In it, Milne takes readers to the Red House, a comfortable residence in the placid English countryside that is the bachelor home of Mr. Mark Ablett. While visiting this cozy retreat, amateur detective Anthony Gillingham and his chum, Bill Beverley, investigate their genial host's disappearance and its connection with a mysterious shooting. Was the victim, whose body was found after a heated exchange with the host, shot in an act of self-defense? If so, why did the host flee, and if not, what drove him to murder?
Between games of billiards and bowls, the taking of tea, and other genteel pursuits, Gillingham and Beverley explore the possibilities in a light-hearted series of capers involving secret passageways, underwater evidence, and other atmospheric devices.
Sparkling with witty dialogue, deft plotting, and an intriguing cast of characters, this rare gem will charm mystery lovers, Anglophiles, and general readers alike.
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This book was one that I have been wanting to read for eons and now (in 2024) finally took the plunge and picked it up.
First published in 1922, it is rather dated now with its "Jeeves & Wooster" / "Brideshead Revisited" style narrative, so that should definitely be taken into consideration when reading.
A standard though intriguing locked room mystery with all the elements needed to make for an enjoyable read. Set in a typical English "big house" with guests, servants, and a family at odds - did one brother kill the other or is there more to this murder mystery than meets the eye.
A charming read!
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