. In Murders in Volume 2, he is approached by a young woman who seeks to hire him for his knowledge of books. That would be simple enough and surely not fodder for a novel in and of itself. The book in question becomes important in relation to a woman who went missing 20 years ago and has mysteriously reappeared. I'm not giving away anything when I share that a murder ensues soon after Gamadge agrees to take the case.
Ms. Daly leads the reader on a merry chase as the investigation progresses.
August 11, 2022
The most notable thing about this book is that it's sort of a time capsule to the time and place it was written (New York City, during World War II). It provides a glimpse of the fading upper class society at the time: families with storied names living in their stately homes but finding their finances running on fumes.
That's the world Henry Gamadge inhabits when one of those families asks him to help save their inheritance. It seems that a house guest of their wealthy uncle, a woman who disappeared a century ago in the family garden, has returned not having aged a day. The uncle has become fascinated with this woman, and there are rumblings that he might change his will in her favor.
Gamadge is a reluctant detective (he is a bibliophile by trade, but also a good observer of human nature), but takes the case. His methods are very specific, although the reader only learns the logic behind them after a result is achieved. This book provides a good introduction to Gamadge's life; his home, his assistant, his butler and his cat (who unwillingly helps to solve a murder). I didn't find it as exciting as the last Daly I read (Night Walk), but I found it to be a very competent and dignified detective story.
That's the world Henry Gamadge inhabits when one of those families asks him to help save their inheritance. It seems that a house guest of their wealthy uncle, a woman who disappeared a century ago in the family garden, has returned not having aged a day. The uncle has become fascinated with this woman, and there are rumblings that he might change his will in her favor.
Gamadge is a reluctant detective (he is a bibliophile by trade, but also a good observer of human nature), but takes the case. His methods are very specific, although the reader only learns the logic behind them after a result is achieved. This book provides a good introduction to Gamadge's life; his home, his assistant, his butler and his cat (who unwillingly helps to solve a murder). I didn't find it as exciting as the last Daly I read (Night Walk), but I found it to be a very competent and dignified detective story.
October 29, 2023
Book #3 in Elizabeth Daly's Henry Gamadge series. Unlike the previous two, he is actually at home, operating out of his own house.
He receives a visit from a Miss Vauregard - apparently a well known name in New York society of his day - with an intriguing problem. A generation or so ago, a governess disappeared with Volume 2 (of three) of Byron from the arbor of the family home. A woman strongly resembling the governess has appeared at the house and her uncle is quite taken with her. The only good thing about this is that he is no longer interested in the occult. She entreats Gamadge to help sort out this thorny issue.
I enjoyed it.
He receives a visit from a Miss Vauregard - apparently a well known name in New York society of his day - with an intriguing problem. A generation or so ago, a governess disappeared with Volume 2 (of three) of Byron from the arbor of the family home. A woman strongly resembling the governess has appeared at the house and her uncle is quite taken with her. The only good thing about this is that he is no longer interested in the occult. She entreats Gamadge to help sort out this thorny issue.
I enjoyed it.
September 6, 2015
Agatha Christie considered Elizabeth Daly one of her favorite mystery writers. The style of the book is very similar to Christie's own work. It is definitely a period piece depicting the life of wealthy New York during the 40's. However, it is very well done and very accurate in it's descriptions. Daly's detective Henry Gamadge is an intelligent and clever fellow. He is able to take his observations of people along with his gathering of clues and build a solid case for the solution of the crime. An easy and enjoyable read in the Christie tradition.
May 5, 2021
I like Mr. Gamadge very much. The first time I read him (in book 10) I thought he was rather a cross between Roderick Alleyne and Archie Goodwin. But here he’s purely American Alleyne…smooth, literate, intelligent, and rather charming. The mystery is well done, the feeling of Old New York is rich— yes, all around a good ride.
