Customer Reviews

Lonesome Road (A Miss Silver Mystery)

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I can't believe that I'm the first to review a book that was written in 1939. If you are a Miss Silver fan, then you should read this book. This is an early volume from the series. It's important to see her development throughout the many years that Ms. Wentworth wrote of her. This book, like many in the series is a little dated, but it's still a smashing good mystery. Ms. Wentworth is a fine example of golden age detective story writing and quite incomparable when it comes to writing British country-house murder mysteries. In this book Miss Silver is asked by Rachel Treherne to come to her manor house to determine who among her large extended family is trying to kill her. Miss Silver investigates in her own unique style, and quickly determines who the culprit is, but then it's a matter of getting the proof.

Rachel Treherne goes to London to see Maud Silver, described as a little woman in a snuff-colored dress. Miss Treherne is a woman driven by fear. Rachel Treherne thinks someone is trying to kill her. The culprit may be someone close to her and she is in considerable danger. Miss Silver is to pose as a visitor to the household.

In mystery story terms the plot is stream-lined, spare. It isn't a case of a locked-room, but the cast of characters and thus, suspects, is limited. Dangers faced by Rachel Treherne are truly terrifying. Family members concerned about money may be driven to do despicable things.

Miss Silver is of immense help in finding the solution to the puzzle. Some members of the family consider Maud Silver to be of no consequence and speak freely in her presence. Her tone of dryness and objectivity, (she displays an utter lack of sentiment), contributes to the excellent means the author uses to convey Rachel Treherne's dilemma to the reader.

Lonesome Road is a good example of her wonderful style. It has a cast of interesting characters, whom only Miss Silver can read. I love Maudie!