Customer Reviews

Cuckoo Line Affair

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It was impossible to believe that a charming, decent, delightful man like Edward Latimer would assault a young woman in a railway carriage. But the evidence -- some of it supplied by witnesses who should have been friendly -- proved he had.

Up until that incredible incident Mr. Latimer had seemed a gentle fellow, contented with his gardening and birdwalks. His family and friends begged him to plead insanity. But he insisted that he was sane, and the doctors agreed with him.

Then, as the neighbors muttered about Latimer and began to ostracize him, a body was discovered in the lonely marshlands where Latimer was so fond of walking.

Hugh, Latimer's son, and Hugh's fiancee Cynthia set out to prove Latimer's innocence. The job seemed impossibly hard. But they were determined. Amateurs can do a lot, if it's a matter of life or death.

Andrew Garve, of whom the Columbus DISPATCH says: "How does he do it?", whose earlier novels the NEW YORK TIMES calls "notable," of whose last book the Boston GLOBE said, "This is the most enthralling Garve yet, than which no higher praise is possible," has here written what is perhaps his finest novel so far. Most of the people are people you would like to know, the suspense is great, the deduction prime.

Garve is an outstanding writer and this is my favorite. A well-respected lawyer is accused of accosting a woman on a train and disinterested witnesses support the accusation. Then she turns up dead and his charged with murder. His sons set out to clear his name. They soon discover who has set the frame and why--the difficult part is proving how. An exceedingly clever mystery that portrays both the humor and terror of false witness.

Garve is an outstanding writer and this is my favorite. A well-respected lawyer is accused of accosting a woman on a train and disinterested witnesses support the accusation. Then she turns up dead and he is charged with murder. His sons set out to clear his name. They soon discover who has set the frame and why--the difficult part is proving how. An exceedingly clever mystery that portrays both the humor and terror of false witness.