April 11, 2019
I was disappointed in this book, another case where the story fails to live up to the setup. A woman disappears with a specific book and then reappears 100 years later with the same book. Who is she and what is she up to? Well, the solution falls a bit flat. The identification of the mystery woman is supposed to be dramatic, I think, but I didn't really care at that point. And the cluing was weak. Not having any idea who did it at the end of the book is fine if the reader can go back and identify clues she might have missed the first time through. But I couldn't do that. The evidence at the arbor was too thinly described to have pointed to who it pointed to . The person who "did it" didn't give any indication throughout the story that they were involved. Again, a well-written story can pull that off by hiding the clues better, but the clues there were for this solution were too jumbled and obtuse.
I think part of what I didn't like about the story didn't have anything to do with how it is written and more to do with the setting. The back cover touts it as "New York at its most charming" but that's misleading. It's charming, I guess, if you're a wealthy white person living in a three-story building with a private elevator that takes you directly to your sitting room. And who has a club in the city as well as one in Westchester, where you can decide on a whim to drive off for a round of golf of an afternoon.
Whenever Gamadge walks the streets it's described as desolate and dark. There are no descriptions of other New Yorkers just out on the streets. I realize it takes place in 1941; I don't know what the blackout rules were then for the city, but Gamadge certainly violated them. But even in those circumstances, I can't imagine New York, of all places, being completely devoid of any action other than Gamadge's.
And two other things bothered me. They are characteristics of the time and place, but nevertheless annoying. The first is the presumption that servants are somehow mentally less able to stand chaos and tragedy than their employers. When , John is depicted as barely able to deal with it. Gamadge gets him some brandy and cautions him "...don't be frightened-I'm standing by!" John is an adult man who should be able to deal with things, but he's just a butler, so...
And the other issue I have with stories from this period is how quickly people seem to fall desperately in love. Clara is introduced to Gamadge by her aunt. She says "How do yo do..." and he, before even responding, assesses her face and figure and thinks, "I'll never get this girl." Dude, slow your roll. Gamadge flirts with her in the car, experiences her "detached benignity that he found so remarkable", and invites her to tea. Aunt Robbie, from the back seat, gives him a shake of the head to warn him off.
He proceeds anyway, with a silly exchange that includes, "When I fall in love with anybody, nobody will have to think about it; they'll know it, and so will the girl." When Clara remarks that other friends thought it was silly to fall in love after only being acquainted a few hours, he replies, "I shouldn't need a few hours; a few minutes would do." He decides he's glad he had a drink earlier because it made him bold, and Clara's cheeks begin to flush.
I don't know if we're supposed to think that's charming, or a meet-cute, but I find it unsettling. He finds out she has a fiance, but nevertheless, he persists. Clara and Cameron come to visit Gamadge, and she and he have a flirty half-hour while her fiance limps around the sitting room. Later, he asks Aunt Robbie about Clara and Cam. She explains their long relationship and that, while she's not entirely pleased by the match, "...One can't urge her to desert him." To which Gamadge says, "Well, anyway, there'll be three of us from now on; she shall stick to him, and I shall stick to her." He's known her for 24 hours at this point.
This reminded me of a similar issue I had with "The Z Murders" by J. Jefferson Farjeon. This immediate, supposedly deep attraction is completely unbelievable (unless that's really how it happened during the war, I guess) and detracts from the story. I can't help but think, why are these people acting like this? It's not how normal people act.
Anyway, like the Farjeon book, this was OK but not great. I don't have any more books by the author on my TBR shelf, and that may or may not change.
I think part of what I didn't like about the story didn't have anything to do with how it is written and more to do with the setting. The back cover touts it as "New York at its most charming" but that's misleading. It's charming, I guess, if you're a wealthy white person living in a three-story building with a private elevator that takes you directly to your sitting room. And who has a club in the city as well as one in Westchester, where you can decide on a whim to drive off for a round of golf of an afternoon.
