mtngirl4 's review for:

The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne

3.0

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Set in 1922, this Sherlock Holmes-style mystery is penned by Winnie-the-Pooh creator A.A. Milne, in a Gosford Park fashion. There's murder in the mansion and an unsuspecting stranger (Anthony) figures the whole riddle out using obscure clues and keen observation, even when trained professionals remain ignorant. No one could have figured this out using just the clues that Tony had; it seems a failed attempt by Milne to channel his inner Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and makes obvious why he turned to children's lore instead. Though entertaining, it is exceptionally outdated in our modern world of forensics and sadly does not stand the test of time. But, it's not terrible either, just eh, so three stars simply for the sake of mediocracy. Audio, by William Sutherland, also mediocre, I had to rewind often to form a clear picture in my mind. Not a waste of time though, I listened to it in a day while I pieced an entire quilt, so it helped to pass the time. It did leave me wondering one thing: The Holmes-like sleuth of the story is a character named Tony Gillingham, the same moniker of one of Mary Crawley's many suitors; just wondering if Julian Fellowes is a Milne fan or just coincidence?