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A couple in the British countryside finds themselves fighting fascists in this suspenseful novel by "a master of detective fiction" (The Daily Telegraph). In 1930s England, Nigel and Georgia Strangeways have settled into rural bliss, thinking their days of globe-trotting detective work are behind them--but little do they know a disturbing mystery is lurking in their own front yard. When a letter arrives commanding the couple to tend their hedges, the most menial of domestic duties propels show more the Strangeways out of their cozy life, and into the peril of a power-hungry plot. With the help of Nigel's uncle, Sir John Strangeways, they learn of a treasonous conspiracy bigger than their small town. To expose the sinister schemers, Georgia must risk her life and infiltrate a group of fascist sympathizers before they succeed in their plan to overthrow the government . . . "Good adventure-intrigue, and well-written." --Kirkus Reviews show lessTags
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Member Reviews
3.5*
Nigel Strangeways barely appears in this entry in the series. Instead his wife has the feature role in this suspense novel (it isn't really a mystery). My biggest complaint is the frequent use of phrases such as "looking back a year later" which takes some of the suspense out of the story by assuring the reader that the main characters will survive, no matter how black things might look.
Nigel Strangeways barely appears in this entry in the series. Instead his wife has the feature role in this suspense novel (it isn't really a mystery). My biggest complaint is the frequent use of phrases such as "looking back a year later" which takes some of the suspense out of the story by assuring the reader that the main characters will survive, no matter how black things might look.
Remarkably pertinent to today's political situation, the story about an attempt to undermine the British government in the period leading up to WWII is both a delightful Golden Age mystery, and espionage thriller and a rollicking good story. Less Nigel than usual, which is a shame - but his wife is a fine substitute.
Nigel Strangeways barely appears in this entry in the series. Instead his wife has the feature role in this suspense novel (it isn't really a mystery). My biggest complaint is the frequent use of phrases such as "looking back a year later" which takes some of the suspense out of the story by assuring the reader that the main characters will survive, no matter how black things might look.
This reminded me a bit of Marjorie Allingham's Traitor's Purse. Interesting that Georgia is the main character and Nigel is on the periphery of the story.
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30+ Works 3,394 Members
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The smiler with the knife
- Original publication date
- 1939
- People/Characters
- Nigel Strangeways; Georgia Strangeways
- Epigraph
- Ther saugh I first the derke imagining
Of felonye, and al the compassing;
The smyler with the knyf under the cloke;
The shepne brenning with the blade smoke;
The treson of the mordring in the bedde;
The open we... (show all)rre, with woundes al bibledde.
CHAUCER: The Knight's Tale - Dedication
- FOR ROUGHIE
- First words
- A morning in January.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)"I shall wear it next my heart for ever."
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- Members
- 172
- Popularity
- 189,804
- Reviews
- 4
- Rating
- (3.46)
- Languages
- English, Swedish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 14
- ASINs
- 7
