Genre: Vintage Mystery
POV: 3rd Person
Sensuality: Very Subtle
Violence: Yes, but not too gorey
Format: Digital
My Grade: B
I love vintage mysteries and the New Zealand author, Ngaio Marsh, wrote some of my favourites. A Man Lay Dead is her first book. As such, it’s not without its flaws, but it’s still a fine example of a murder mystery set in an English country house. This was a re-read for me and it stood the test of time.
Nigel Bathgate is twenty-five years old and works as a journalist in London. He’s absolutely thrilled to have been invited to a house party hosted by the illustrious Sir Hubert Handesley, a renowned collector of archaic weapons.
Nigel travels to Frantock in the company of his older cousin, Charles Rankin, who has also been invited to the party. Other guests include Rankin’s mistress, Rosamund Grant, a married couple, and a curious Russian doctor. Nigel’s main interest in the party is rekindling his acquaintance with his host’s beautiful niece, Angela.
For his guests’ amusement, Sir Hubert has meticulously planned a game of murders. Unbeknownst to the others, one of them is appointed the murderer and required to choose his victim within twenty-four hours. Once the ‘murder’ has been committed, the ‘murderer’ is to sound Sir Hubert’s ancient Assyrian gong and the investigation shall commence. When the party assembles in the entrance hall, they are horrified to discover that one of their number has been stabbed through the heart with an ancient dagger.
Chief Detective Inspector Roderick Alleyn is dispatched from Scotland Yard to investigate. Unfortunately, almost everyone in the house had a motive to see the victim dead. Nevertheless, Alleyn is determined to solve the case. He soon finds himself embroiled in an intrigue involving secret societies, ancient weapons and a quest for vengeance.
A Man Lay Dead contains Ngaio Marsh’s trademark humour and excellent characterization. The mystery is somewhat far-fetched, but fun nonetheless. Despite having read the mystery before and therefore knowing the identity of the villain, it stood up well to a re-read. There is also a very nice romantic subplot.
Fans of vintage mysteries should definitely try Ngaio Marsh’s novels. I now own a few in digital format and I’m looking forward to reading them.
GBENZYHAGJRM
{ 2 comments }
I’ve never read Marsh, but the plot of this mystery sounds like vintage Heyer to me. Which is a very great compliment, because I love the few mysteries Heyer wrote.
I’ll have to give this author a try. Thanks for the review.
This sounds like a nice little mystery. Kind of like Clue!