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A review by katykelly
The Blotting Book - A Mystery by E.F. Benson by E.F. Benson
4.0
I only discovered this writer recently, through the BBC's Mapp and Lucia adaptation, and saw this on the library shelf. I like reading early examples of genres, and early courtroom/murder stories appealed.
This really is early, written in 1908, pre-dating Agatha Christie's own first murder mysteries.
Mostly out of the courtroom though, the set-up involves a young man, Morris Assheton, fond of his new fast car and his girl, who finds himself slandered. The Assheton's lawyer discovers it is his own partner besmirching Morris's good name to the father of his affianced, and also hears Morris's angry threats. When Mills, the slanderer is found murdered, Morris is arrested.
I was surprised to find myself at this point in the plot and already closing in on the end. I expected a more lengthy and tense courtroom battle, but that seems to be a later addition to the genre. Still, a lot of conventions we would expect are there - twists and surprise evidence (though if you've been paying attention, to the title alone, the final revelations are hardly shocking).
It's a lovely period piece, some interesting characters - the family lawyer and Morris are both neither one thing nor another - but if you're looking for a Grisham you may be disappointed.
I intend to read more of the Mapp and Lucia series, as I think Benson's writing is more suited to genteel wit and putdowns, but am glad I tried this. It was the work of only a couple of hours to polish it off.
This really is early, written in 1908, pre-dating Agatha Christie's own first murder mysteries.
Mostly out of the courtroom though, the set-up involves a young man, Morris Assheton, fond of his new fast car and his girl, who finds himself slandered. The Assheton's lawyer discovers it is his own partner besmirching Morris's good name to the father of his affianced, and also hears Morris's angry threats. When Mills, the slanderer is found murdered, Morris is arrested.
I was surprised to find myself at this point in the plot and already closing in on the end. I expected a more lengthy and tense courtroom battle, but that seems to be a later addition to the genre. Still, a lot of conventions we would expect are there - twists and surprise evidence (though if you've been paying attention, to the title alone, the final revelations are hardly shocking).
It's a lovely period piece, some interesting characters - the family lawyer and Morris are both neither one thing nor another - but if you're looking for a Grisham you may be disappointed.
I intend to read more of the Mapp and Lucia series, as I think Benson's writing is more suited to genteel wit and putdowns, but am glad I tried this. It was the work of only a couple of hours to polish it off.