So Pretty a Problem (Mordecai Tremaine Mystery Book 3)

The author an story

I love murder mysteries from the '20s to the '40s due to their unique detective heroes, clever plot twists, nimble use of language and humor in particular, realistic characterizations, and overall lack of explicit violence. Mordecai Tremaine is one of my favorite amateur sleuths, and this book was a delicious read. The author allows the reader to peruse the personality quirks of many characters along with the sleuth (and he has his own quirks as well), and unless you prefer gritty car chases and a quick resolution to the twists and turns of this roundabout yarn, you won't be disappointed.

I would recommend Francis Duncan to anyone who likes an Agatha Christie-like read.

I really likecthis author and the detecting here, Father Max Tudor. Now i have five more waiting for me to read!

Loved this old-fashioned murder mystery. They just don't make 'em like they used to. A great beach read full of quirky characters and twisty clues to unravel.

A great, old-fashioned detective story

Enjoyable cozy mystery

Great book

Mordecai Tremaine is on holiday with his friend Chief Inspector Jonathan Boyce. Once again he is in the right place at the right time to be first on the scene when enfant terrible of the art world, Adrian Carthallow is shot dead. Mordecai has met the Carthallows in London and Helen Carthallow comes to Mordecai when he is dosing on the beach below her cliff top house saying she has killed her husband. A dramatic start to the story.The local police in the person of Inspector Charles Penross does not believe Helen's story and it seems the facts don't seem to fit it either. Tremaine and Boyce find themselves in the investigation in something of a busman's holiday. The book starts off with the death and then provides the background to the murder and the final section is about the investigation and how the death actually happened.I found this entertaining reading and I think it has stood the test of time extremely well. I love Mordecai - he is a marvellous character with his acute observation and knowledge of human nature - not to speak of his insatiable curiosity. The plot is intriguing and I certainly didn't work who had committed the crime though the clues are all there if you pay attention to them and interpret them correctly. If you like classic crime novels then do try Francis Duncan - you won't be disappointed.

Brilliant

A vintage mystery, but could have been written today. Well crafted with an impecable sense of time and place. Don't waste your time and money reading some of the newer 'cosy' crime novels by people much less skilled at writing and who seem to have never even set foot in England, this is escapism but seems set rooted in reality.

Ein Haus, ein Maler, Englische Küsten Ort, kleines Dorf und Mordecai Tremaine. Diese Krimi war super geschrieben. In 3 Teilen: erst der Mord, danach die Zeit vor dem Mord und als 3 Teil die Investigation. Wenn man die Krimis vom Ngaio Marsh kennt: dieses Buch ist ähnlich und hat auch einen Hauch Agatha Christie's Poirot. Gute Englischkenntnisse sind erförderlich. Ein Juwel für alle Krimi fans der "Golden Age."

Wow I missed Francis Duncan so far. A writer post second war. This one is so good. It brings back very well written prose with just a hint of the mystery. I will try thr others