Friday, July 15, 2016

When in Rome by Ngaio Marsh: A review by Warren Bull





When in Rome by Ngaio Marsh: A review by Warren Bull           

When in Rome was published in 1970. Ngaio Marsh took her detective, Superintendent Allyen, out of his familiar environment and dropped him into Rome where, it seems, almost anything might happen.
The Superintendent is sent to Rome to act as a tourist and see what he can learn about an international drug smuggling ring. A suspected member of the ring, Sebastian Mailer has set up an exclusive and very expensive personalized tour of the eternal city, which includes touring the Roman basilica of S. Tommaso where an author who wrote a popular book inspired by the site will address the group. Allyen joins the group, which exits the basilica without Mailer. Did he recognize Allyen and flee? Or is there a more sinister explanation? Searching for Mailer leads to the discovery of a hidden murder victim. 

The drug investigation of drug uncovers crimes of blackmail and murder.

Allyen is a charming character. The setting is unique. It has been suggested that the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome, which is a three tiered building used for religious practice in the second, third and eleventh centuries, is the model for fictional basilica in the novel. Superintendent’ Allyen’s diplomatic dealings with Roman police offer a humorous contrast to the deadly doings.  The plot is ingenious and woven like a spider’s web.  This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel.

7 comments:

  1. Love these revues of works I read in High School, just after I discovered Sherlock Holmes. Haven't read this one.

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  2. Is some of this series set in Egypt, Warren?

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  3. Ngaio Marsh is a master of crime fiction. I haven't read any of her work in a while, and your review is encouraging me to go back and reread some od it.

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  4. Kathleen, I'm with you. I'm going back to re-read Ngaio Marsh. Warren, thank you for the great reviews!

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  5. Sounds wonderful, Warren. I have this on my Kindle but I haven't gotten there yet.

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  6. Sounds interesting, Warren. Somewhere in my library I have some books by this author. I'll have to look for them.

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  7. I enjoyed your review; it's nice to know others appreciate the older works. I'm in the process of rereading as many of Ngaio Marsh's books as I can find. Great fun!

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