New Shoe

I haven't read the book yet. Oh wait.... maybe I have. I can't remember. I love all these mysteries and who cares if I can't remember which ones I've read & which ones remain to be read??? Go for it - mysteryophiles!!!

I am specifically reviewing the University of California hardcover edition of this book, copyright 1976, which is a very special version, the extra terrific features of which I will discuss momentarily. This book was originally published in 1951 and Upfield pretty much crammed it all in here for a particularly savory cozy murder read. Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, ("Bony" to his many friends and Upfield's regular man who is half-Caucasian and half-Aborigine), is called in to snoop around undercover and discover who stowed a naked corpse within the confines of an old lighthouse closet. The tale is set post World War II at a southeastern Australian coastal community, Split Point. Playing out within a well-established Upfield formula, Bony enters in to this hornet's nest armed with two promises extracted from his superiors: no interference in his investigative activities, and they are not to press him regarding his progress on the case. The local police have initially failed to solve the murder and (as usual) Bony is called in weeks later after all reasonable hope of resolution has been abandoned. Of course Bony's superiors prevail upon him in such instances because he has never failed to "finalize" a case. Posing as a sheep rancher on vacation, Bony initially checks in at the small local hotel and pub. He finds some folks friendly but many are stand-offish, and they appear to have more reason for this than mere clannishness. As Australia's premier detective unearths more and more clues the heat turns up until Bony finally finds himself in imminent personal danger... and that happens not long after Bony encounters a second dead body! This specific edition offers multiple enhanced features. First there is a very nice mini-biography of Upfield in an introduction written by John Ball. Included in the back of the book is a comprehensive bibliography of all Upfield books along with a brief commentary on each one. Finally, the publishers have included an enlightening map of Australia which indicates the location of each of the Upfield mysteries. The binding is of the book club variety and includes an attractive dust jacket. In summary, this tale is classic Upfield, first-rate escapism, and I highly recommend it. For an insightful introduction to the mysteries of Arthur W. Upfield (there are thirty memorable works in all), try: Mr. Jelly's Business, also re-titled and available as Murder Down Under.

I am in the process of reading the entire 33 volume series of Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte. He is one of the most likable characters in fiction. This book takes place in Victoria not far from the Ocean Road. It has a less exotic tone than many of the others such as This Bone is Pointed since it is by the sea and not in the outback and does not involve any aborigines. However, there is a gentle tone as he develops the character of the old woodworker. You will find out what it is like to be fitted for your coffin. (I probably should disclose that I am fascinated by Australia and have a dozen Australia guidebooks.)