Artists in Crime

Inspector Alleyn Mystery: 6

narrated by Nadia May

ISBN: 0-7861-0692-1 Order from: Amazon.com Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Amazon.ca

An entertaining cosy mystery, with some dated conventions, but an interesting interplay between the dashing inspector and one of the suspects.

Reviewed by David on May 01, 2004

Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural, Art)

Synopsis: On his return from a sabbatical, Chief Inspector Alleyn encounters the aloof painter Agatha Troy. Fascinated by her person as well as her painting, Alleyn is sorry to part ways in Canada.

When he is shortly called to investigate a murder in a country house where an advanced art class was taught by the self-same troy, he is both surprised and upset.

For the fragile rapport he built with the painter is shattered when he has to treat her and her guests as suspects. Still, the conclusion seems inevitable that one of the artists at the art class have killed. And the confusing tale of motivations and alibis requires all of Alleyn's dedication and perspicacity to get to the truth.

Full Review: The mystery was written in the thirties, and it shows. Many conventions are obvious, including the class distinctions. The Chief Inspector is mildly likable, but is too well polished as the honorable, erudite, brilliant detective to have much fascination. The detection process itself seems dated and naive rather than professional, and the uncovering of clues stem more from plot cleverness than from careful analysis.

Still, the mystery has color in both settings and personalities, and when Alleyn and Troy interact, vulnerability and emotion breathe life into the main characters and capture the reader's sympathy.

Overall: 5.5; Plot: 4.5; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 4.5; Originality: 6;

ISBN: 0-7861-0692-1 Order from: Amazon.com Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Amazon.ca