Unexpected Night

Elizabeth Daly published this book, her first novel, when over 60 and went on to score a string of successes over the ensuing decade.The novels set in New York claim first place in the affections of her fans, so the seaside-resort setting is a bit of a disappointment. But there are all the elements later to become hallmarks of the Daly genre: the mixing of high-life and low-life; the laconic detective himself; the endlessly twisty plot; and of course, a hard-boiled, middle-aged woman at the centre of the mystery.A final, jocular note: I liked the fine period touches; a weak-lunged invalid smokes "special medicated cigarettes".

I enjoyed Unexpected Night, but loved "Book of the Lion," also with Henry Gamadge, even more. Wish the other books by Elizabeth Daly were still in print!