The Ivory Dagger (1950)

I quite liked this Miss Silver mystery - the plot was reasonably interesting, with plenty of suspects and motives to go round as the victim was not well liked. I'd have to say that I did not warm to many of the characters, but at least I didn't feel enormously irritated by them as I have in some other Miss Silver mysteries. I think this is a case of my losing patience with some characters, and running up against some aspects of 1940s or 1950s society & politics that I didn't like or agree with strongly. This particular mystery has a kind of marriage and adoption theme, as well as how much individuals are prepared to go against social expectations, or stand up for themselves. I was quite intrigued by the setting and ivory collection that gives the book its name. Miss Silver of course is crucial in solving the mystery, much to the annoyance of Frank Abbott's boss. A cozy mystery. ( )