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A review by helenh
Death of an Unsung Hero by Tessa Arlen
4.0
This engaging tale, of murder done at a WWI convalescent hospital, is thoroughly entertaining. Our lades from the series are back, Lady Montfort and Mrs. Jackson. Mrs. Jackson doesn't seem quite as reticent as previously, and so our intrepid duo sit, compare their notes and impressions, and solve the crimes -- despite having an incompetent copper put his foot in it early on. Luckily, the Chief Constable isn't quite as pig-headed, although he is determined to pretty much ignore what the ladies are capable of. It is ever thus, for female sleuths of the first part of the 20th century.
What Tessa Arlen manages to convey with her characters, dialog and plot is a complete understanding of time and place, the most important ingredient in a historical mystery, even as the reader is saddened by the treatment afforded to the hospital patients from the locals. She uses the history of the time as a backdrop, which only adds to the poignant setting (an author's note at the book's final pages gives further information).
I could have done with a lot less interior dialog. What Lady Montfort and Mrs. Jackson were thinking about everything (and each other) could have been conveyed in a lighter and far less frequent fashion. But it's a minor quibble.
Eventually, our mystery is wrapped up, by "gathering everyone in the drawing room" which affords a neat finish. Hopefully readers will be on to the next adventure very soon.
I received my copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What Tessa Arlen manages to convey with her characters, dialog and plot is a complete understanding of time and place, the most important ingredient in a historical mystery, even as the reader is saddened by the treatment afforded to the hospital patients from the locals. She uses the history of the time as a backdrop, which only adds to the poignant setting (an author's note at the book's final pages gives further information).
I could have done with a lot less interior dialog. What Lady Montfort and Mrs. Jackson were thinking about everything (and each other) could have been conveyed in a lighter and far less frequent fashion. But it's a minor quibble.
Eventually, our mystery is wrapped up, by "gathering everyone in the drawing room" which affords a neat finish. Hopefully readers will be on to the next adventure very soon.
I received my copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.