What do you think?
Rate this book
Sky High
Tim appears to have had an exciting war, but is fairly secretive about what he had been up to. He lives in a sleepy village with his mother Liz, who is concerned about him, not least because he is equally unforthcoming about the job he has in London. Meanwhile, the local choir rehearses, but there are sinister undercurrents and not all of its seemingly respectable members may have been entirely honest about their past. Then a house in the village explodes, killing the occupant with whom Tim had previously quarreled. The police immediately latch onto the fact that Tim worked with explosives during the war. Moreover, he could possibly be a suspect with respect of a series of country house burglaries. With the finger pointing at him, should Tim explain, investigate, or solve the mysteries? The final twist, as always, remains with Gilbert until the reader stumbles across it.
218 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1955
About the author
Michael Gilbert
134 books92 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Born in Lincolnshire in 1912, Michael Francis Gilbert was educated in Sussex before entering the University of London where he gained an LLB with honours in 1937. Gilbert was a founding member of the British Crime Writers Association, and in 1988 he was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America - an achievement many thought long overdue. He won the Life Achievement Anthony Award at the 1990 Boucheron in London, and in 1980 he was knighted as a Commander in the Order of the British Empire. Gilbert made his debut in 1947 with Close Quarters, and since then has become recognized as one of our most versatile British mystery writers.
He was the father of Harriett Gilbert.
Born in Lincolnshire in 1912, Michael Francis Gilbert was educated in Sussex before entering the University of London where he gained an LLB with honours in 1937. Gilbert was a founding member of the British Crime Writers Association, and in 1988 he was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America - an achievement many thought long overdue. He won the Life Achievement Anthony Award at the 1990 Boucheron in London, and in 1980 he was knighted as a Commander in the Order of the British Empire. Gilbert made his debut in 1947 with Close Quarters, and since then has become recognized as one of our most versatile British mystery writers.
He was the father of Harriett Gilbert.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Read
November 26, 2024A nice post war thriller set in a sleepy English village of the twee Golden Age type, but with a bunch of people who've been through a brutal war, and high explosives. The disjunct between old and new style is pretty jarring at times, but that's generally the point, and it mostly works well. Except for the traditional 'returning war hero falls in love with the schoolgirl he grew up with who is now 18 and thus A Woman but still easily 12 years younger than him' which is not made more comfortable because he's literally been off enforcing colonialism and stabbing people. Excellent final scene.
January 20, 2026
This is the latest installment from the British Libraries Classic Crime series and I have to say that I would hooked.
Now partly was due to how the author Michael Gilbert has captured the air of the sleepy English village and partly due to the dramatic way one of the victims is despatched (there are no spoilers here - he was blown up in his house).
I would say that I grew up in a shall English village in the 70s and there are so many familiar voices I recognise here - all the way down to the fact everyone knows not only each other but also their business too. This story captures a way of life that sadly no longer exists for so many reasons but which I look back with fond memories.
Then you throw in a fun mystery (and I love the snappy dialogue and the fact that all the characters have their strengths and avoid so many stereotypes as they) you have a fast paced story in a sleepy village - I applaud who found this story and bringing it to the collection.
Now partly was due to how the author Michael Gilbert has captured the air of the sleepy English village and partly due to the dramatic way one of the victims is despatched (there are no spoilers here - he was blown up in his house).
I would say that I grew up in a shall English village in the 70s and there are so many familiar voices I recognise here - all the way down to the fact everyone knows not only each other but also their business too. This story captures a way of life that sadly no longer exists for so many reasons but which I look back with fond memories.
Then you throw in a fun mystery (and I love the snappy dialogue and the fact that all the characters have their strengths and avoid so many stereotypes as they) you have a fast paced story in a sleepy village - I applaud who found this story and bringing it to the collection.
March 22, 2026
It's an eyebrow-raising surprise to start off a book called "Sky High" plunged into a post-WW2 rural English choir-rehearsal. And, throughout, this isn't a pulse-pounding book full of plot high explosive. Its main characters are three women (two young), a long-retired general of iffy health, and a young WW2 veteran who has a mysterious job in London and is trying to talk one of the young women into being in love with him. She is sceptical. A few small choirboys come into it.
That is to say, I like Michael Gilbert, and a book called "Sky High," with a front cover of a man and various household implements being blown sky high, is not the sort of thing I like, but I bought it anyway, because I like Michael Gilbert, and it was a lovely book. Gilbert is so very good at dialogue, at plot, at concise but interesting description, at pacing. High high quality genre fiction.
That is to say, I like Michael Gilbert, and a book called "Sky High," with a front cover of a man and various household implements being blown sky high, is not the sort of thing I like, but I bought it anyway, because I like Michael Gilbert, and it was a lovely book. Gilbert is so very good at dialogue, at plot, at concise but interesting description, at pacing. High high quality genre fiction.
December 29, 2020
This is a very good post-war mystery/thriller. Gilbert isn’t perfect with plots—I think he uses too many characters—but he is excellent with snappy dialogue and tension; the locating of the bomb is a great, white-knuckle scene.
January 18, 2026
Enjoyable setting, nice characters and a nice build of tension towards the end.
March 25, 2026
Fairly amusing mystery/thriller set in a village. Some quite good characters. Nothing really outstanding about it. A pleasant enough read.
April 4, 2026
Brimberley is a peaceful village, where everyone knows everyone else and very little happens. That is until the lead tenor in the village choir is killed by an explosion at his house. Choir leader Liz, her son Tim (a former commando) and a retired general are soon investigating to try and work out what's happened.
