annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Death in White Pyjamas / Death Knows No Calendar is a double title which includes 2 mysteries by John Bude. Originally released in 1944/1942 respectively this reformat and re-release, out 7th June 2020 is part of the British Library Crime Classics series by Poisoned Pen Press. This edition is 488 pages (for the ebook version) and available in paperback and ebook formats. (Other editions available in other formats). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
These are both well written golden age British country house murder mysteries. Bude's style is lighthearted, sometimes bordering on wryly sarcastic (he gleefully describes one character's romantic exploits as "priapic"). It reminded me somewhat of Edmund Crispin's slightly campy overtone on several occasions. Nevertheless, both books were enjoyable reads, well plotted and very (very) British.
For me, one of the draws of the books in the crime classics series are the erudite and always interesting introductions by editor Martin Edwards. Mr. Edwards has a prodigious knowledge of the genre and writes engagingly and well.
Well written, this double entry and the series as a whole are well worth seeking out. This would make a superlative selection for readers of the genre as well as an introduction to classic crime fiction from the golden age by a lesser known author from the period. It's so nice to see these being released for a new generation of fans.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Death in White Pyjamas / Death Knows No Calendar is a double title which includes 2 mysteries by John Bude. Originally released in 1944/1942 respectively this reformat and re-release, out 7th June 2020 is part of the British Library Crime Classics series by Poisoned Pen Press. This edition is 488 pages (for the ebook version) and available in paperback and ebook formats. (Other editions available in other formats). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
These are both well written golden age British country house murder mysteries. Bude's style is lighthearted, sometimes bordering on wryly sarcastic (he gleefully describes one character's romantic exploits as "priapic"). It reminded me somewhat of Edmund Crispin's slightly campy overtone on several occasions. Nevertheless, both books were enjoyable reads, well plotted and very (very) British.
For me, one of the draws of the books in the crime classics series are the erudite and always interesting introductions by editor Martin Edwards. Mr. Edwards has a prodigious knowledge of the genre and writes engagingly and well.
Well written, this double entry and the series as a whole are well worth seeking out. This would make a superlative selection for readers of the genre as well as an introduction to classic crime fiction from the golden age by a lesser known author from the period. It's so nice to see these being released for a new generation of fans.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
fictionfan's review against another edition
5.0
Double the pleasure...
Every now and then the British Library produces a twofer in their Crime Classics series – two full-length novels by the same author in one volume – and these always feel like an extra special treat, especially when the author is one of the ones who has become a readers’ favourite, as John Bude apparently has. I must admit, although I’ve enjoyed the previous Bude novels I’ve read, he hadn’t become one of my personal stars, but I hoped maybe these two would raise him up to that status. And they did! I loved both of these very different novels...
Death in White Pyjamas 5 stars
Having made his fortune in business, Sam Richardson is now enjoying his middle years by using his wealth to support a small theatre company, led by director Basil Barnes. Barnes’ artistic drive and Richardson’s knowledge of the type of thing he himself likes to see performed on stage make for a winning combination, and Richardson’s wealth allows Basil to hire a core group of established actors and actresses along with a few promising newcomers. In the winter months they perform in the London theatre Richardson has bought, and during the summer closed-season he throws open his country home to any of the regulars who need a little break or for the group to gather for early rehearsals of the next season’s plays. This summer most of the company are staying at Richardson’s house, while Basil has bought a little cottage close by and is in the process of fitting it out to his own taste. However, as in any group, there are tensions and jealousies under the surface, and murder is waiting in the wings...
This is one of these mysteries where we slowly get to know all the characters and possible motives before the crime is committed, so my advice is – don’t read the blurb on the back or the introduction until after you’ve read the book! Half the fun is seeing all the convoluted threads that seem to give each of the characters reasons to want rid of one or more of the other ones, and the identity of the eventual victim is not at all clear until the murder actually happens. It almost gives two mysteries – the first, who will be killed, revealed around halfway through, and then the second, who is the killer?
The characterisation is great. There are all the theatrical stereotypes – the old character actor, the beautiful young ingénue, the aspiring playwright, the predatory director, the money-minded producer – but they’re all brought beautifully to life with a lot of warmth and humour, so that they don’t feel at all stale. Once the victim is known, the whodunit is reasonably easy to guess, but the howdunit aspect is great fun, and as with the best vintage crime there are happy endings for those who deserve them and justice for those who don’t. Excellent!
Death Knows No Calendar 5 stars
When his old friend Lydia Arundel is found dead in her locked artist’s studio with a gun close at hand, Major Tom Boddy finds he can’t believe that she was the type of woman to ever contemplate suicide. So he sets out to investigate, armed only with his extensive knowledge of detective fiction and ably assisted by his batman, Syd Gammon. Although he has his suspicions from an early stage, he soon realises there are several people with the motive to do away with Lydia, a woman whom men fell in love with too easily, and who enjoyed her power over them too much. But even if he works out whodunit, he knows he’ll never be able to persuade the police that she was murdered unless he can solve the mystery of how the crime was done...
