Is Anty’s Favorite Steward a Killer?
When I was looking at books to read for October, I got to wondering if The Case of the Carnaby Castle Curse might be an appropriate book for the season. It may not be what we think of as a typical read for October, but with a curse and a graveyard playing into the plot, it did feel appropriate for the season.
This is book four in a series that combines the dry wit of P.G. Wodehouse with the locked room mysteries of the Golden Age of Mysteries. Appropriately enough, they are set in the late 1920’s. The main character is Anty Boisjoly, a single young man who is of the upper class, so he has nothing to do but go to his club in London and solve the occasional puzzling murder.
And it’s his club that gets Anty involved in his latest case. His favorite steward, Carnaby, has been on vacation, but when he doesn’t return when expected, Anty inquires after him. It seems he got a strange telegram from his family before leaving. Concerned, Anty heads out to see what is going on.
When he arrives, Anty learns that Carnaby is actually a member of a family that owns a castle even if they aren’t exactly wealthy. But the castle comes with a curse that kills the women of the family. And it’s just struck again, literally carrying off the young bride of the family patriarch. Her death was witnessed by multiple people.
However, Inspector Wittersham doesn’t believe the supernatural explanation. Instead, he thinks a murder happened, and he thinks that Carnaby is the only one without an alibi. Can Anty figure out what really happened and who is responsible? Or is the curse real?
Even though this is book four in the series, there is no need to read in order. There are a couple of references to past cases, but nothing that comes close to spoiling anything. And there are very few recurring characters, so anything you need to know is explained here.
I always find the writing style in this series takes a little adjusting on my part. It harkens back a little to an older writing style, so it takes me the first chapter to adjust. But once I do, I am fully invested.
Naturally, I know this story would turn out to be murder, but I was wondering just how it would turn out to have happened and who was responsible. Anty leads us on a fun chase through the various clues and red herrings until we reach the logical outcome. I was impressed with how a few of those were slipped in, and I was satisfied when I put the book down.
The characters are good, but they could be a little stronger. Occasionally, I had a hard time remembering exactly which member of the family this was when they first appeared on page. I little more personality would have helped with that. Still, I did find them developed enough to make me care about the outcome.
And yes, I laughed, chuckled, and grinned my way through this book. Expect plenty of word play and classic dry British humor. It’s a joy to read.
The Case of the Carnaby Castle Curse is perfect for anyone who is looking for a mystery filled with laughs. Whether you read it in October or any other time of the year, you’ll enjoy it.
Enjoy the rest of the Anty Boisjoly Mysteries.
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