Scarweather by Anthony Rolls (Colwyn Edward Vulliamy) was first published in 1934 but it has been reprinted by British Library. This is the book which I took with me on holiday to Orkney recently, not knowing anything about it so it felt a wee bit spooky when it turned out that archaeology and an ancient burial mound featured in the plot, as I was visiting neolithic burial sites in Orkney. It’s amazing how often I inadvertently take books with me on holiday that relate to my destination in some way.
Unusually the story takes place over 15 years or so, beginning just before the First World War. John Farringdale accompanied by his cousin Eric Foster goes to visit Tolgen Reisby, a famous archaeologist at his remote home Scarweather in the north of England. Reisby’s wife is years younger than him and they seem rather mismatched. Eric is obviously attracted to her, she’s described as having ‘a magnificent figure and stately carriage’ and that description is part of the problem for me with this book. I just didn’t enjoy the author’s writing style which seemed very stilted to me, perhaps it was supposed to be. I also found the whole thing to be very predictable. I don’t think I will bother reading any others by this author.
Luckily my holiday in Orkney was much mmore enjoyable!
But this one does look so intriguing–the description, the cover, etc. It’s too bad it did not live up to its billing. Still, I am curious. By the way, do you recall any book or books from the British Library Classic mystery series that was really very good, in your opinion?
I’ve read a few–most were so-so, at least the ones I’ve read. But I think that’s largely due to the fact that as a modern reader, I lack patience with mysteries from the 1930s and 1940s. My failing, not theirs.
Judith,
The covers are usually taken from original tourist travel posters from the 1930s and sometimes they’re the best thing about the book, but some are good so you just have to take a chance. I think I really liked Seven Dead by J. Jefferson Farjeon, Death of a Busybody by George Bellairs and The Lake District Murder by John Bude. You should see if your local library has them. But as ever, what I like you may hate!
Thanks for selecting a few that you liked. They’ll go on my list. I almost think I read The Lake District Murder, but maybe I’m thinking of Martin Edwards’s Lake District Mystery series. I’ll be reading #4 in that one this summer. Love that series.
Judith,
I hope I’m remembering correctly, I’m aware they’re all by men, but I think I liked the plots of these ones. I must track down the mystery series you mention!
I read this earlier in the year and I agree that it’s not one of the better books from the Crime Classics series. I was disappointed that the solution was so obvious – there wasn’t really any mystery at all!
Helen,
Yes it was all far too predictable. Sometimes the best thing about them is the vintage poster cover!
I partly agree with Judith, that over 80 years on from their original publication, readers are more discerning, or have higher expectations of books they read for pleasure. I also think that maybe the reason for these books going out of print unlike those of Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Dorothy Sayers etc was that they weren’t as good in the first place! The BLCC choices contain some gems amongst many so-so stories, and in some cases the 1930s culture is delightful. I can remember one (maybe “The Hogs Back Mystery”) in which the Sergeant is not senior enough to use a motor car so has to investigate a suspect in the next town by taking a bus!
Janet,
There are definitely some books that are more interesting from the social history point of view. I find that a lot of the male crime writers are too wedded to a tight plot and have everything hinging on time, particularly railway timetables. I’m pretty sure I’ve read that one you mention!
Although I haven’t read Scarweather, I highly recommend Family Affair. Don’t give up on Anthony Rolls until you’ve tried it.
Wm Seabrook,
I’ll definitely look out for that one. Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment.
Katrina