Whenever Gamadge walks the streets it's described as desolate and dark. There are no descriptions of other New Yorkers just out on the streets. I realize it takes place in 1941; I don't know what the blackout rules were then for the city, but Gamadge certainly violated them. But even in those circumstances, I can't imagine New York, of all places, being completely devoid of any action other than Gamadge's.
And two other things bothered me. They are characteristics of the time and place, but nevertheless annoying. The first is the presumption that servants are somehow mentally less able to stand chaos and tragedy than their employers. When , John is depicted as barely able to deal with it. Gamadge gets him some brandy and cautions him "...don't be frightened-I'm standing by!" John is an adult man who should be able to deal with things, but he's just a butler, so...
And the other issue I have with stories from this period is how quickly people seem to fall desperately in love. Clara is introduced to Gamadge by her aunt. She says "How do yo do..." and he, before even responding, assesses her face and figure and thinks, "I'll never get this girl." Dude, slow your roll. Gamadge flirts with her in the car, experiences her "detached benignity that he found so remarkable", and invites her to tea. Aunt Robbie, from the back seat, gives him a shake of the head to warn him off.
He proceeds anyway, with a silly exchange that includes, "When I fall in love with anybody, nobody will have to think about it; they'll know it, and so will the girl." When Clara remarks that other friends thought it was silly to fall in love after only being acquainted a few hours, he replies, "I shouldn't need a few hours; a few minutes would do." He decides he's glad he had a drink earlier because it made him bold, and Clara's cheeks begin to flush.
I don't know if we're supposed to think that's charming, or a meet-cute, but I find it unsettling. He finds out she has a fiance, but nevertheless, he persists. Clara and Cameron come to visit Gamadge, and she and he have a flirty half-hour while her fiance limps around the sitting room. Later, he asks Aunt Robbie about Clara and Cam. She explains their long relationship and that, while she's not entirely pleased by the match, "...One can't urge her to desert him." To which Gamadge says, "Well, anyway, there'll be three of us from now on; she shall stick to him, and I shall stick to her." He's known her for 24 hours at this point.
This reminded me of a similar issue I had with "The Z Murders" by J. Jefferson Farjeon. This immediate, supposedly deep attraction is completely unbelievable (unless that's really how it happened during the war, I guess) and detracts from the story. I can't help but think, why are these people acting like this? It's not how normal people act.
Anyway, like the Farjeon book, this was OK but not great. I don't have any more books by the author on my TBR shelf, and that may or may not change.
February 16, 2023
Early Bird Book Deal | Took two attempts but good in the end | The first time I started this, nearly a year ago, I just could not get into it. I got about two chapters in and realized I wasn't taking in anything I read, so I started again. Got about as far and same. So I set it aside. Today I read it in a sitting. Aspects of the mystery were, of course, clear before they were revealed, but not all of the plot was obvious, which is always nice.
Common to the time of publication perspective on disability. One character has a permanently injured leg and walks perfectly well with a cane, does not require pain control. Everyone constantly says he couldn't possibly be a suspect because he's "a cripple". At the same time, it's made clear that his fiancee is with him through guilt and pity, not love, that his life is so pitiful since he can no longer do the sports he loved, and that his attitude shows a mind that isn't well.
Common to the time of publication perspective on disability. One character has a permanently injured leg and walks perfectly well with a cane, does not require pain control. Everyone constantly says he couldn't possibly be a suspect because he's "a cripple". At the same time, it's made clear that his fiancee is with him through guilt and pity, not love, that his life is so pitiful since he can no longer do the sports he loved, and that his attitude shows a mind that isn't well.
June 19, 2021
Henry Gamadge is contacted by the niece of a man who she believes is being hoodwinked. A century ago a beautiful governess had entered the arbor with the second volume of Byron's works and had never come out - simply disappeared. But recently, she has reappeared with the volume in hand. Mr Vauregard believes it is the same young woman, having been in an astral plane or something similar all this time. The rest of the family is afraid the young woman will take the foolish old man for all his money. The niece wants him to investigate, but the others aren't so sure. Then the woman disappears again - along with the volume of Byron.
