“It is my belief, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin that does the smiling and beautiful countryside.” (p. 17)
In essence, Arthur Conan Doyle “invented” the Manor Mystery genre with those words.
I’ve been a fan of Martin Edwards’s British Library Crime Classics anthologies for years. Murder at the Manor (2016) presents a number of murders that take place in the traditional English country house where house parties become crime scenes. Martin Edwards chooses mysteries from a 65-year span so there’s something here for almost every reader’s taste.
I reread Doyle’s “The Copper Beeches”–where the above quote can be found–and enjoyed the exposure of crime in a lush British Manor. I also enjoyed Michael Gilbert’s cunning “Weekend at Wapentake” with its brutal ending.
Martin Edwards’s Introductions to each story are informative and precise. If you’re looking for an anthology of classical mystery stories, Murder at the Manor includes 16 good ones. GRADE: B+
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction Martin Edwards — 1
The Copper Beeches Arthur Conan Doyle — 5
The Problem of Dead Wood Hall Dick Donovan — 36
Gentlemen and Players E. W. Hornung — 76
The Well W. W. Jacobs — 98
The White Pillars Murder G. K. Chesterton — 114
The Secret of Dunstan’s Tower Ernest Bramah — 131
The Manor House Mystery J. S. Fletcher — 161
The Message on the Sun-Dial J. J. Bell — 187
The Horror at Staveley Grange Sapper — 204
The Mystery of Horne’s Copse Anthony Berkeley — 238
The Perfect Plan James Hilton — 285
The Same to Us Margery Allingham, — 306
The Murder at the Towers E. V. Knox — 314
An Unlocked Window Ethel Lina White — 324
The Long Shot Nicholas Blake — 345
Weekend at Wapentake Michael Gilbert — 362
I’m woefully unfamiliar with the British crime genre and only recognize a few names here, most notably Doyle (whom I’ve read a lot of) and Chesterton whose books I’ve seen countless times but have never picked up. Jacobs of course wrote “The Monkey’s Paw” which I’ve read along with a handful of his other works. I’ve also read White’s “Some Must Watch” and have the Blu-ray of the terrific film adaptation, “The Spiral Staircase. ” White of course also wrote the novel Hitchcock’s “The Lady Vanishes” was based on as well as the short story, “An Unlocked Window” that was adapted for “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and (unofficially but very effectively) “Thriller.” I keep meaning to read more of her work. The rest, sadly, are unknown to me.
This is a book I never would have thought of looking for but now definitely have to pick up. It looks like a good summer read. Thanks for the tip.
Byron, you’ll find many stories in MURDER AT THE MANOR to enjoy!
I’m a big fan of Edwards’s anthologies and always try to keep up to date with them. I did read this one when it came out in 2016. He always manages to find less well known but relevant stories to reprint along with the familiar, like the Holmes. Good stuff.
Jeff, I find it hard to keep up with Martin Edwards and all his wonderful anthologies. I have a couple more in my Read Real Soon stack.