Murder at Mallowan Hall - A Review

 Review

MURDER AT MALLOWAN HALL by Colleen Cambridge
The First Phyllida Bright Mystery 

 

Phyllida Bright runs an orderly household. Having served as a nurse on the front lines of the Great War not much can shock the housekeeper. Still, she is taken aback when she discovers a dead body in the library. A dead body in Agatha Christie's library. Surprised that Agatha Christie is not going to investigate the murder herself, Phyllida decides that she will take matters into her own hands, summoning her inner Hercule Poirot to find a killer.

A dead body in a library is a classic mystery stereotype. A dead body in Agatha Christie's library is genius! Agatha, like most sensible mystery writers, shows no inclination to solve the murder, after all she pens fiction. That leaves the snooping then to her more than capable housekeeper. I love Phyllida Bright! She's not your average amateur sleuth. She's wryly observant, has a keen sensibility, and holds many, many secrets. I am so intrigued about her past, I hope that we slowly get to learn more about her. The rest of the household staff is also endearing, even the fussbudgety Mr. Dobble. I love the possibility of romance with not one, but two possible suitors. One is brusque and annoying, the other cultured and complimentary. What I love even more is that she is fully capable of taking care of herself!

The mystery is complex, a veritable labyrinth filled with red herrings and guests acting guiltily. Phyllida's approach to solving the crime is smart, fun, and a joy to read. 

At times funny, at times touching, MURDER AT MALLOWAN HALL is a smart creative start to a new series. I can't wait to see what happens next.