Customer Reviews

Dead Men Don't Ski

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Dead Men Don't Ski (1958) introduces Henry Tibbett, a Scotland Yard Inspector. When Henry and his wife Emmy decided to take a skiing vacation, his superiors decide this is a perfect opportunity to investigate drug smuggling connected to Santa Chiara, a small village in the Italian Alps. On the train Emmy and Henry meet two parties also traveling to the Bella Vista ski hotel: Colonel Buckfast and his annoying wife, and rich young Jimmy Passendell and his friends Caro and Roger. Henry and Emmy throw themselves wholeheartedly into skiing lessons and getting to know their fellow guests until one is shot on the ski lift connecting the hotel to the village below. The local investigators unmask Henry as a fellow policeman and ask his help in translating the interviews with the English guests. Henry in turn brings Emmy in to take notes. Henry's affable gentlemanly exterior hides a sharp mind and a nose for crime, supported by Emmy's cheerful capability and excellent listening skills. This series opener is a thoroughly enjoyable example of the classic British detective novel enlivened with a beautifully rendered setting.

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Set in a ski lodge in Italy, this is a classic murder mystery in the British style. Characters are well-drawn, and the setting is beautifully described... you feel as if you are there. I've read and reread this book, it is one of my favorite mysteries.

I recently dusted off my collection of Patricia Moyes books and started reading them chronologically, with "Dead Men Don't Ski" being the first in line. It has been so long that I actually didn't remember the plot (one of the nicer things about getting old!), but was immediately reminded how great she is as a mystery writer. Her plots are intricate, richly populated with interesting characters, and most of all, her books are very well written. I think it's time for Patricia Moyes to be resurrected and re-appreciated! Surprised that the publisher has not made an effort to reissue her books.

Chief Inspector Henry Tibbett is taking a little ski trip to Italy with his wife. His superiors think this is an excellent change to look into the increase in drug smuggling that seems to be connected with the little Italian town. Henry hardly gets a chance to hit the slopes before one of their fellow guests is murdered. Great for fans of English police mysteries with an exciting climax.