“No plot is devoid entirely of character, and even the most character-rich study has to give them something to do – particularly in my given field of crime fiction. At a more atavistic level it’s really about writing over character or plot, but give me that choice and – 63 times out of 80 – … Continue reading PLOT VS. CHARACTER: Thoughts Inspired by a Fellow Blogger
The Golden Age of Detection
KATE MADE ME DO IT: A Workplace Quiz
The beginning of every year is extraordinarily busy for me because that’s when I gear up at school to present the big musical! (This year we produced Nice Work If You Can Get It, with music by George Gershwin, and it went very well, thank you.) Consequently, I have had neither the time nor the inclination toward reading, … Continue reading KATE MADE ME DO IT: A Workplace Quiz
CURTIS MADE ME DO IT, PART II: A Mystery by Annie Haynes
“’Beastly mess the place seems to be in,’ grumbled Sir Arthur Penn-Moreton, looking round the room with a disgusted air. “’Well, if you will give balls you have to put up with the aftermath,’ said Dicky, his younger brother, screwing his monocle in his left eye as he spoke. “Dicky was already seated at the … Continue reading CURTIS MADE ME DO IT, PART II: A Mystery by Annie Haynes
CURTIS MADE ME DO IT, PART I: My first E.R. Punshon
Happy New Year, everybody! A little over a year as a member of the Golden Age Detection group on Facebook, and my life has changed for the better. I have (virtually) met dozens of erudite and charming people whose passion for mystery fiction matches mine even as their knowledge far exceeds my own. As a … Continue reading CURTIS MADE ME DO IT, PART I: My first E.R. Punshon
The Curious Incident of the Doggerel in the Nighttime
My fellow blogger, Helen Szamuely, posted a fascinating article about the nature of clueing in classic mysteries, much of which is lost to modern writers and readers due to the rising technology of our times. Read her post here: http://conservativehistory.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/some-idle-thoughts.html It inspired me to scribble a silly poem - something I do way too often … Continue reading The Curious Incident of the Doggerel in the Nighttime
NGAIO MARSH: The Third Queen of Crime
The Tuesday Night Bloggers group was founded by Curtis Evans with the purpose of exploring a different Golden Age mystery writer each month. So far, I have had it easy! We started with Christie – and everyone knows something about her! Next came Ellery Queen. So far, so good: after Christie, I think I know … Continue reading NGAIO MARSH: The Third Queen of Crime
Ah Sweet Mystery! 