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imperfectcj's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
This is a fun one! While the characters gadded about collecting clues, I liked picturing Cape Cod and thinking about how different it would have been in the 1930s. And the mystery is a fun one, too, with characters I could really get to know and twists that unfolded in an enjoyable way. I think I'd like to read more Asey Mayo mysteries.
ssejig's review against another edition
3.0
The first in the Asey Mayo series, I picked up this book because I had heard about it on the Classic Mysteries podcast. I didn't find it quite the romp that had been described but still a good book.
Miss Prudence Whitsby and her niece Betsey have once again taken a cottage at Cape Cod. Since it is a particularly hot summer, they have a number of friends who have written to ask if they can visit including a couple who are now divorced. They end up deciding on a friend of Betsey's named Dot and a clergyman's widow, Emma. Also hanging about it an automobile scion who is known to have a pretty big crush on Betsey. It's just too bad that there is a famous author who has also come to town. One that does not particularly impress Miss Whitsby, especially since she doesn't believe his characterizations even though the author is said to take his stories from real life. Basically, they are not nice stories. So, it's not particularly a surprise that he ends up dead. It's just too bad that some of the evidence is against the young scion and the sheriff doesn't seem inclined to look at anyone else.
It's up to the family factotum, Asey Mayo, to figure out what is going on. The young man's father has told him to leave no expense unpaid and he doles out fives liberally in trying to get to the bottom of the story.
Miss Prudence Whitsby and her niece Betsey have once again taken a cottage at Cape Cod. Since it is a particularly hot summer, they have a number of friends who have written to ask if they can visit including a couple who are now divorced. They end up deciding on a friend of Betsey's named Dot and a clergyman's widow, Emma. Also hanging about it an automobile scion who is known to have a pretty big crush on Betsey. It's just too bad that there is a famous author who has also come to town. One that does not particularly impress Miss Whitsby, especially since she doesn't believe his characterizations even though the author is said to take his stories from real life. Basically, they are not nice stories. So, it's not particularly a surprise that he ends up dead. It's just too bad that some of the evidence is against the young scion and the sheriff doesn't seem inclined to look at anyone else.
It's up to the family factotum, Asey Mayo, to figure out what is going on. The young man's father has told him to leave no expense unpaid and he doles out fives liberally in trying to get to the bottom of the story.
katherineep's review
4.0
If you enjoy Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayers this is a must read. Published in 1931 the time period and setting are very well illustrated. Not the fastest pace but still a fun read.
http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-cape-cod-mystery-tbr-review.html
http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-cape-cod-mystery-tbr-review.html
krikketgirl's review against another edition
3.0
Wordy and slow-paced, but a light read nonetheless. I will read more of this author.
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