January 16, 2026
4.5 stars - I really enjoyed this third installment in the Henry Gamadge series, much more than the first two books. As I find with many mystery series, it can take a couple books to get used to a series detective and decide if I want to read on. I will definitely continue reading about this American Golden Age detective/rare book expert.
This case opens in June 1940, when Gamadge is approached by Miss Vauregard, one of the last of an old New York family, with a unique and rather fantastical problem. She’s very anxious and worried about her 80-year-old Uncle Imbrie, a bachelor and the wealthy scion of the family. He supports everyone with allowances and generous gifts, and lives in the family mansion, the oldest house in the city (built in 1827), which he plans to leave to the city as a museum. His fortune is to go to his family - but suddenly there could be a wrench in the works.
A beautiful young woman has suddenly appeared at the old man’s garden gate, carrying a book (vol. 2 of a set of Lord Byron’s poetry) that had disappeared from the family library 100 years before. Gamadge has a task drawing out the story, which Miss Vauregard is understandably hesitant to share; as she explains, “You will think the whole thing is grotesque, and perhaps you’ll laugh; but at least you won’t tell! That’s reason number three why you’re our only hope. One: Uncle will be delighted to see you. Two: You know queer things about old books. Three: We can trust you.”
Family lore has handed down the bizarre story of a beautiful English governess who lived with the family in 1840, took the book of Byron’s poems into the garden arbor to read one day, and promptly vanished off the face of the earth. The family wanted to avoid scandal, so tried to sweep it under the rug, despite gossip that a rakish bachelor cousin may have made off with the girl. Whatever became of the governess and her book, the present day Uncle Imbrie believes the beautiful young woman in his garden is the missing woman, returned from the “fourth dimension”. When he finally tells the family of her appearance, he swears them to secrecy and says he’s going to make her his ward and pass her off as a refugee from the war in Europe.
The family, in a panic over what looks like a swindle being pulled on the old man, and the likely loss of their much-needed inheritance, asks Gamadge to help disprove the old man’s belief in returning governess and the authenticity of the book.
It’s a convoluted puzzle as it stands, but then there are two murders. There are a lot of characters, making a large pool of suspects, and Gamadge thinks it could be an inside job, meaning one of the family that hired him could be a killer. He wants to protect Miss Vauregard and her niece, but has doubts about the rest of the desperate, grasping bunch, along with some rather questionable spiritual advisors who had their sights (and almost their hands) on the old man’s fortune before this young woman appeared…
Very interesting, knotty puzzle - my cover said Daly was “Agatha Christie’s favorite American writer” and I can see why with this mystery.
This case opens in June 1940, when Gamadge is approached by Miss Vauregard, one of the last of an old New York family, with a unique and rather fantastical problem. She’s very anxious and worried about her 80-year-old Uncle Imbrie, a bachelor and the wealthy scion of the family. He supports everyone with allowances and generous gifts, and lives in the family mansion, the oldest house in the city (built in 1827), which he plans to leave to the city as a museum. His fortune is to go to his family - but suddenly there could be a wrench in the works.
A beautiful young woman has suddenly appeared at the old man’s garden gate, carrying a book (vol. 2 of a set of Lord Byron’s poetry) that had disappeared from the family library 100 years before. Gamadge has a task drawing out the story, which Miss Vauregard is understandably hesitant to share; as she explains, “You will think the whole thing is grotesque, and perhaps you’ll laugh; but at least you won’t tell! That’s reason number three why you’re our only hope. One: Uncle will be delighted to see you. Two: You know queer things about old books. Three: We can trust you.”