There’s more than one “impossible” scenario hidden in this gem of a book, which will please fans of the locked room style of mystery. But for me the greatest joy is in Major Boddy’s character – he’s one of these traditional old colonials who is scared of nothing and assumes nothing is beyond him. When he sets his mind to a task, he sees it through. But he’s also kind-hearted and, typical of the fictional type, gives the impression of being rather baffled by human behaviour, especially of the female variety. There’s so much humour in this book – I smiled and chuckled my way through it. As well as the locked room aspect, the setting is another much-loved vintage crime staple – the small village, where everyone knows everyone else’s secrets, or think they do at least. As in Death in White Pyjamas, the identity of the killer is easier to work out than the method of the crime, and in this one the amateur detection efforts of the Major and Syd are hugely entertaining. I think I enjoyed it even more than Death in White Pyjamas.
So two great books in one volume – I hereby officially declare myself a John Bude fan and now can’t wait to read more of his stuff. Doubly recommended!
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, the British Library.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
Every now and then the British Library produces a twofer in their Crime Classics series – two full-length novels by the same author in one volume – and these always feel like an extra special treat, especially when the author is one of the ones who has become a readers’ favourite, as John Bude apparently has. I must admit, although I’ve enjoyed the previous Bude novels I’ve read, he hadn’t become one of my personal stars, but I hoped maybe these two would raise him up to that status. And they did! I loved both of these very different novels...
Death in White Pyjamas 5 stars
Having made his fortune in business, Sam Richardson is now enjoying his middle years by using his wealth to support a small theatre company, led by director Basil Barnes. Barnes’ artistic drive and Richardson’s knowledge of the type of thing he himself likes to see performed on stage make for a winning combination, and Richardson’s wealth allows Basil to hire a core group of established actors and actresses along with a few promising newcomers. In the winter months they perform in the London theatre Richardson has bought, and during the summer closed-season he throws open his country home to any of the regulars who need a little break or for the group to gather for early rehearsals of the next season’s plays. This summer most of the company are staying at Richardson’s house, while Basil has bought a little cottage close by and is in the process of fitting it out to his own taste. However, as in any group, there are tensions and jealousies under the surface, and murder is waiting in the wings...
This is one of these mysteries where we slowly get to know all the characters and possible motives before the crime is committed, so my advice is – don’t read the blurb on the back or the introduction until after you’ve read the book! Half the fun is seeing all the convoluted threads that seem to give each of the characters reasons to want rid of one or more of the other ones, and the identity of the eventual victim is not at all clear until the murder actually happens. It almost gives two mysteries – the first, who will be killed, revealed around halfway through, and then the second, who is the killer?
The characterisation is great. There are all the theatrical stereotypes – the old character actor, the beautiful young ingénue, the aspiring playwright, the predatory director, the money-minded producer – but they’re all brought beautifully to life with a lot of warmth and humour, so that they don’t feel at all stale. Once the victim is known, the whodunit is reasonably easy to guess, but the howdunit aspect is great fun, and as with the best vintage crime there are happy endings for those who deserve them and justice for those who don’t. Excellent!
Death Knows No Calendar 5 stars
When his old friend Lydia Arundel is found dead in her locked artist’s studio with a gun close at hand, Major Tom Boddy finds he can’t believe that she was the type of woman to ever contemplate suicide. So he sets out to investigate, armed only with his extensive knowledge of detective fiction and ably assisted by his batman, Syd Gammon. Although he has his suspicions from an early stage, he soon realises there are several people with the motive to do away with Lydia, a woman whom men fell in love with too easily, and who enjoyed her power over them too much. But even if he works out whodunit, he knows he’ll never be able to persuade the police that she was murdered unless he can solve the mystery of how the crime was done...
There’s more than one “impossible” scenario hidden in this gem of a book, which will please fans of the locked room style of mystery. But for me the greatest joy is in Major Boddy’s character – he’s one of these traditional old colonials who is scared of nothing and assumes nothing is beyond him. When he sets his mind to a task, he sees it through. But he’s also kind-hearted and, typical of the fictional type, gives the impression of being rather baffled by human behaviour, especially of the female variety. There’s so much humour in this book – I smiled and chuckled my way through it. As well as the locked room aspect, the setting is another much-loved vintage crime staple – the small village, where everyone knows everyone else’s secrets, or think they do at least. As in Death in White Pyjamas, the identity of the killer is easier to work out than the method of the crime, and in this one the amateur detection efforts of the Major and Syd are hugely entertaining. I think I enjoyed it even more than Death in White Pyjamas.
