Fall of a Philanderer: A Daisy Dalrymple Mystery [Hardcover]

If you'd like to take a break from all those complex and riveting, but gory mysteries that feature tired police inspectors on the hunt for serial killers, who seem to be constantly thwarted by incompetent superiors and ambitious junior officers, you might consider Carola Dunn's latest offering in the utterly charming Daisy Dalrymple mystery series, "Fall of a Philanderer."

It's the summer of 1924, and Daisy, her stepdaughter, Belinda, and Belinda's school-chum, Deva, are happily enjoying themselves at the seaside town of Westcombe while they wait for Daisy's husband, Alec, to join them. The days are glorious and Westcombe seems idyllic, but it doesn't take Daisy too long to realise that Westcombe seems to possess it's own version of the serpent in the garden, George Enderby, the landlord of the Schooner Inn. Married himself, George's specialty seems to be comforting women, married or not, who feel lonely and neglected. Daisy is determined not to get pulled into the affair -- after all she and her family are in Westcombe for a holiday! But soon after Alec's arrival, the Fletchers discover George's broken body while exploring a secluded cove. With Alec put in charge of the investigation, Daisy is, nevertheless, determined not to embarrass him by getting involved in the investigation herself. Except that people will confide in her! And if it will help Alec to make an arrest, Daisy is not adverse to rolling up her sleeves in order to sort through all the gossip and innuendo in order to help Alec arrive at the truth...

While "Fall of a Philanderer" was not the thrilling, fast paced, on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of read, it was nice, quick and enjoyable one nonetheless. The plot unfolded in a fairly even and straightforward manner -- there were no jaw dropping plot twists, even though the book did possess quite a few suspects that should keep readers wondering for a fair while. The thing about "Fall of a Philanderer" is that it is a nice, relaxing and fun read. It'sot very complex, or very clever. It is, however, very well written and brilliantly executed. And after having read some mystery novels that have been heavy on atmosphere and possessed convoluted plot premises that went no where and left one feeling confused and cheated, "Fall of a Philanderer" was a wonderful treat. I knew what I was in for, and Carola Dunn delivered in spades! A wonderfully fun read.

(Note: I really liked the author's description of the coastal town of Westcombe. It was vivid and inviting, and in a rather interesting coincidence reminded me of my recent trips to a few coastal towns in Northern Oregon.)

I am a historical mystery fan, and I look for several things when choosing what to read:

a) Likable characters and protoganist that you care about and are interested in

b) Lack of deep dark pyschological pretensions and no bad guys winning in the end

c) good writing

d) Engaging plots

e) masterful evocation of a different place and time

Carola Dunn does all the above with Daisy Dalrymple, and did it very well in the latest installment of Daisy's adventures. Here, the person murdered is satisfyingly worth having removed from the earth (whoever did it) and the twists and turns in the plot to get to that point of discovery are diverting. This time period in England (between the 1st and 2nd World War) is particularly interesting, as you watch the twilight of the aristocracy and see how larger events on the world stage contributed to that (details that Dunn gently weaves into her story without one really noticing.)And Daisy is a wonderful character, I would pick up the next book just to see what happens next in her life.

This was my first Daisy Dalrymple Mystery. I picked it up at the library...would you believe...because I liked the cover! It was an enjoyable read, free from all the nasty, gory details that so many mystery novels offer today. Daisy books are dripping in history, lightheartedness, and intrigue. What an amazing combination! I have bought three of my own in this series and will definitely get more! By the way, I have discovered that the cover art is great on ALL the Daisy novels.

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