I requested this book from my library after Evee of Evee’s Blog mentioned that it featured a dog as a character. I think there are only two books in this series so far. It’s set in Pimlico, London and Corduroy Mansions is a crumbling Arts and Crafts mansion block which contains a number of flats which are inhabited by disparate characters.
Freddie de la Hay, the Pimlico terrier (I suspect he’s a Heinz 57 variety – in other words a mongrel) joins them there when William gets part time custody of him in a bid to get rid of his dog-hating son who is a ‘waste of space’ according to Marcia.
It was a mildly entertaining read and I’ll read the next one in the series but I don’t think it was as successful as the 44 Scotland Street series. I want to find out if the ghastly Lib Dem M.P. Oedipus Snark gets his come-uppance, isn’t that a great name for a baddie?!
The next book concentrates quite a bit on Freddie de la Hay. I’m with you. I prefer 44 Scotland Street to the Corduroy Mansion! Here’s to the next one! Poor old Oedipus! Even his mother doesn’t like him!
Evee,
What I want to know is – who gave him the name Oedipus, his mother or his father? It’s asking for trouble!
I imagine I will read this after I work my way through the Isabel Dalhousie series. Sounds like Freddie de la Hay could be another Cyril.
Smith does draw some pretty despicable characters–Bruce the narcissist and Irene come to mind.
Jane GS,
His nasty characters always seem to be almost like someone you know too – or have I just been unlucky in meeting people like that!
Oh, I’m sorry this was only a mildly entertaining read as I bought this a few weeks ago – but it was from a charity shop so it didn’t cost much! I thought the idea was attractive and I do like the Isabel Dalhousie books – I haven’t tried any of his other books.
Margaret,
I like his Scotland Street series because they’re set in Edinburgh and I can imagine all the places he mentions, they’re also quite funny although some of the characters are pretty ghastly. He’s very good at writing domineering women. Corduroy Mansions is worth reading anyway.