A fabulous mystery!
Protecting a death-threatened actress, private detective Cordelia Gray finds that her own life is in grave danger. This is a masterly version of the clue-and-alibi game, combining the enclosed setting of the country-house murder with elements of the horror story, an overlay of lust and hairbreadth escapes.
This is one of the earliest novels written by the author but I 1uite enjoyed it.. It was a bit long but well worth the read. In brief, an actress is receiving poison pen notes periodically. Her name is Clarissa Lisle (Lady Ralston) whose is talented but so unsettled by the notes that she has difficulty performing. The site of the performance is on Courcy Island, which is owned by a long time friend, Ambrose Gorringe. Gorringe's wealth stems from a popular novel he wrote. The original idea for the novel's plot came from the actress.
Cordelia Gray is asked by Lisle's husband to pose as a secretary to the actress whose next performance in The Duchess of Malfi is at a small theater on the island. Among the guests on the island is Roma Lyle, a cousin, whose need for money gives her a motive. The cousin and Clarissa grew up together. While talented, the actress is selfish and uses others in increase her visibility as an actress. A lifelong "friend" supervises Lisle's preparation for each act yet has a motive too. She had a child who was very ill and while assisting the actress the hospital called for the mother. Lisle ignored the summons and did not pass it on. Consquently, the child died.
When the actress is killed the night before the play opens, the police appear. Their investigation centers on everyone who was present the night she died. Cordelia follows the clues but because she is always a step behind almost loses her life. I liked it a good deal.
Cordelia Gray is asked by Lisle's husband to pose as a secretary to the actress whose next performance in The Duchess of Malfi is at a small theater on the island. Among the guests on the island is Roma Lyle, a cousin, whose need for money gives her a motive. The cousin and Clarissa grew up together. While talented, the actress is selfish and uses others in increase her visibility as an actress. A lifelong "friend" supervises Lisle's preparation for each act yet has a motive too. She had a child who was very ill and while assisting the actress the hospital called for the mother. Lisle ignored the summons and did not pass it on. Consquently, the child died.
When the actress is killed the night before the play opens, the police appear. Their investigation centers on everyone who was present the night she died. Cordelia follows the clues but because she is always a step behind almost loses her life. I liked it a good deal.
