Cornflower Book Group 2009: Volume 7

 

    So far, the Book Group has read only one detective novel, Margery Allingham's terrific The Tiger in the Smoke (read our thoughts on it here). As that was some months ago I thought it was time for another, and coincidentally it's another Golden Age crime novel I've picked, Cyril Hare's Tragedy at Law.
    Originally published in 1942, I first heard of the book when P.D. James talked about it on the radio, and if she is a fan of Cyril Hare's - and of this book in particular - then that's a good enough recommendation for me. She has written about it, too, in Slightly Foxed (Volume 12, p.14), and I quote her here:
"... there is indeed a murder followed by a solution to the mystery which is as satisfying as it is unexpected. Tragedy at Law presents a challenge to even the most perceptive reader but all the clues are fairly presented and we would do well to remember that the author, as well as his detective-hero, was a barrister."

      She goes on to compliment the writing, the drawing of the characters, and in particular the setting - a judge and his retinue on circuit through the small towns of the south of England in the early days of the war, "the world it so accurately portrays has passed for ever. The setting has become history."
     This then is a legal page-turner, and "is regarded by many lawyers as the best English detective story set in the legal world" - P.D. James again.

     You can read more on Cyril Hare here and find a list of his books at Faber & Faber. Tragedy at Law should be readily available, but if readers outwith Britain have trouble getting hold of it The Book Depository can supply it with free worldwide delivery.
      Next Saturday, 6th. June, is our date for discussing The Solitude of Thomas Cave, so let's put Cyril Hare's book on the calendar five weeks after that on the 11th. of July. I hope this author will be a good new find for many of us and perhaps an old favourite for others.

Comments

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I'm a big fan of CH & I've just treated myself to the lovely new Faber edition, so I'm glad it's your next Bookclub choice. Good to see Faber bringing Hare back into print. Our reading of Tiger in the Smoke sent me off on a reread of several more Allinghams so this may do the same for Cyril & I.

[Jackie (Farm Lane Books)]

Sounds really interesting. I'll give it a go!

[Danielle]

I've never heard of this author before, so thanks for the introduction. I've just started the Harding book (and will hopefully get through it before the end of the week). I have to say the scene at the beginning involving the seal pup and the "sport" the men take was heart wrenching and I can only say I am happy to have been born now rather than then.

[Dark Puss]

I'll try and get this, but all the copies in Camden libraries near me are already out on loan so I'm not too optimistic. For those readers, like myself, who are less well versed in crime fiction perhaps you might tell us what constitutes the "Golden Age" and why? I might have thought that the boom in crime fiction writing in the 80's and 90's that seems to continue today, and brought us Dibden, Leon, Dexter, Rankin - to name a few that I have read with pleasure - might be also be a Golden Age.

Your ignorant friend.