Death
in a White Tie by Ngaio Marsh: A Review by Warren Bull
Death in a White Tie was published in
1938. It was recommended to me while I was on tour in Ngaio’s home in
Christchurch, New Zealand. I very much enjoyed both the tour and the novel.
It
starts when Roderick Alleyn’s mother, Lady Alleyn, announces that she will get
involved in the ”coming out” of young women being presented to society this
season in London. She has promised
to chaperone one of the young women. One of the women presenting a debutante
comes to the Chief Detective-Inspector to ask for help for “a friend” who is
being blackmailed. The woman says she cannot reveal the reason “her friend” pays
the money. The woman is a close
family friend, which makes the matter more personal to Alleyn.
Chief
Detective-Inspector Alleyn requests the help of a friend, Lord Robert Gospell
affectionately known as Bunchy, who has aided investigations in the past. The
man is genuinely liked and respected by other members of the social elite. He
often helps those women who find it hard to fit in to the social swim join the
activities. While Bunchy is on the phone with Alleyn conveying information
aobut the blackmail someone enters the room so Bunchy ends the call. Shortly
after that Bunchy is killed, which leaves Alleyn feeling guilty for involving
him in the investigation. The policeman has to struggle to contain his rage.
The
author describes the elite of society and the “coming out” of young women with
assurance and knowledge of that social class. Her social commentary is woven
seamlessly into the story. As with other novels Marsh’s command of writing is
faultless. It is a pleasure to read her work.
This
novel includes more about the Detective-Inspector’s life, family and emotions
than her other works, which her fans will enjoy.
Dashiell Hammett called the novel, “The
best detective story I have ever read.” I give my highest recommendation to the
novel.
You've got me hooked on Ngaio Marsh's books. Thankfully, there are lots of them. It would be a pleasure to tour her home in New Zealand. Lucky you, Warren.
ReplyDeleteYes. I sat in the chair she wrote in. The guide had seen her but had not spoken with her. Also on the tour was a man who had read all of her books.
ReplyDeleteAnother good review. I'm going to start reading them if I can find any. How cool that you got to sit in the chair she wrote in.
ReplyDeleteI read a lot of her work in the '80s and '90. Don't remember if this was one. Might be time to read it again. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'll be going steady with Ngaio Marsh all winter. Thanks for another great review.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge Ngaio Marsh fan! So lovely to see someone review her.
ReplyDeleteIf you're just starting, Death in a White Tie is the only book to be something of a sequel and if at all possible, you should read Artists in Crime first. It's not the mystery that continues on, but the events in Alleyn's personal life that play out over the two books.
And if you think Death in a White Tie is good, you'll love Artists in Crime. It's my favorite of her novels, with White Tie a close second.
PS: Warren, Christchurch is on my bucket list! Have a fabulous time.
I've always enjoyed Ngaio Marsh's work, although it does tend toward "1st world" problems. Her books are well executed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. This has always been one of my favorite Marsh mysteries. As a mystery, it's a telling portrayal of upper class England. On a sentimental note, I believe this is the novel wherein Alleyn secures his relationship with Troy.
ReplyDeleteOkay, time for me to reread these books!
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