Family lore has handed down the bizarre story of a beautiful English governess who lived with the family in 1840, took the book of Byron’s poems into the garden arbor to read one day, and promptly vanished off the face of the earth. The family wanted to avoid scandal, so tried to sweep it under the rug, despite gossip that a rakish bachelor cousin may have made off with the girl. Whatever became of the governess and her book, the present day Uncle Imbrie believes the beautiful young woman in his garden is the missing woman, returned from the “fourth dimension”. When he finally tells the family of her appearance, he swears them to secrecy and says he’s going to make her his ward and pass her off as a refugee from the war in Europe.
The family, in a panic over what looks like a swindle being pulled on the old man, and the likely loss of their much-needed inheritance, asks Gamadge to help disprove the old man’s belief in returning governess and the authenticity of the book.
It’s a convoluted puzzle as it stands, but then there are two murders. There are a lot of characters, making a large pool of suspects, and Gamadge thinks it could be an inside job, meaning one of the family that hired him could be a killer. He wants to protect Miss Vauregard and her niece, but has doubts about the rest of the desperate, grasping bunch, along with some rather questionable spiritual advisors who had their sights (and almost their hands) on the old man’s fortune before this young woman appeared…
Very interesting, knotty puzzle - my cover said Daly was “Agatha Christie’s favorite American writer” and I can see why with this mystery.
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August 23, 2020Henry Gamage is a gentleman sleuth who is an expert in rare books. When he's called in to meet an alleged ghost, he's intrigued. One hundred years ago, a governess walked into the arbor at the home of the wealthy Vauregard household carrying Volume 2 from a set of collected works of Byron. She was never seen again. Fast forward to 1940, and a lookalike walks out of the arbor carrying the same volume. She's immediately taken in by the elderly Vauregard, the one who holds the family pursestrings.
You have to take your mind back to 1940 to believe that a family would have such a horror of the police and publicity that they wouldn't callin the law straight away. The early 20th century was also a time when the wealthy dabbled in the occult, and readers might be agreeably intrigued by the thought of a returning ghost.
Then the family patriarch is murdered and the "ghost" disappears. All of the family have reasons for wanting him dead, mostly monetary.
I didn't see the ending coming, but I think it was due to the lack of clues rather than a well-worked mystery.
The book fell under my "not wonderful, but not bad enough to stop reading" list. Would I read another of Daly's books? Probably. I have a pile of books from my mother and I see one in it. I'll give it a chance.
You have to take your mind back to 1940 to believe that a family would have such a horror of the police and publicity that they wouldn't callin the law straight away. The early 20th century was also a time when the wealthy dabbled in the occult, and readers might be agreeably intrigued by the thought of a returning ghost.
Then the family patriarch is murdered and the "ghost" disappears. All of the family have reasons for wanting him dead, mostly monetary.
I didn't see the ending coming, but I think it was due to the lack of clues rather than a well-worked mystery.
The book fell under my "not wonderful, but not bad enough to stop reading" list. Would I read another of Daly's books? Probably. I have a pile of books from my mother and I see one in it. I'll give it a chance.
August 29, 2022
On June 3, 1840, a beautiful governess disappeared from the wealthy Vauregard home in Manhattan, together with the 2nd volume in a set of the collected works of Byron. On June 30, 1940, both governess & book seem to have reappeared. The elderly, wealthy Mr. Imbrie Vauregard is inclined to believe the young woman's story of having returned from an astral plane, but his doubtful niece calls in Henry Gamadge, an expert in rare books. As Gamadge soon discovers, the family includes an aging actress with ties to a spiritualist sect & her younger husband, a bellicose young lawyer great-nephew, a young great-niece with a shady (if crippled) fiance, & a pair of handsome chow dogs. Several murders ensue as Gamadge tracks the serial killer. This is my favorite of the Henry Gamadge literary puzzles--my 1st copy was read to pieces.
