Artists in Crime (1938)

I used to read Marsh’s Inspector Alleyn mysteries all the time–after Peter Wimsey he was probably my favorite fictional detective. Then I broadened my horizons, with the result that I haven’t read much by Marsh in awhile. This is the equivalent of Strong Poison for the series. Unfortunately, the library doesn’t have the equivalent of Gaudy Night. But that’s alright. I just used my Amazon gift card and bought it! [June 2010] ( )

Aside from the excessive who was where when I enjoyed this mystery because It is in this story that Insp. Alleyn mets his romantic interest Troy. ( )

Abridged on three CDs, and narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch. Sixth in the inspector Alleyn series, and the one which he meets his future wife Agatha Troy. The first meeting is on board a cruise ship, and does not go entirely well. Which makes life all the more difficult for Alleyn on a second meeting, when he is called to a murder investigation at an artists' summer school run by Troy. The method of the murder is signalled to the reader well in advance, which only makes it all the more flinch inducing when it finally occurs. But while the method is clear, there is an abundance of motives. Alleyn has to carry out the usual invasion of people's privacy while dealing with is growing feelings for Troy.

It's an enjoyable period police procedural which has been competently abridged for audio. Of course, the real attraction for many listeners nowadays will be the narration by Benedict Cumberbatch, who does an excellent job. ( )

My first Ngaio Marsh experience overall went well. It's they 6th of the Roderick Alleyn series and I liked the Scotland Yard inspector quite well. He meets artist Agatha Troy (called Troy), makes what seems like a knowledgeable comment on the painting she got underway, and becomes quite taken by her. Unfortunately for the would-be couple, not very long after, he's called in for a murder that's taken place at her home, which she runs as an artist colony. The studio model has died following a stabbing that occurred when she was taking the awkward pose that was required of her. It seems the knife was inserted through the base of the podium at precisely the right spot to enter her heart. All the artists present are suspects, especially since, artists being artist, there is plenty of drama and strife in the air, and more than a little sexual tension too. I did find certain parts dragged on a little, which was too bad, especially since I had mistakenly gotten the abridged version of this novel on audio. Still, I enjoyed Marsh's approach, which seemed to me a little bit darker and more gritty than Agatha Christie's. I'll be revisiting her and Alleyn in future. ( )

Classic Ngaio Marsh. Good mystery with a decent twist. I love the main characters. ( )