So two great books in one volume – I hereby officially declare myself a John Bude fan and now can’t wait to read more of his stuff. Doubly recommended!
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, the British Library.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
fernandie's review against another edition
3.0
These ones definitely seemed like "if P.G. Wodehouse had written golden age mysteries."
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
I love John Bude's mysteries and I loved those in this book.
Both are highly entertaining and gripping, a mix of comedy of manners and Golden Age mystery.
The characters are well developed, quirky and likeable, the setting is vivid and lovely.
The mystery are complex, full of twists and turns, and the second one was a great "locked room" mystery with a surprising end. I got the culprit of the first one but I appreciated the complex solution.
I can't wait to read other stories by this great author.
A must read for whodunnit lovers, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Both are highly entertaining and gripping, a mix of comedy of manners and Golden Age mystery.
The characters are well developed, quirky and likeable, the setting is vivid and lovely.
The mystery are complex, full of twists and turns, and the second one was a great "locked room" mystery with a surprising end. I got the culprit of the first one but I appreciated the complex solution.
I can't wait to read other stories by this great author.
A must read for whodunnit lovers, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
vesper1931's review against another edition
4.0
1 - Death in White Pyjamas
A Country House Mystery originally published in 1942
Old Knolle house in Sussex, is the home of Sam Richardson, a wealthy theatre promoter and owner of the Beaumont Theatre. Theatre producer Basil Barnes, lives nearby in Fallow Cottage, on the outskirts of the Lambdon village. Over time the actors stay at Old Knolle house to rehearse the latest play that they will perform. The story shows the various interactions between the characters, and relating the various motives, which in its slow build up, will climax in a death.
Inspector Harting investigates.
An entertaining and well-written mystery.
2 - Death Knows No Calendar
A Locked Room Scenario. John and Lydia Arundel have organised a party to their official opening of their licensed premises, The Little Bottel, in Beckwood. One of the invited is Major Tom Boddy an amateur sleuth. Later Lydia is found dead and the police believe it to be a suicide. Boddy with his sidekick Syd Gannon investigate. Over time they eliminate their suspects, determine who the guilty party is, and discover the clues that show motive and method.
A enjoyed this interesting story, but what I didn't care for was for me the overuse of the vernacular, and the lisp speech.
A NetGalley Book
A Country House Mystery originally published in 1942
Old Knolle house in Sussex, is the home of Sam Richardson, a wealthy theatre promoter and owner of the Beaumont Theatre. Theatre producer Basil Barnes, lives nearby in Fallow Cottage, on the outskirts of the Lambdon village. Over time the actors stay at Old Knolle house to rehearse the latest play that they will perform. The story shows the various interactions between the characters, and relating the various motives, which in its slow build up, will climax in a death.
Inspector Harting investigates.
An entertaining and well-written mystery.
2 - Death Knows No Calendar
A Locked Room Scenario. John and Lydia Arundel have organised a party to their official opening of their licensed premises, The Little Bottel, in Beckwood. One of the invited is Major Tom Boddy an amateur sleuth. Later Lydia is found dead and the police believe it to be a suicide. Boddy with his sidekick Syd Gannon investigate. Over time they eliminate their suspects, determine who the guilty party is, and discover the clues that show motive and method.
A enjoyed this interesting story, but what I didn't care for was for me the overuse of the vernacular, and the lisp speech.
A NetGalley Book
farahmendlesohn's review against another edition
5.0
Great fun. Most notably, Bude seems remarkably free of the snobbery of most of his contemporaries.
annarella's review
5.0
I love John Bude's mysteries and I loved those in this book.
Both are highly entertaining and gripping, a mix of comedy of manners and Golden Age mystery.
The characters are well developed, quirky and likeable, the setting is vivid and lovely.
The mystery are complex, full of twists and turns, and the second one was a great "locked room" mystery with a surprising end. I got the culprit of the first one but I appreciated the complex solution.
I can't wait to read other stories by this great author.
A must read for whodunnit lovers, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Both are highly entertaining and gripping, a mix of comedy of manners and Golden Age mystery.
The characters are well developed, quirky and likeable, the setting is vivid and lovely.
The mystery are complex, full of twists and turns, and the second one was a great "locked room" mystery with a surprising end. I got the culprit of the first one but I appreciated the complex solution.
I can't wait to read other stories by this great author.
A must read for whodunnit lovers, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
pvn's review
4.0
This is a nice set of stories. I suspect this book and others by this author will not have broad appeal, since they are likely written in Britain in the 50s, and have a particular feel/tone that works with a relatively small set of readers. But these two stories are fun (if a bit contrived). If you like classic Brit mysteries, this is probably a safe bet.
Thank you very much for the review copy!!
Thank you very much for the review copy!!
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