From Publishers Weekly
Best known for The Flame Trees of Thika , Huxley also wrote three mysteries set in Africa, this one in 1938. The reissue shows its age, but there is excitement in events set afoot by wealthy colonizers at play in Kenya during the bad old days. "Great white hunter" Danny de Mare persuades CID Superintendent Vachell to join Lord and Lady Baradale's safari when someone steals the lady's jewels from the portable safe in her tent. Posing as an extra guide, Vachell observes members of the party closely, finding no clues although he has several suspects: a titled "pansy," Sir Gordon Catchpole, whose engagement to flighty Cara was arranged by the Lady Baradale, her stepmother; Cara's preferred lover, fired for his attentions to the girl. Even her father is under suspicion, but not lovely Chris Davis, attached to the safari as an aviator (a character clearly influenced by famous Beryl Markham). The narrative twists its way through murders, passed off as accidents, and other elongated incidents, to the rather vague resolution. The novel's main attractions are the vivid descriptions of the terrain and the author's prescient protest against the slaughter of wildlife for fun and profit.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
Canadian Superintendent Vachell, of Chania CID, is called to Lady Baradale's luxury Kenyan safari camp to investigate the disappearance of her jewels. He found himself ostensibly hired as assistant white hunter to the intrepid Danny de Mare. Within hours, Lady Baradale is murdered, despite Vachell's presence, and so he has another mystery to solve. The party continues to search for game to shoot and an attempt on Vachell's life fails; he has to unravel clues from wherever he can on this safari.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
