A review by anjana
Murder by Matchlight by E.C.R. Lorac

5.0

I have read one other book by the author Fire in the Thatch by E.C.R. Lorac and while I enjoyed that tale, this book was a lot more fun to read and to dissect. This story spans a very short time with a lot of overworked policemen doing a lot of leg work. This aspect of hunting for the truth is discussed in excruciating detail and while I enjoyed every minute of it, it is something to keep in mind if one is not inclined to enjoy the finer details. Classic crime books have the discussion of human nature in droves, this book is no exception. The murder occurs in matchlight with more than one witness, one or more of them might have a personal stake in the entire episode. We start off with the man who wandered aimlessly into the park and actually witnesses the murder. The other is a man with no good reason for being under the bridge where the murder occurred and few more get added as the investigation progresses. This is London during the blackout time and this adds a whole layer of atmosphere since the murder and the detection occurs in literal (and figurative)darkness. Inspector MacDonald is tired but courteous as he keeps re-engaging with the people who shared the lodging of the murdered man. Each of these people is stranger than the other and they make fascinating reading. This is not a large book but there is a lot packed into it. 

On the whole, I think if given a chance I would read more books written by this author. The preface by Martin Edwards as usual provides deeper insight into the time and place and an added depth of emotion to the reading experience. This kind of preface should never be skipped. It could probably be the reason I enjoyed the book enough to give it a full five stars!