Sky High

An enjoyable read set in late 1940/early 1950s rural England, still in the aftermath of WW2.

This is a people based murder mystery, in that it is the consideration of the characters, rather than a close examination of clues, that leads to resolution.

An explosion at the home of Major MacMorris, a relatively recent newcomer to Bramshott, resulting in his death, is variously though to be an accident but if not, what is the reason. Thoughts by some that the major is in fact a fraud does not of itself provide an answer.

War widow Liz Artside, as the choirmaster of a well populated local choir, is in the middle of everything and co-opts her 30ish son Tim (ex British Special Services, including in post war Palestine) and "the General" (retired show more General Sir Hubert Palling) to solve the mystery, along side the police.

There are a number of red herrings thrown around, but none easily explained/justified by the end.

Bramshott and it surrounds has a higher than normal proportion of ex military in its population (in addition to the 3 already mentioned, of the main characters, the local council's chair and the local police sergeant are also ex military) meaning there is a lot of common/assumed knowledge amongst the cast.

Tim is a curious character. Despite his military career in Special Services, at 30ish he is naive as to women (he is taken by Ann (18 year old grand daughter of the General) but is confused as to how take things forward) and leaves each day to work in London, though no-one what his work involves. His interactions with the local police when investigating the explosion suggest a much more worldly person and indeed raises questions as to whether he has continued his war activities as a Government spy or equivalent.

The locals reach the right solution before the police, largely because of their local knowledge, but more importantly their in depth knowledge of the psychology of the local characters. It was a logical conclusion in the end.

There is some sly humor throughout the book. A good example is the choirmaster's inability to remember another minor character's name, who thereafter is referenced as "Mrs Um", with the author never revealing her real name.

Sky High reveals some interesting insights into mid 20th century England:
- the council chair at one stage has to go off to cross council conference as to juvenile delinquency "There's something about juvenile delinquency that stirs the heart and soul of our newspaper-reading public" ....some things remain the same
- there seemed to be nothing untoward (either from the perspective of Ann, her grandfather or anyone else) as to 18 year old Ann being the recipient of a marriage proposal from the 64 year old council chair, nor as to 30 year old war veteran Tim's own pursuit. Admittedly, Ann has no interest in the marriage proposal, but for no-one seemingly thinking the proposal unusual took me by surprise.

A very enjoyable read. Gilbert was prolific, so will keep and eye out for some more.

Big Ship
5 May 2026 show less

A highly enjoyable read.

Gilbert is one of the post-War generation of writers whose more modern writing style make their books somewhat more accessible to today's younger readers.

A cast of largely likeable and more recognisable characters adds to the readability.

The plot line eeks out clues, in a timely fashion, and all combined these elements come together to form an engaging and engrossing story that keeps you guessing right to the end.

one of his best; read the original via InterLibrary - published 1955