Who Killed the Curate?: A Christmas Mystery

This book follows two story lines. The most obvious, of course, is in the title. Who, indeed, killed the curate? By the time you have finished the book, you will have the answer. The second, and much more interesting story line, follows the seemingly empty-headed, twenty-one year old socialite Lady Lupin after she meets and quickly marries a man no one would have ever thought she would find attractive. The man in question is a 43 year old vicar of a small church in a small town. This second story line follows her somewhat difficult adjustment to life in a small town as a young vicar's wife. This is why I rated the book as deserving four stars. The author writes convincingly of Lady Lupin missing her easy-going, fun-seeking single life in London while still finding the sacrifice worth while in her happy marriage. If you are looking for a tight, logical, and riveting mystery, you probably want to keep looking. However, if you like a bit of a cozy British mystery with character development, look no further. The author introduces us to Lady Lupin and her husband, but you also get to know some other characters that I hope make an appearance in the subsequent novels written by this author. Further, I enjoyed the setting-- England in the late 1930's I believe-- and through the authors writing of the story, I got to know what life was like during that time.

I enjoyed this book so much. Would make a wonderful play, the dialog is witty and quick and the mystery intrigues you. A real British classic. Don't miss it, I can't wait to read more.

Rue Morgue has done mystery fans a favor with their reprints of vintage British mysteries, and I found this story by Joan Coggin (known also for her school stories written as Joanna Lloyd - sadly, these are long OP) absolutely charming. Lady Lupin and her friend Duds are inane detectives but are very funny and well intentioned. Vicarage life is depicted in a way that seems both realistic and hysterical. I can't wait to read more.