It’s 1929, and Ticky Maltravers is the toast of London high society, adored by everyone—or so it seems, until somebody poisons him over dinner. Now it turns out that numerous people with secrets to hide had every reason to wish him dead. But which of them murdered him? For Freddy Pilkington-Soames, newspaper reporter and man-about-town, the question hits a little too close to home, thanks to an … an unfortunate drunken encounter with Ticky’s corpse which he’d much rather the police didn’t find out about—and thanks also to his exasperating mother Cynthia’s seeming determination to get herself arrested by tampering with the evidence. But a pretty girl with big blue eyes is demanding his help in solving the mystery, so what can he do but agree? Now all he has to do is hide the wrong clues, find the right ones, and unmask the murderer before the police discover what’s really been going on. That ought to be easy enough. If only people didn’t keep getting killed…
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Light easy reading
Freddie has a career as a newspaper reporter. Freddie has a mother: a gossip columnist who is invited into elevated circles. Freddie enjoys his mother’s contacts, at least as they help him in his work. But slacker Freddie has some trouble with motivation – until his mother demands he move a body off her steps.
The body is that of an acquaintance: a man universally disliked, and therefore not surprisingly poisoned. He is well known in social circles. He has been invited everywhere because, as it turns out, he is blackmailing several people in Freddie’s mother’s circle of contacts. And his mother, as well.
Freddie’s detective instincts are excellent, but he is held back in his investigation. He does not want his mother’s guilt exposed. And having moved the body he is culpable himself.
Characters in this light mystery are nicely drawn. The solution to the murder is believable. A traditional mystery and very pleasant read
Enjoyed the easy reading & realistic English history period. Great cosy mystery!
I really enjoyed this book!! I have read many of Clara Benson’s books and I have loved all of them!!
All the characters were interesting, The story was always entertaining and even the parts that were tense were amusing. Even with all the humor it still had suspense. If you just want to settle down for a fun read with a ‘cuppa’ tea or chocolate, maybe a cookie, pick up any book with our hero, Freddy, in it. It’s a good choice.
A good who done it
I kept guessing wrong as to the murder, which keeps me reading
Poirot meets Bertie Wooster.
This book was a fun read. The mystery was pretty good, not too obvious. The characters were engaging and realistic. It was a nice entertainment for an afternoon or two.
Good mystery, not totally obvious who the murderer was. Fast read.
I liked it well enough to read another of his books. Thought it could have moved a little faster but I’m an impatient reader. Not crazy about stories where the lead character is always mulling stuff over and you’re privy to their thoughts. Just move on I’ll fill in the blanks.
A nice old-fashioned mystery with the usual cast of quirky characters. I would have enjoyed it more if the mystery had been more challenging. But I’ll try the next book in the series and hope for more of a puzzle. The writing was very enjoyable and light.
All of her books are wonderful!
Thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Enjoyed the whole series.
Enjoyed it very much. Will look for others by this author.
Fun to read.
This is a good bit of light reading. Neither the characters nor the plot will stay with you for long after but it is a fun read.
boring
Good mystery kept you guessing right till the end