22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clues here, clues there, clues everywhere --, March 15, 2001
This review is from: The Affair of the Bloodstained Egg Cosy (Missing Mysteries) (Paperback)
Hmm. Now, let me see. Was it the Earl of Burford in his collection-room with a candlestick? Or maybe it was Mrs. Peabody in her boudoir with one of her husband's weapons. Naw. More likely it was -- just who was it, anyway? I know! It was the Baroness out in the carpark with her trusty spanner.
For certain, there are laughs on every page--nearly every line, in fact, of this delectable, delicious parody of the classic 1930s-type English Country House Mysteries. Mr. Anderson has done his homework wonderfully well; the settings are absolutely spot-on, the characters a delightful mélange, and the plotting is, quite simply, to die for! And of course, someone does just that.
The twelfth Earl of Burford, current resident of Alderley, a medium-sized stately home, is Britain's foremost collector of firearms--all sizes, all kinds. For several years, he has been corresponding with Hiram Peabody, who is America's foremost collector. When the Peabodys decide to stop off in Britain for a look around, well, naturally, they would go visit the Earl and his Countess.
The earl has a daughter, Lady Geraldine and a younger brother, Richard Saunders, who has been making his way steadily upward in the diplomatic service. Into this family enclave comes Jane Clifton, a schoolfriend of Gerry's, Giles Deveraux, a retired Navy man, now writer who has been commissioned to do a book on stately homes, and a brace of diplomats from an unnamed Duchy on the continent. Richard and a gentleman from the HO are to negotiate a support treaty with the representatives of the small country.
Of course, Peabody has a secretary, and the care of Alderby is in the capable hands of Merryweather, the butler. And then, when her car has a sudden accident, the Baroness de la Roche is added to the mix, creating merry mayhem for all concerned. Well, maybe not merry for everyone. But for you, as reader, most assuredly. You can't go wrong with this slightly loopy and very loving modern-day look back at a treasured convention of the past. Clues, indeed. They're all over the place, just waiting for the 'not-at-all-sanguine' little gray (or whatever colored) cells of Inspector Wilkins to winnow them down to those precious few that will really solve the marvelous puzzle, even to the bloodstained egg cosy of the title! Simply amazing, and totally awesome!
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Delightful, Witty Mystery!, April 1, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: The Affair of the Bloodstained Egg Cosy (Missing Mysteries) (Paperback)
The Affair of the Blood-Stained Egg Cosy is one of many mysteries whose plot centers around a house party. However, Affair is unusually creative, funny, and clever. Affair was written in 1975, and takes place in the 1930s, but its humor and wit is timeless. Walter Satterthwait's Escapade would seem to owe a debt to Affair, as there are several similar elements and plot points. However, Affair succeeds in all the areas in which Escapade failed. James Anderson's plot is complex but never feels ridiculously contrived, and does not base plot points around ignorant, mistaken assumptions about ballistics, as Satterthwait does. Anderson also does a much better job with his characterizations, and is better able to make key characters charming rather than unintentionally obnoxious. AFFAIR is a really delightful book. Now if only the sequel would be back in print!
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great read!, July 19, 2000
This review is from: The Affair of the Bloodstained Egg Cosy (Missing Mysteries) (Paperback)
Takes place in England during the 1930s.
This mystery is about a weekend country house party with murder and mayhem. There's espionage, a jewel thief, secret agents, blackmail, and guests who are not who you think they are. Inspector Wilkins rivals Poirot and James Anderson rivals Agatha Christie.
I found myself relaxing after the first chapter, knowing I was settling down to a good British mystery. I tried to deduce who the murderer was, but couldn't. And never did figure out the bloodstained cozy until it was revealed in the story line. When the Inspector finally revealed the murderer I was stunned.... This is how a mystery should be written!
Excellent read. I am looking forward to reading his second title "The Affair of the Mutilated Mink."
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