This is the second murder mystery by Heyer which I have read and I must say that I found it to be entertaining reading. It was first published in 1938. She managed to combine mystery and comedy and she just couldn’t resist the temptation to throw in some romance too.
Ernest Fletcher is murdered whilst sitting at his desk and as there had been a lot of coming and going of visitors via the low window that evening within a short time of each other, Superintendent Hannasyde has trouble with the very tight timing involved in the case.
As with the other Heyer mystery which I have read, Footsteps in the Dark, I guessed the culprit early on in the book, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. In fact I quite enjoy getting it right.
It’s definitely what I would call light reading, but sometimes that is just what you need.
I read this book as part of the Thriller & Suspense Reading Challenge 2010.
I haven’t read this Heyer, but I am a HUGE fan of her writing. Of all her mysteries, Footsteps in the Dark is my favorite because it is the only one that really has the light humor present in her historical novels. Her other mysteries have such harsh and unlikeable characters.
Aarti, I think you would enjoy A Blunt Instrument, I think most of the characters were likeable. I know what you mean though, sometimes her characters are quite horrible.
Katrina.