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A review by billd
Murder by Matchlight by E.C.R. Lorac
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Murder by Matchlight is my first exposure to the mystery writing of British crime writer E.C.R. Lorac. It was the 26th mystery of the CID Inspector MacDonald series. The first book was written in 1931 and the last in 1959. This 26th story was published in 1945 and is set during the German bombings of London during WWII. I have to say I enjoyed the story very much. They reminded me of police procedurals of crime writer Michael Gilbert.
A young man, Bruce Mallaig, whose dinner date was cancelled finds himself wandering around London during the blackout. While sitting in a park, he hears noises that sound like a struggle and seeing a body and what appears to be another gentleman trying to flee, he tackles the other man, at the same time shouting for the police.
The uniformed bobby takes over, calls for an Inspector, who asks for assistance from CID, thereby bringing Inspector MacDonald into action. Thus begins a neat little mystery investigation that will provide you with a satisfying mystery as well as a group of fascinating characters (suspects?).
Inspector MacDonald is a very likable, intelligent detective. His methods are methodical and keep adding information to the case. He has a team of capable officers assisting him and also even some of the 'suspects' who provide information the more they are questioned and also prove to be very useful in providing him with clues.
It's just an excellent, satisfying story; well written, with an interesting portrayal of WWII London, peopled by intelligent personalities. The case was resolved most satisfactorily. In this edition, there is even a quick short story of about 10 pages, with a different case involving uniformed policeman, Lind. It provides a nice little aperitif after the excellent main story. (4.0 stars)
A young man, Bruce Mallaig, whose dinner date was cancelled finds himself wandering around London during the blackout. While sitting in a park, he hears noises that sound like a struggle and seeing a body and what appears to be another gentleman trying to flee, he tackles the other man, at the same time shouting for the police.
The uniformed bobby takes over, calls for an Inspector, who asks for assistance from CID, thereby bringing Inspector MacDonald into action. Thus begins a neat little mystery investigation that will provide you with a satisfying mystery as well as a group of fascinating characters (suspects?).
Inspector MacDonald is a very likable, intelligent detective. His methods are methodical and keep adding information to the case. He has a team of capable officers assisting him and also even some of the 'suspects' who provide information the more they are questioned and also prove to be very useful in providing him with clues.
It's just an excellent, satisfying story; well written, with an interesting portrayal of WWII London, peopled by intelligent personalities. The case was resolved most satisfactorily. In this edition, there is even a quick short story of about 10 pages, with a different case involving uniformed policeman, Lind. It provides a nice little aperitif after the excellent main story. (4.0 stars)