Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

Following a mysterious explosion, the offices of the Excelsior Joinery Company are no more: three directors are killed, and the peace of a quiet town in Surrey lies in ruins. When the supposed cause of a faulty gas-main is dismissed, and evidence of dynamite revealed, Superintendent Littlejohn of Scotland Yard is summoned to the scene. But beneath the sleepy veneer of Evingden lies a hotbed of deep-seated grievances. Confounding Littlejohn's investigation is an impressive cast of suspicious persons, each concealing their own axe to grind.

Anyone in for our second to last British Crime Classic?

I'll be starting this in a couple weeks.

I've read this before and plan to read it again in about a couple of weeks.

I plan to start this in the next couple weeks too.

I found the PDF version online at:
https://ia902708.us.archive.org/24/it...
And yes, I had to look up the definition of "surfeit."

Thank you Pharmacdon for posting the link!!
Much appreciated

I finished early--a great whodunit, with plenty surfeit of suspects and interesting characters.

I’m half way through this one. It’s fun! I absolutely love reading opinions about how much architecture has devolved in a book written fifty years ago. Stone structures that stood for hundreds or thousands of years ripped apart to make way for a dozen homes built to fall apart in a hundred years. I also like the abundance of suspects and of police officers in this one.

I have read 7 of the British mysteries on the list this year. This was by far the weakest one in my opinion. There was slang of that time period, so many angry suspects (it felt a bit repetitive), and a fairly simple motive, but it was repeated at least twice.
The inspectors were interesting and effective interviewers. Though it was hard for me to guess the guilty party, the book lacked tension for me.
I am very glad I've been reading this series of mysteries: many are very well done and fun to read.

by George Bellairs

Finish date: 12.11.2024
Genre: CF
Rating: A
Reading time: 5 hours

Bad News: None...I loved the book from cover to cover!

Good News: The writing is close to the bone, stuff that doesn’t flinch.
The narrative is complicated (financial schemes) and there were plenty of emotionally loaded scenes.
George Bellair's strong point was his use of atmospheric detail and dialogues that sharpen the focus on one character then on another. I asked the question over and over: Whodunnit?

Personal: I'm not one for CF or mystery but this book was the exception! G. Bellairs is indeed a writer who has fallen off the radar but if you are looking for a great piece of sleuthing, Superintendent Littlejohn is the man to meet!

Nancy I am glad you liked this read.

I like how you rated it and comments!

Natalie I am glad you are enjoying the series!

Not everyone gets the same thing from a read. That is why is is great to share your thoughts.

Lesle wrote: "Nancy I am glad you are liked this read.

I like how you rated it and comments!"
Thanks...it is easy to describe the writing and not reveal any spoilers!
Bravo, G. Bellairs you have convinced me to read more CF!

I've finished my re-read of the book. It was a fun read.

Rosemarie wrote: "I've finished my re-read of the book. It was a fun read."

It must have been fun to want to re-read Rosemarie!

Rosemarie wrote: "I've finished my re-read of the book. It was a fun read."

Love how Bellair describes the outfits/coats/furs/jewelry the ladies are wearing!

I've read four other books by Bellairs-and enjoyed each one.