The Wrong Way Down by Elizabeth Daly: A review by Warren Bull
The Wrong Way Down by Elizabeth Daly: A review by Warren Bull
The Wrong Way Down by Elizabeth Daly: A review by Warren Bull
Elizabeth Daly has been described as Agatha Christie’s favorite writer in the book
titled Murderess Ink: The Better Half of Mystery.
I wrote an earlier review of Nothing Can Rescue Me by this author, concluding that the novel was well written and interesting. I noted that a comparison of her protagonist, Henry Gamadge, with Dorothy L. Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey was not unreasonable. I recommended that novel but noted that it was not on a par with works by Agatha Christie or Dorothy L. Sayers.
The Wrong Way Down, first published in 1946, has me reconsidering my conclusions. In my opinion this book does show more originality than either of the two novels by the author I read before. It lured me in and then an unexpected plot twist overturned every one of my expectations. I always try to avoid giving specific details and I will continue to do so in this review. Suffice it to say that there is a touch of genius in this work. I recommend it very highly.
If I have not said it before, do NOT read the blurb on the cover of this mystery or any other mystery. For that matter don’t read the blurbs on any work of fiction. Blurbs appear to be written by people who think nothing of giving away the twists and turns that authors labor to construct and place with care in the particular place in the manuscript where they are most effective. Some reviewers also undercut authors when they cannot overcome the impulse to expose key information that resounded emotionally which they came upon when the author wanted the information revealed. Spoilers are called spoilers for a reason.
And as reminder to me, it is not a good idea to judge a writer by reading only one of two of his or her works. This is a great book and earns my highest recommendation.
The Wrong Way Down by Elizabeth Daly: A review by Warren Bull
Elizabeth Daly has been described as Agatha Christie’s favorite writer in the book
titled Murderess Ink: The Better Half of Mystery.
I wrote an earlier review of Nothing Can Rescue Me by this author, concluding that the novel was well written and interesting. I noted that a comparison of her protagonist, Henry Gamadge, with Dorothy L. Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey was not unreasonable. I recommended that novel but noted that it was not on a par with works by Agatha Christie or Dorothy L. Sayers.
The Wrong Way Down, first published in 1946, has me reconsidering my conclusions. In my opinion this book does show more originality than either of the two novels by the author I read before. It lured me in and then an unexpected plot twist overturned every one of my expectations. I always try to avoid giving specific details and I will continue to do so in this review. Suffice it to say that there is a touch of genius in this work. I recommend it very highly.
If I have not said it before, do NOT read the blurb on the cover of this mystery or any other mystery. For that matter don’t read the blurbs on any work of fiction. Blurbs appear to be written by people who think nothing of giving away the twists and turns that authors labor to construct and place with care in the particular place in the manuscript where they are most effective. Some reviewers also undercut authors when they cannot overcome the impulse to expose key information that resounded emotionally which they came upon when the author wanted the information revealed. Spoilers are called spoilers for a reason.
And as reminder to me, it is not a good idea to judge a writer by reading only one of two of his or her works. This is a great book and earns my highest recommendation.
No comments have been added yet.
