The Estate of the Beckoning Lady

Rating:
Summary: Look Who's Coming To Dinner
Review: The Estate of the Beckoning Lady

Margery Allingham, having just written her most unnerving novel in "The Tiger in the Smoke" follows up with one of her most evanescent with "The Estate of the Beckoning Lady." William Faraday (the 'Uncle William' of "Police at the Funeral" and "Dancers in Mourning") has died suddenly, shortly before Tonker and Minnie Cassands' annual garden party bash. In the honor of both William and tradition the hosts are determined to go on. The place is The Beckoning Lady, in the town of Pontisbright, birthplace of Amanda, Campion's wife (and site of "The Gyrth Chalice Mystery").

The plot is simplicity itself. The body of a singularly unpopular tax agent is found in a ditch near The Beckoning Lady. In pursuing this problem, Campion and Luke develop suspicions about Uncle William's death. Possible murderers seem to be everywhere, with prime suspects being Minnie and Tonker (oh dear, I think I just gave away a pun) as well as the owners of a nearby estate that seem hell-bent on acquiring the Cassands' holdings. Various villagers pitch in to offer support and advice, which is just as often confusing as it is helpful.

Everything, however, takes second place to the party. Indeed, the reader will learn a great deal more about how to manage large scale galas than he or she will of strange British tax laws and deadly pharmacological combinations. This is the biggest day of the year for many of the participants and all are determined to carry on regardless. This creates all the complications and distractions any mystery fan could hope for.

Prepare for first or second meetings with many delightful characters. Campion, Amanda, Luke and Lugg are there, and Campion's son Rupert makes several startling appearances. On top of many of Margery Allingham's old characters, the Pontisbright villagers are each unique and jewel-like characterizations. This is a charming set piece for which the readers are the real guests. Settle down with some champers and ice cream and prepare for a treat!