Customer Reviews

Murder and the First Lady

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

 

 

A young woman who is in Mrs. Roosevelt's employ is suspected in the murder of her boyfriend. Mrs. Roosevelt is certain that the young woman (Pamela) is innocent and with the help of a few officials, sets out to prove it. This is not an easy task, since the murdered boyfriend is the son of a Congressman who doesn't take too kindly to Mrs. Roosevelt's involvement, especially since her investigations reveal a few not-so-nice details about the young man's personal life and hobbies.

The plot involves a jewel theft and false identities. You'll get to meet a few seedy characters from the gambling world. Mrs. Roosevelt mingles with these people in an effort to get information, and it's rather amusing.

Overall, this is a fun, easy to read book with a good plot. I wouldn't call it intriguing or suspenseful, since the guilty party/parties are made sort of obvious. But it's fun nonetheless.

Generally, I liked this book, but I think that's only because I like the concept of Eleanor Roosevelt as a sleuth. The major plot twists were too obvious--without their purpose being very clear, which is quite a feat indeed. And I'd have to go back and read some of Elliot Roosevelt's other books to make sure, but I'd swear he's plagiarized himself in a few spots. Those club scenes sounded *awfully* familiar.

It is reported that an employee of the usher staff has become a crime victim. Pamela Rush-Hodgeborne, one of Mrs. Roosevelt's secretaries, is a suspect. She is taken to jail where Mrs. Roosevelt visits her. The girl's former employer, a member of the English nobility, urges Mrs. Roosevelt to get to the bottom of the matter on Pamela's behalf.

Pamela was formerly a member of the entourage of the Countess of Crittenden. Mrs. Roosevelt tells Pamela that proof of her innocence is merely waiting to be found. The current crime seems to be related to an earlier one of the theft of the Earl of Crittenden's gems. The victim is a rather slippery fellow. He is the son of a Congressman, a machine politician. Pamela feels that he was superficial and insincere. The tainted bottle of bitters found in Pamela's apartment was provided by the victim. It is necessary to ascertain who beside Pamela had access to the bottle.

The writing is witty and entertaining. The plot is fairly convoluted and involves a false identity. Throughout the book Mrs. Roosevelt's wonderful interest in people of every sort is portrayed.

Enjoyed the plot - but wasn't impressed with the wordage. So much so, I even checked to see when written, as it appeared to be from much longer ago than 1984! Possibly the author was schooled elsewhere than the US?

A young British secretary who is in Mrs. Roosevelt's employ is suspected in the murder of her boyfriend. Mrs. Roosevelt is certain that the young woman (Pamela) is innocent and with the help of a few officials, sets out to prove it. This is not an easy task, since the murdered boyfriend is the son of a Congressman who doesn't take too kindly to Mrs. Roosevelt's involvement, especially since her investigations reveal a few not-so-nice details about the young man's personal life and hobbies.

The plot involves a jewel theft and false identities. You'll get to meet a few seedy characters from the gambling world. Mrs. Roosevelt mingles with these people in an effort to get information, and it's rather amusing.

Overall, this is a fun, easy to read book with a good plot. I wouldn't call it intriguing or suspenseful, since the guilty party/parties are made sort of obvious. But it's fun nonetheless. Well written.

"Great fun! I enjoyed it very much." Margret Truman