Footsteps in the Dark

A ramshackle Priory (with no electric service so bring candles with you); Things that go bump in the night, a story about a ghostly Monk and a bit of a love story, what is not to like! If you enjoy humor with your mystery, this book has it all. The only thing missing is Heyer's CID detectives but that is a minor issue. I love mysteries! But mostly I love English Cozy mysteries. I can't think of a better way to spend a cold winter evening than tucked into a comfy chair with a hot cup of tea at my side and one of Georgette Heyer's mystery books in my hands. Of course to make it perfect there should also be scones and clotted cream with that tea! I now have all of Heyer's mysteries. Unfortunately she only wrote a dozen of them. Where as she wrote at least three times as many romance books. Of those I have only read about five and out of those "The Talisman Ring" was my favorite. It is funny and there is a bit of mystery too. But I so enjoy her mysteries. Her Scotland Yard detectives, Superintendent Hannasyde and my favorite Sergeant Hemingway {soon to be Inspector and then Chief Inspector in later books} are right up there with Agatha Christie's Poirot. But with more than a touch of humor in the mix. And you must read "They Found Him Dead" before "Duplicate Death" because a few of the major characters are found in both books and one is now all grown up and right in the thick of things. Georgette Heyer was acclaimed as one of the finest mystery writers and I agree. Now that Sourcebooks have reprinted these, I can put away my falling to bits original copies.

It's funny sometimes, how books packed with so much excitement and memorable characters can just sit placidly on your shelf, waiting to be read. Footsteps in the Dark is a thriller mystery of the first order, complete with secret passageways, priest holes, skeletons and a cowled monk. Of all Heyer's historicals, it reminds me most of The Reluctant Widow (one of my absolute favorites!) with its full cast of characters, most of whom are related to each other. The book is full of hilarious one-liners and wonderful character interplay, Heyer's trademark. I find in books like this that I get so wrapped up in the chemistry between characters that the plot becomes secondary. It's unfortunate that character interaction is so hard to review, really, since it is such an integral part of books. In Footsteps in the Dark, the characters (Charles in particular, playing against Peter) all deal splendidly together, and the book is a great romp because of it. I am thoroughly enjoying rediscovering Heyer, this time from the perspective of reading her mysteries set in Britain between the wars (if you haven't read her Regencies, you should!). She is light-hearted and fun, but the plots are all interesting and well planned. I prefer this one to Behold, Here's Poison, mainly because the characters are far more likeable and the plot develops in a more compelling way. Highly recommended!

Georgette Heyer is an often overlooked mystery writer of the latter generations. It's often exciting just to find someone under 30 who knows Agatha Christie...but Heyer was every bit as good, in a more tongue in cheek way. She added much more humor, & was quick to point out the ridiculous foibles of the 'upper crust'. Her stories made sense, kept you entertained, & wanting to read the next one soon. Just wish she'd written more in the mystery genre.

Their inheritance had all the aspects of an ancient country home including the resident ghost. Learning to live the peaceful country life brings anything, but repose. Georgette Heyer's, "Footsteps in the Dark" with its conventional, but welldrawn characters will have you laughing outloud when following her crisp dialogue. Clues and red herrings bounce down hidden staircases and mouldering crypts as Heyer, at her very best, leads the reader through a labyrinth of mystery and suspense interspersed with a light romance. First written in 1932, it still has the power to enthrall. If you've ever dreamed of an old house in the country, this one has all the aspects of reality without electricity or a phone. A great read at any time, but we don't recommend by lamplight. Nash Black, author of "Qualifying Laps" and "Sins of the Fathers."

Georgette Heyer is known mainly for her Regency romances rather than her mysteries, probably because she wrote more of them. Although all of her mysteries are good--and witty--Footsteps In The Dark seems to be the only one where Heyer went for outright comedy. There are chills enough in this tale of five people (husband-and-wife, two siblings, and an aunt) who have moved to what seems to be a haunted house, but there are some extremely funny moments as well. (There is one line in the book--which I will not quote--which sent me rolling on the floor for fully five minutes. You'll know when you reach it.) Enjoy.