Michael Innes (1906–1994)

Martyn Ashmore believes that on one day each year an attempt is made on his life and one year it will be successful. On the day in question he meets Sir John Appleby, invites him to lunch and as they are about to enter the house a heavy piece of masonry falls between them. Although sceptical at first, Appleby decides to investigate further.

I had a big grin while reading this thoroughly enjoyable excursion into one of Sir John's loopier adventures which every now and then burst into a fit of giggles.… (mer)

Originally published in 1937, Hamlet, Revenge! is the second novel to feature Inspector John Appleby as he investigates the murder of Lord Auldearn, the Lord Chancellor of England during an amateur production of Hamlet at the country house of the Duke of Horton. Appleby works closely with Giles Gott, who appeared in the first book of the series and keeps Appleby informed on the guests and family at the large country estate of Scamnum Court. Along with the murder, there is espionage and a mysterious puzzle to unravel.

I won’t be counting this book as one of my favorites of Innes as I found it rather too clever. Chock full of Shakespearan quotes, the actual plot was intricate but dense and moved very slowly. There was a large cast of characters to keep track of and they all seemed to have motive and opportunity. Overall I found the story rather pretentious, slightly amusing but not a book that I believe I will long remember.… (mer)