I don’t know quite what it is about old vintage murder mystery novels? but give me a village or traditional London setting sometime in the 1930’s or 40’s and it’s like wrapping a fleecy blanket of comfort around myself. I don’t at all feel like that about contemporary mystery novels which I rarely read – and when I do I try to pick them very carefully, but with vintage mysteries I feel I know where I am. It’s black and white movie territory where nothing too unseemly happens in front of the camera. The British Library Crime Classics series are right up my alley therefore – but this is only the second that I have read.
“Never, even in his most optimistic moments, had he visualised a scene of this nature – himself in one arm-chair, a police officer in another, and between them … a mystery.”
John Bude (the pseudonym for Ernest Elmore) it appears had a long career of murder writing, his novels were popular at one time, but until now, were out of print for a long time. The Cornish Coast Murder was Bude’s first novel – and while it certainly doesn’t have the complexity and ingenuity of Christie, Marsh, Sayers et al – but there is still much to recommend it, it is an engagingly readable example of golden age crime, with a rather adorable pair of amateur detectives. This is a novel very much in the cosy tradition – it is pure escapism. Much of Bude’s focus in this novel is character and setting, there is not much in the way of investigative high jinks. In fact the arm chair sleuth may feel slightly cheated not having enough information to solve the mystery themselves.
Set along the atmospheric Cornish coast of the title, the novel opens on an appropriately stormy evening in Boscawen. The Cornish coast, a good setting for a murder, makes for a rather nice change from the Greater London, or Home Counties settings of so many other novels of this period.
“In my opinion,” said the Superintendent slowly, “an arm-chair review of a case is often far more profitable than any number of enquiries and cross-examinations. You get a better perspective. More wood. Fewer trees.”
The Rev. Dodd is entertaining his friend the local doctor, the two old bachelors are enormous enthusiasts of detective fiction, volumes which they order then divi up between them and discuss at length afterwards. Following their dinner, the two friends are sat by the fire when the telephone rings, a call summoning Dr Pendrill to Greylings; a nearby cliff side house. Julian Tregarthan a secretive, mean minded local magistrate has been found shot at the home he shares with his niece Ruth. Pendrill and Dodd hurry to the scene where the local constable has already started the investigation into what happened.
It seems Ruth had recently had some furious arguments with her uncle over a relationship she was having with a writer; Ronald Hardy lodging in the village. Ruth claims she was coming home from a walk at the time the incident happened, and Tregarthan’s housekeeper Mrs Cowper and her husband the odd job man, were carrying out their duties elsewhere in the house when three shots, muffled by the noise of the storm, were fired through an un-curtained window at Tregarthan. Who was the man seen shouting at Tregarthan from the driveway of the house earlier that evening?
Inspector Bigswell is soon on the scene, utterly baffled by the lack of obvious clues, he seems to happily welcome the help and support of the Rev Dodd who in turn wastes no time in setting his mystery reader’s mind to the crime. Rev Dodd is not the kind of amateur sleuth who is in any way annoying, getting in the way, treading unthinkingly on toes of those paid to do the job – he is instead, a genial, humble enthusiast with a keen mind. Bigswell is under some pressure to sort the thing out before “the experts” – aka Scotland Yard are called in.
“That’s just where I must part company with you, Inspector,” said the Vicar with a gentle smile. “I’m rather a voracious reader of mystery stories, and it’s always struck me that the detective in fiction is inclined to underrate the value of intuition.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, an easy engaging read set in a wonderfully atmospheric location. It has certainly put me in the mood for similar type novels from The British Library Crime Classics, and certainly Bude’s novel the temptingly titled The Lake District Murder very definitely appeals, particularly as I so love that area of the country.
(The second post in a row – where I can find no author pic to post *sigh*)
I enjoyed your review, Ali. I haven’t read any of these British Library Crime Classics, but they look very tempting (beautiful editions). I can see how the Cornish setting would add to the atmosphere.
They are nice editions Jacqui -and lovely clear print too which I always appreciate.
I loved this one too, and the setting was marvellous. I think you’ll enjoy the Lake District Murder as well. I agree so much with what you say about comfort reading – this sort of crime novel is just ideal!
The Lake District Murder might end up in my shopping basket soon 😉
Definitely! I just reserved a few more from the local library….. 🙂
I looked in my local library but couldn’t see any 😦
Oh dear! Do you have a system where you can suggest titles? We do in our local library which is great!
I don’t know will have to find out.
I have to keep this in mind, it sounds delightful. Have you read Elly Griffiths? She’s contemporary but I found some similarities with what you write about this. I just finished her first and might review it. I love it when the setting is so well captured.
Oh no not heard of Elly Griffiths, I will keep her in mind, thanks for the recommendation.
I was surprised how different from other series it is. i think you’d like her. It’s set in the marshes in Norfolk and the place and weather are done so well.
Oh I love Norfolk. That sounds lovely.
The covers on these new releases definitely tempt me, some are available on Amz Unlted too
Very reminiscent of the old Railway Posters from the US
They are reminiscent of those posters, they are a great design.
I agree with every word, Ali!
🙂 thank you.
I have this on my TBR list as I love vintage crime novels. Over here, Poisoned Pen Press is republishing a number of titles from the British crime library and I’m looking forward to them.
Oh good, glad you will be able to read it too Guy. It’s so good that these old books are being re-issued for us 🙂
There’s one coming out in a couple of months: The Hog’s Back Mystery that sounds excellent.
Great title 🙂
Past Offences have an interview with Rob Davies from the British Library, who publish these books: https://pastoffences.wordpress.com/2015/04/11/crime-publishing-at-the-british-library-an-interview-with-rob-davies/
Thank you Sorcha I have seen that previously 🙂
I like the sound of these classic mystery re-issues. The only one I have read so far is Death on the Cherwell by Mavis Doriel Hay. I found it rather mediocre. I suspect that John Bude’s focus on setting might be more up my street (or country lane!).
Not read Mavis Doriel Hay, I suspect like all series some will be better than others.
[…] cosy crime bzw. Häkelkrimi stellt der Blog Heavenali vor, und zwar The Cornish Coast Murder von John Bude aus dem Jahr […]
[…] covers alone are so gloriously tempting! One of the other two BL crime classics I have read was The Cornish Coast murder also by John Bude – I loved the cosy atmosphere of that novel and the strong sense of place. If […]