The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley Reviewed by Warren Bull

The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley  Reviewed by Warren Bull

The novel was originally published in 1929. Felony & Mayhem Press brought out a new edition in 2010, calling it A Golden Age Classic.  The author, Anthony Berkeley, is not well known today. The Poisoned Chocolates Case is his most remembered book. 

The plot was original. A group of people formed a Crime Circle that required potential members to be knowledgeable in all branches of science used in crime detection, criminal psychology and famous crimes in history. In addition the would-be member had to write a paper on a topic suggested by the current members, which would be judged by the entire group Although the goal was for thirteen members, only six applicants were able to pass the test and join. The six included a famous and titled barrister, a playwright, a brilliant novelist, the most intelligent of all living mystery short story writers, the president who was man of independent means as well as a published author and a man who lacked the credentials of the other members, but who had none-the-less satisfied the requirements for membership.

At one meeting the president and founder of the group presented them with a challenge. In a recent incident someone sent a box of poisoned chocolates to a man generally thought to be a scoundrel. That man gave the box to an acquaintance who had lost a bet with his wife and thereby owned her a box of chocolates. He presented her with the box. They each ate some of the candy.

He left home and later collapsed at his club. His wife ate more than he did. She remained home. A clever doctor called to the club was able to save the man. His wife was less fortunate. She died before medical assistance could reach her.

With some reluctance the police agreed to allow the club members to examine the few items of evidence they had and to investigate the crime. The president declared that he doubted their efforts would actually help the police, but trying to solve the crime would be interesting. He decided that each member would work alone to propose a theory of how the crime had been committed and, if possible, determine who the murderer was.  Members would report their results at subsequent meetings.  The order of the presentations would be established randomly.

Interestingly, I really enjoyed the novel but my wife skimmed through it, skipping much of the book.  She disliked the stilted prose style.  I found it humorous as an exaggeration of the egotistic speech of the club members.  I also caught references to the writers of that era who she did not know.  The club resembles the Detection Club established about the time of the book’s publication.  Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, the author of this novel and other talented writers were members. In many ways the book is an inside joke.  It is much more intriguing for those in the know than for others.

I think dedicated mystery readers and writers would enjoy The Poisoned Chocolates Case.  Other people, like my wife, with less interest might find it tedious.