Hide My Eyes (original 1958; edition 2010)

I don't believe this is really Allingham, but her husband, because the novel is plot-centric rather than Campion-centric. I enjoyed it, and the plot kept me intrigued, but I could have done with more Campion, because after all, what readers want is more of the characters we love most. ( )

The only "Campion" that SCARES me. The delineation of X is too good! Is he outside my/your door now? SEL ( )

Poor "little Albert", dragged in kicking (literally) and screaming (or at least complaining loudly) to assist the remarkable newly Superintendent Charlie Luke in the investigation of a number of killings. He only wanted to go on vacation – and shortly found himself left unsure whether he was more likely to be kidnapped by the bad guys or the good guys. The plot was handled nicely; since the reader pretty much knows the villain is the villain it's more a matter of suspense – is he going to hurt the old lady or the girl, or the girl's beau? How are Campion and co. going to find him? Not "whether", of course. And what exactly is he up to? Allingham's greatest gift was with rounded, real, believable characters, which is why her books are so enjoyable to go back to again. I liked this one a lot. ( )

Top flight. Not a whodunit, but fascinating to watch the story unfold alongside the murderer's character. Campion's role is minimal as the story revolves around the murderer and the young man who, almost at random, takes an interest in him. My only complaint is that there's no explanation of how the precise, calculating villain decided to use his talents in crime rather than rising high in the banks, as I suspect anyone else with his background would do. But the pathos of the final scene is quite remarkable. ( )

Another surprisingly good book, with little mystery but quite a lot of suspense, and something under the surface a moral perhaps. Unlike most stories with Mr. Campion though, he plays more of a supporting role in this one. ( )