Head of a Traveller

Much better than the other two NIgel Strangeway's books I read. The characters were interesting The plot was just circuitous enough to maintain my interest (without becoming too convoluted). The only real complaint is that the reader is not given enough information to solve the mystery.

Blake's writing is as usual a notch or two above par for the genre, but the mystery itself isn't much, and the pretentiousness and ludicrous characterization sink it. Suspects include a "half-wit dwarf" (that's verbatim) who scrambles up trees like a monkey.

I find this book bewildering and entertaining at same time with a bit of gothic in between.
I really appreciated the story, the characters and the plot twist. This a story of the Golden Age and it has pros and cons of the era.
Recommended.

Another fine detective story by Nicholas Blake (Cecil Day-Lewis) involving his private detective Nigel Strangeways. I have had many hours of relaxation and pleasure reading his Nigel Strangeways series the writing is so well crafted it flows and makes reading so easy and enjoyable.

The plot here involves a visit to the Oxfordshire countryside to stay with a well know Poet. During the stay a headless body is found in the river leading to intrigue and mystery surrounding the identity. Strangeways is aided by his friend from New Scotland Yard Superintendent Blount. The Poet's family and household all come under suspicion and the story has a suprise twist at the end of the book.

Maybe only 2.5* - in part due to the ending which felt inconclusive and abrupt.

Maybe only 2.5* - in part due to the ending which felt inconclusive and abrupt.

sad story. i think too long. i like mysteries to be max 200 pages. this one was 260. only old mysteries come anywhere close to 150. new ones are way too long--in need of an editor.