Fear And Trembling
A review of Fear and Trembling by Brian Flynn
Originally published in 1936 and now reissued by Dean Street Press, Fear and Trembling is the nineteenth in Flynn’s Anthony Bathurst series and goes by the alternative and far less obscure title of The Somerset Murder Case in the States. Fear and trembling is a reference to Philippians 2:12 – “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” – which in turn is a reference to Psalm 55.5 – “fear and trembling came upon me”. There is only one reference to the phrase in Flynn’s text, when Gerald Somerset is so described, so it is an obscure title, although no more obscure than some of Flynn’s others.
Perhaps it is because of his habit of selecting obtuse titles for his books rather than prosaic ones such as the Somerset Murder Case or The Case of the White Gardenias, as Christopher Bush might have called it, that Flynn feels the need to mention some of his other books in the narrative. At least five other titles are mentioned as rather unsubtle obiter dicta. The reader who has followed the series can nod sagely at such references but the neophyte hardly loses anything by failing to appreciate the reference. It is an odd and slightly annoying trait.
On the other hand, for those of use who have followed the adventures of the gentleman sleuth that is Anthony Bathurst from the very start is the sudden realisation that our hero is susceptible to feminine charms. He encounters four women during the course of the investigation, one of whom, it is fair to say, is not only almost his match but also manages to turn his head. Who would have thought? Sadly, the consequences of Cupid firing his arrow is not one of Flynn’s artistic strong points and that part of the story is both highly unconvincing and rather tedious.
The mystery, though, is well constructed and intriguing. David Somerset is an industrial chemist and we meet him making a clandestine journey to East Brutton in Gloucestershire at the behest of Adam Antine, a wonderful name which gives the reader an important clue as to what is going on. Somerset meets five men, all dressed identically with white gardenias in their buttonholes. What conversation Flynn chooses to share with us shows that there are veiled threats, concerns, and large sums of money being offered and rejected. We are not told what Somerset is selling.
The narrative then jumps to Sir Austin Kemble, Commissioner of Police, discussing with Anthony Bathurst who acts as a consultant to the Yard the discovery of the bodies of David Somerset and Geoffrey, one of, importantly, his twin sons in a copse outside East Brutton. Why were the two Somersets killed and by whom? Who were the mysterious group wearing white gardenias? It is reasonable to assume that Gerald, the other twin, is in mortal danger and despite a police guard he manages to elude them and meets his maker.
This is another story where the use of newspaper advertisements in a nod to the great Sherlock Holmes allow Bathurst to make strides towards resolving the problem. There are many red herrings and even Bathurst seems to be making little progress in getting to the bottom of matters. However, a more detailed search of the Somerset offices reveals some vital clues, the theft of some books and a disinterment finally allow Bathurst to make some headway. In contrast to the rather languid pace of the initial investigations, the finale moves with some pace as Bathurst and co fly to France. It turns out the story is less about the machinations of an international gang and more about greed, family jealousies, romantic aspirations and the opportunities for confusion that twins present.
Once again Flynn hits the mark in a gem of a book.
