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A review by bookaneer808
Death in a White Tie by Ngaio Marsh
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Death in a White Tie was the first Ngaio Marsh book I read, many years ago, but the character of Sir Robert "Bunchy" Gospell was one that stayed with me. An elderly man with old-fashioned Victorian mannerisms and tricks of speech who still has tremendous charm, an observant eye and great kindness, he is also a friend of Roderick Alleyn. This connection allows him to do a bit of snooping for Scotland Yard when high-society blackmail ring is suspected...
This is one of the more personal feeling books in the Alleyn series, and perhaps as a consequence it feels more alive than those with the usual aloof, ironic tone.
The characters are drawn with economy & vividness, the setting is the Season when debutantes are brought out, but Bunchy, small, round and dapper, has my heart.
This is one of the more personal feeling books in the Alleyn series, and perhaps as a consequence it feels more alive than those with the usual aloof, ironic tone.
The characters are drawn with economy & vividness, the setting is the Season when debutantes are brought out, but Bunchy, small, round and dapper, has my heart.