Fear Round About

Chief Inspector Littlejohn #54

by George Bellairs

Book by Bellairs, George

Genres: Mystery

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

AKA Hilary Landon
George Bellairs is the nom de plume of Harold Blundell, a crime writer and bank manager born in Heywood, near Rochdale, Lancashire, who settled in the Isle of Man on retirement. He wrote more than 50 books, most featuring the series' detective Inspector Littlejohn. He also wrote four novels under the alternative pseudonym Hilary Landon.

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

My original review as below still stands.

A thoroughly enjoyable English detective story. Bellairs had a lovely writing style with just a hint of wit. For example -

"Herbert was a small man with a large bald head and protruding eyes and normally had the unctuous manners of a small shopman ingratiating his best customers. Now his unction vanished and he became aggressive."

Dommett, an extremely unpleasant retired coroner, lived in a tumbledown wreck of an old manor house and was in such fear of something that he needed two old assistants to live with him. This didn't stop him from getting murdered though.

Good stuff.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Workmanlike rural police procedural. The story is pretty clever, and the detective work pleasantly cozy. Since there are like 60 books in this series, I wonder if the early ones might have a bit more energy.

[Chazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am more familiar with George Bellairs' juvenile mysteries. This was a pleasant surprise and I will look for more of his adult works.

Drommett, a retired county coroner, has retired and moved to a decrepit manor house in the country. Hearing of Chief Superintendent Littlejohn's nearing retirement, Drommett sends a letter to Littlejohn requesting a meeting of offer a proposition. When Littlejohn arrives, he finds Drommett murdered. So starts an interesting and complicated mystery.

Drommett's bodyguards with questionable backgrounds (and why does Drommett need bodyguards?), crimes from Drommett's past that may tie in with the murder, mysterious postcards, red herrings that need to be checked out; all elements in a complicated and twisted solution with an interesting end.

Not a cut and dried plot line, but one that does need your attention. Very, very enjoyable!

[Teddi · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the author's later books. Another unusual case written in signature style. It sticks to the case and there are no superfluous descriptions like in his Isle of Mann books.