E.C.R. Lorac (1894–1958)

Maybe it’s me. I’m having some trouble concentrating, but this story of family inheritance and greed barely rayed a three for me. A complicated plot line—but solvable—made even more complex by a labyrinthine setting—became so concerned with unused and unknown passages and rooms in an ancient house, that I simply lost interest. I rarely skip or skim in a mystery, but gee whiz.

Anyway. The story itself was okay, but it was peopled by a cast of rather despicable, and obstinate-to-the-point-of-stupidity characters. A sad disappointment from an author I usually enjoy.… (mere)

Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed an E.C.R. Lorac book from the Golden Age of Mysteries, especially for its use of sheep country in Lancashire as a key component of the story.

Chief Inspector MacDonald is visiting friends and considering perhaps purchasing a farm for his retirement years when he gets involved in investigating a residential arson which resulted in a death and sheep stealing.

This is a book with tremendous (and beautiful) description and a leisurely pace (and I don't mean this as a criticism, it's one of the book's strengths). A Lorac book is always a treasure, a book to be savored. I'm so thankful that the British Library Crime Classics brings back such excellent old mysteries.

Highly recommended!!

(I received a copy of the book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)… (mere)