July 12, 2023
A stranger comes to Henry Gamadge, an expert in antique books and forgeries, with a tale of a bizarre swindle being practiced on her wealthy uncle. She and her family feel that Gamadge's particular line of work make him particularly suited to uncover the truth. Before Gamadge can expose the fraud, there is a murder. Then another. Gamadge soon finds himself partnering the police as his talent for understanding people and motives and finding hidden truths cause him to uncover the why and how of the crimes.
This third in the series is agreeably complicated, with an interesting plot, and a satisfying conclusion. Gamadge's personality is more rounded than previously, and Daly handles the large cast of characters well. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and look forward to reading more of Gamadge's adventures.
This third in the series is agreeably complicated, with an interesting plot, and a satisfying conclusion. Gamadge's personality is more rounded than previously, and Daly handles the large cast of characters well. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and look forward to reading more of Gamadge's adventures.
February 14, 2023
An upper class family hires Henry Gamadge to investigate when their rich great uncle is being fooled by an imposter.
Bring in Henry Gamadge who is an antique book expert and amateur sleuth. He's a likable character along with his young apprentice, Harold.
I enjoyed the mystery and the general atmosphere of the early 1940s. If you like an enjoyable golden age mystery, I would recommend this one.
I have a slight criticism to add. This is not a spoiler, but a man in the book instantly falls in love with a woman for no apparent reason. I think the author could have worked more to give a reason for the sudden deep attraction. One of my pet peeves is the "Instant Love" trope as occurred here. It's almost as bad as the Love Triangle. That's the worst. 😉
Bring in Henry Gamadge who is an antique book expert and amateur sleuth. He's a likable character along with his young apprentice, Harold.
I enjoyed the mystery and the general atmosphere of the early 1940s. If you like an enjoyable golden age mystery, I would recommend this one.
I have a slight criticism to add. This is not a spoiler, but a man in the book instantly falls in love with a woman for no apparent reason. I think the author could have worked more to give a reason for the sudden deep attraction. One of my pet peeves is the "Instant Love" trope as occurred here. It's almost as bad as the Love Triangle. That's the worst. 😉
March 7, 2021
New York in the 1930’s is one of the characters in this story, these murders could not have taken place today. Wonderfully atmospheric. As usual, in a Henry Gamage story, the murderer was not made obvious til the end, and in fact, I’d sort of disregarded this person. Also there’s a little romance, Gamage actually falls in love at first sight. 4 1/2 stars, I guess because there had to be a bit of explaining to do at the end. Very good story.
March 7, 2025
What a find
I'm so excited to read all the Daly books. The writing is immaculate, the story really interesting, the tiresome explication bits are not even so bad (in honesty I always skim those). I love the characters and the city as a presence all through the story. Boy, what luck. I stick to early 20th c British women writers usually but this is as clear and fresh as Mary Roberts Rinehart for me.
I'm so excited to read all the Daly books. The writing is immaculate, the story really interesting, the tiresome explication bits are not even so bad (in honesty I always skim those). I love the characters and the city as a presence all through the story. Boy, what luck. I stick to early 20th c British women writers usually but this is as clear and fresh as Mary Roberts Rinehart for me.
November 28, 2025
I read the first Henry Gamadge book a few years ago and I remember it not at all. It was probably fine! This one was getting a little on my nerves to start and I was also reading it just about as slowly as possible. It picked up pretty quickly in the middle, when Gamadge and Clara Dawson both start to pine, then the murder happens shortly after and things start getting wilder. Then it moves pretty well. Totally fine stuff!
December 29, 2019
At differing times found it hard and easy to read. Started off with a great mystery only to take me down a variety of rabbit holes with possible plot holes that became long and winding finally delivering me to the end.....where I felt it fell a little flat. Apparently the first of Daly's books where Gamadge is introduced.
August 1, 2020
This 3rd book in the Henry Gamadge series is the first to take place in Henry's home city of New York. Though his logic in the final summing up was obvious (once I read it), I had not managed to figure it out for myself despite there being no "hidden" clues or specialist knowledge that gave Henry any advantage. And there were some interesting possible developments in his personal life...
