Amusing Classic Crime Story For Grim Times

When George Ballairs penned his Inspector Thomas Littlejohn stories their humor appealed to war-weary British readers in need of a little light escapism. His third novel Death of a Busybody was published in 1942.

I have long wanted to read some of Poisoned Pen Press's British Library Crime Classics. The cover art of the series is gorgeous. And I am glad I requested this little gem, as it provided a bit of fun and relief I needed in these contemporary grim times.

The Rev. Ethelred Claplady of Hilary Magna and its smaller satellite sister city Hilary Parva is returning to the vicarage after pastoral visitations when he discovers Miss Tither laying face down in his cesspool.

The deceased had her nose into everybody's business, especially calling out the foibles and failings of her neighbors and pressing them to turn from their sinful ways. In her quest for the Christian improvement of humanity, she supports charities that carry on such good works as reclaiming fallen women. Miss Tither has made numerous enemies, all with a motive to do her in.

The murder depresses the Rev. Claplady who feels that all his efforts have fallen on 'stony ground.' (Sounds like a pretty accurate view of basic humanity!)

The murder 'has come at a most awkward time' and local authorities agree to call in Scotland Yard, bringing Inspector Littlejohn to investigate.

We meet colorful local villagers and become privy to the equally colorful rumors and gossip. It turns out that Hilary Magna is rife with sin.

I loved the humor. The gardener digging potatoes has "a huge backside protruding like some monstrous, black toadstool." Miss Tither's tongue was a weapon "which she used like a pair of bellows, fanning a spark of a whisper into a consuming fire of chatter, a holocaust of pursuing flame." I loved the rumor network reporting Miss Tither's death, with the story changing until it is reported that the "vicar's done it."

With another death, things get even more complicated, eventually revealing a charity fraud. "What a queer, even grotesque crime it is," said Sir Francis when the complicated relationships and animosities are revealed.

Death of a Busybody was a light fun read with a satisfying twist and wonderful characters. And to think, Bellairs wrote over fifty Littlejohn novels! That's a whole year of reading!

I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

The Death of a Busybody
George Bellairs
Poisoned Pen Press
Publication Date Sept. 5, 2017
ISBN: 9781464207365
paperback $12.95