Death in the Garden

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Elizabeth Ironside (aka Lady Catherine Manning). The multiple points of view, expressed in different forms--ie straight narrative, fictional excerpts from books, diaries, and genuine dialogue--made for a lovely novel which I read slowly to savor both the characters and the language. In time, the novel takes place in the mid 20s, at the home and in the world of Diana Pollexfen then moves to present day London and the life of solicitor Helena Fox, who ends up investigating Diana Pollexfen's life and the murder that occurred at her house. The trauma and shell shock of World War I and the Russian Revolution impact all the 20s characters while socialism, feminism, and adultery color the views of the present day character and bias their judgments of the past. With approach of a sensitive historian (ie multiple sources & acknowledgment of bias), Ironside brings great observational skill and humane compassion and understanding to her characters, thus, to her novel.

I ordered this book because the description promised an entertaining mystery set in post-war England. Yes, it was that, but much more! From the beginning, the reader is drawn into another world, another era, populated with richly detailed characters and intriguing hints of past events. Ultimately I was able to guess what happened, but I was successful only because the author has done an outstanding job of fleshing out the personalities of the key players. I am now in search of every book this author has produced!

This book was a wonderful surprise. I had not been aware of Elizabeth Ironside (the nom de plume for Lady Catherine Manning), until I read a recommendation for this book. I took a chance and ordered it. This is one of the most literate of British mysteries. At times, the writing took my breath away. It is rare to find this kind of prose, and I ordered a second book by this author. I was not disappointed. To read Death in the Garden, is to read the finest descriptive writing available today. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I gave the book to a friend, and she called me to rave about the writing. It is that good!

I read about three mysteries each week, and this is one of the very, very best. It has history (the'20s, when the murder occurred) but also a contemporary perspective on that history (the main character (Helena) trying to reconstruct the murder). Portions of the book are written from each perspective. Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of the book is the way the lives of the characters from the '20s and the lives of Helena and the other contemporary characters illuminate each other -- not so much factually as emotionally. I could not put it down, and I wished that it were at least twice as long.

I enjoy British psychological fiction. Have for years. But I'd never heard of Eliz Ironside before this title. After reading Death in the Garden, I'm a huge fan of Ironside's. This book takes place in the present and during the early adulthood of the main character's great aunt. The aunt travels among the beautiful people. At the same time she's an independent woman - something her husband and most of society at the time doesn't care for. She surrounds herself with artists and contemporary literati. Our focal character is contemporary, hard working, interesting and unhappy. Great combination. The current great niece explores the independent and fascinating great aunt's past, a past that includes - among the parties - murder. I can't say much more because I want you to enjoy it as much as I did. Read this book. I promise you'll have fun and feel like you've spent your hours among the most fascinating characters.