Tuesday, April 14, 2015

She Shall Have Murder by Delano Ames

Written in 1948, shortly after WWII, this is a funny mystery that gives an interesting view of postwar Britain and introduces two characters that Ames liked well enough to continue through a total of twelve books.  And I liked well enough to know that I want more of Dagobert (!) and Jane.

from the Book Description:  Dagobert Brown’s always got a new hobby. He's been through Gregorian chant, wildflowers, sixteenth-century French poetry . . . But his latest hobby is murder—or at least, the murder mystery he wants Jane Hamish to write. 
Jane is the practical one. She only has one weakness: Dagobert, who exasperates her and intrigues her in equal parts. “Dagobert is my hero,” she says, “but he persistently refuses to act like one.”   

I have to admit that this book surprised me with its humor and modern edge, and I'm eager to read more of this amateur detective series!  

NetGalley/Manor Minor Press

Mystery/Detective Fiction.  1948; 2014.  Print length:  299 pages.


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6 comments:

  1. Literary FelineApril 14, 2015 9:22 AM

    Dagobert and Jane sound like quite a pair. I am glad to hear the book is as funny as it sounds--and that it's an entertaining mystery to read.

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    1. jenclairApril 15, 2015 11:31 AM

      It is old-fashioned and modern at the same time. Great characters!

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  2. UnknownApril 14, 2015 4:57 PM

    This sounds really good!

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    1. jenclairApril 15, 2015 11:32 AM

      Not exactly Golden Age Detective, and the plot is slow to develop, but the characters make up for it. :)

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  3. MelodyApril 14, 2015 5:17 PM

    I haven't heard of this one. Sounds like it's a good entertaining read.

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    1. jenclairApril 15, 2015 11:33 AM

      Delano Ames' novels are now being re-published, and I'm glad that they have been rediscovered!

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