Oscar Wilde and a Game Called Murder: A Mystery

Oscar Wilde, the very successful playwright and colorful man about town has formed an eating club - men only in truest Victorian fashion - that would meet monthly. Each member was to bring an interesting guest to the mix and Wilde, of course, would set the menu and the program. When a game of 'who would you murder' was introduced the results were shocking, not just who would be murdered but that those named were actually beginning to be eliminated. Wilde was particularly desperate to solve the crimes quickly since one name on the list was that of his own beloved wife, Constance. This is the second in a series of novels featuring Oscar Wilde as a detective. The author has done a great deal of research into Wilde's life and that of the late Victorian period. The events in the novels are carefully entwined into actual events in Wilde's life and incorporate people Wilde really did know. The stories are interesting and bring this intriguing figure to life.

Often I read customer reviews before reading a book in order to help decide whether to invest my time and money. If you are reading this review for that reason, I recommend this book enthusiastically. My purpose is to make a suggestion: if you have any difficulty keeping up with names, just jot down each name with a note as the character is introduced, since many British noblemen have at least two names and frequently a nickname as well.

The witty, clever, complicated Oscar Wilde and other interesting characters of his era come to life in this entertaining mystery. Even if you are not a 'mystery fan' you will enjoy this engaging book. If you like Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen mysteries, you will probably like this book, too.

The Oscar Wilde Mysteries continues with this second installment and it is as much fun as the original (Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Importance: A Mystery). Oscar and his fellow chums Arthur Conan Doyle, Bram Stoker, and other notables gather together for their annual Socrates Club dinner in which Wilde proposes that they play a game in which they write down a person they would like to see dead. The "game" turns deadly when the people on the list begin to turn up dead. Time is running out and Oscar himself as well as his wife Constance is on the list! The book, like the first, is told from the viewpoint of Robert Sherard, Oscar's good friend and confidante. Author Brandreth writes in an engaging style that flows smoothly and keeps you turning the pages. In addition to the sprinkling of notable names, the book is filled with fascinating tidbits about events of the day (such as the invention of chewing gum!). The series is witty, clever, and totally entertaining. Fortunately for us, the author says that there are more books on the way!

This is the second in Mr. Brandreth's Oscar Wilde mystery series and it proves to be a most impressive follow-up. Having read OSCAR WILDE AND A DEATH OF NO IMPORTANCE, I must admit to having high expectations. I was not disappointed. It takes place in 1892 London. Oscar Wilde, bon vivant extraordinaire, is at the top of his game professionally as LADY WINDEMERE'S FAN has opened and a huge hit. In his personal life, he spends time with other literary luminaries such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Bram Stoker. The three of them, along with others, are members of the Socrates Club--basically a supper club which meets on Sunday evenings. As the book begins, Mr. Wilde throws out the question to the other 13 men present at the meeting: "what person or persons would each of you most like to murder?" Bizarre? Definitely. But it is intended to be only a game....until the next day when one of the named victims indeed meets a tragic end. Oscar Wilde (as Sherlock Holmes), is not only brilliant and cunning in his deductive reasoning but "wildely" entertaining. Oscar's dear friend, Robert Sherard, is again along for the ride and plays his role as Dr. Watson (as well as narrator of the book) very admirably. One comes away from these forays into Victorian England feeling as though time has been spent with the inimitable Mr. Wilde. Tres amusant! More importantly, however, the author's ability to construct a tightly woven mystery is exquisite. The reading is fast and furious. Enjoy!