November 6, 2021
I read two-thirds and realized I just didn’t care how the book ended or who was the culprit. Gamadge’s relationship with the police was hard to swallow: they ran his errands and accepted his “I’ll tell you what I’m thinking later.” The author seemed to take the same approach with her reader, so that Gamadge appeared to spend all his time running around with no real purpose. Very disappointing.
August 17, 2021
Charming
This series totally takes the reader back to a glamorous era. They are fun reads, light hearted and jaunty. A little far fetched at times but the charm makes up for that.
This series totally takes the reader back to a glamorous era. They are fun reads, light hearted and jaunty. A little far fetched at times but the charm makes up for that.
November 25, 2021
"I though I could learn to help Harold in the laboratory." Clara did not seem to find Gamadge's gesture unusual.
"Or you could help Athalie in the kitchen."
"Or I could help you to detect."
"In the library."
UGH. Is this a joke? I can't tell if Daly has a sense of humor. I'm thinking no. I've realized what bothers me about Gamadge: all of his dialogue is clipped and "manly" in the manner of Sam Spade or Phillip Marlowe. He's borderline rude to people but they don't object, probably because he's tall, handsome, and rich. Is this what American women in the early 20th century wanted from their men? Give me a British piffler any day.
The mystery was another good one, but I have the hardest time getting into the flow of Daly's writing.
"Or you could help Athalie in the kitchen."
"Or I could help you to detect."
"In the library."
UGH. Is this a joke? I can't tell if Daly has a sense of humor. I'm thinking no. I've realized what bothers me about Gamadge: all of his dialogue is clipped and "manly" in the manner of Sam Spade or Phillip Marlowe. He's borderline rude to people but they don't object, probably because he's tall, handsome, and rich. Is this what American women in the early 20th century wanted from their men? Give me a British piffler any day.
The mystery was another good one, but I have the hardest time getting into the flow of Daly's writing.
January 27, 2022
I find them convoluted
Of course, “And then there were none” was convoluted and Agatha Christie loved Elizabeth Daly. (I read that Christie loved Daly’s books). Good characters thought. There needs to be more Harold.
Of course, “And then there were none” was convoluted and Agatha Christie loved Elizabeth Daly. (I read that Christie loved Daly’s books). Good characters thought. There needs to be more Harold.
June 14, 2023
To be able to occasionally laugh aloud while reading is a pleasure. This book provided those moments as well as giving a mystery of interest. I can see why Agatha Christie chose Elizabeth Daly as her favorite American mystery writer.
January 20, 2025
Solid mystery, set among New York's upper crust. The mystery involves less dazzling misdirection than the earlier volumes, but Gamadge's competence and a cast of intriguing characters makes this a solid entertainment.
August 14, 2025
Fun reads
I discovered this series and the hook line was Agatha Christie’s favorite author. I can see why. They are very involved plot wise with many characters and one isn’t able to see to the end at all. I love the style and Gramadge the main protagonist.
I discovered this series and the hook line was Agatha Christie’s favorite author. I can see why. They are very involved plot wise with many characters and one isn’t able to see to the end at all. I love the style and Gramadge the main protagonist.
December 12, 2025
Clever crime mystery featuring Henry Gamadge who enjoys working alongside the police to solve mysteries. The characters are clearly drawn, language is delightful and pacing is just right. There are several Gamadge novels and I’ll happily seek out the next one.
February 17, 2019
An entertaining period piece. Very brisk read.
June 3, 2019
Dated but enjoyable in the same way as Freeman Wills Crofts. The plot is much less complicated and the detecting less dogged than in Crofts.
March 15, 2022
Maybe a 3.5. This is the third in the series of Henry Gamadge books. Nice mystery involving wealthy "old" New York family. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
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