This was a Janurary 2026 release in the BLCC series and I was pleased to see it pop up in Kindle Unlimited already. I read and enjoyed Michael Gilbert's Smallbone, Deceased a year or two back which drew on Gilbert's experience as a solicitor, while this one captures small village life in the 1950s with classic murder mystery mixing with spy thriller in a really pleasing way. I've got another of Gilbert's books on the shelf and I'm moving it up the list now because I enjoyed this so much.
This was a Janurary 2026 release in the BLCC series and I was pleased to see it pop up in Kindle Unlimited already. I read and enjoyed Michael Gilbert's Smallbone, Deceased a year or two back which drew on Gilbert's experience as a solicitor, while this one captures small village life in the 1950s with classic murder mystery mixing with spy thriller in a really pleasing way. I've got another of Gilbert's books on the shelf and I'm moving it up the list now because I enjoyed this so much.
January 26, 2026
Very enjoyable
February 13, 2021
Intriguing book. I'm not sure I grasped it as fully as necessary for complete appreciation—for instance, the epigraphs from Love's Labour's Lost, what significance would someone familiar with that play (i.e., not me) attach to the particular quotes the author chose? I also struggled with some of the British-isms. Sentences like After a pause the General added: "I'd like to see some of his critics trying to do Q to an army group." probably didn't convey to me as much as the author intended. But language and literacy barriers aside, I enjoyed the story and liked the characters.
January 12, 2026
A highly enjoyable read.
Gilbert is one of the post-War generation of writers whose more modern writing style make their books somewhat more accessible to today's younger readers.
A cast of largely likeable and more recognisable characters adds to the readability.
The plot line eeks out clues, in a timely fashion, and all combined these elements come together to form an engaging and engrossing story that keeps you guessing right to the end.
Gilbert is one of the post-War generation of writers whose more modern writing style make their books somewhat more accessible to today's younger readers.
A cast of largely likeable and more recognisable characters adds to the readability.
The plot line eeks out clues, in a timely fashion, and all combined these elements come together to form an engaging and engrossing story that keeps you guessing right to the end.
May 5, 2026
An enjoyable read set in late 1940/early 1950s rural England, still in the aftermath of WW2.
This is a people based murder mystery, in that it is the consideration of the characters, rather than a close examination of clues, that leads to resolution.
An explosion at the home of Major MacMorris, a relatively recent newcomer to Bramshott, resulting in his death, is variously though to be an accident but if not, what is the reason. Thoughts by some that the major is in fact a fraud does not of itself provide an answer.
War widow Liz Artside, as the choirmaster of a well populated local choir, is in the middle of everything and co-opts her 30ish son Tim (ex British Special Services, including in post war Palestine) and "the General" (retired General Sir Hubert Palling) to solve the mystery, along side the police.
There are a number of red herrings thrown around, but none easily explained/justified by the end.
Bramshott and it surrounds has a higher than normal proportion of ex military in its population (in addition to the 3 already mentioned, of the main characters, the local council's chair and the local police sergeant are also ex military) meaning there is a lot of common/assumed knowledge amongst the cast.
Tim is a curious character. Despite his military career in Special Services, at 30ish he is naive as to women (he is taken by Ann (18 year old grand daughter of the General) but is confused as to how take things forward) and leaves each day to work in London, though no-one what his work involves. His interactions with the local police when investigating the explosion suggest a much more worldly person and indeed raises questions as to whether he has continued his war activities as a Government spy or equivalent.
The locals reach the right solution before the police, largely because of their local knowledge, but more importantly their in depth knowledge of the psychology of the local characters. It was a logical conclusion in the end.
There is some sly humor throughout the book. A good example is the choirmaster's inability to remember another minor character's name, who thereafter is referenced as "Mrs Um", with the author never revealing her real name.
Sky High reveals some interesting insights into mid 20th century England:
- the council chair at one stage has to go off to cross council conference as to juvenile delinquency "There's something about juvenile delinquency that stirs the heart and soul of our newspaper-reading public" ....some things remain the same
- there seemed to be nothing untoward (either from the perspective of Ann, her grandfather or anyone else) as to 18 year old Ann being the recipient of a marriage proposal from the 64 year old council chair, nor as to 30 year old war veteran Tim's own pursuit. Admittedly, Ann has no interest in the marriage proposal, but for no-one seemingly thinking the proposal unusual took me by surprise.
A very enjoyable read. Gilbert was prolific, so will keep and eye out for some more.
This is a people based murder mystery, in that it is the consideration of the characters, rather than a close examination of clues, that leads to resolution.
An explosion at the home of Major MacMorris, a relatively recent newcomer to Bramshott, resulting in his death, is variously though to be an accident but if not, what is the reason. Thoughts by some that the major is in fact a fraud does not of itself provide an answer.
War widow Liz Artside, as the choirmaster of a well populated local choir, is in the middle of everything and co-opts her 30ish son Tim (ex British Special Services, including in post war Palestine) and "the General" (retired General Sir Hubert Palling) to solve the mystery, along side the police.
There are a number of red herrings thrown around, but none easily explained/justified by the end.
Bramshott and it surrounds has a higher than normal proportion of ex military in its population (in addition to the 3 already mentioned, of the main characters, the local council's chair and the local police sergeant are also ex military) meaning there is a lot of common/assumed knowledge amongst the cast.
Tim is a curious character. Despite his military career in Special Services, at 30ish he is naive as to women (he is taken by Ann (18 year old grand daughter of the General) but is confused as to how take things forward) and leaves each day to work in London, though no-one what his work involves. His interactions with the local police when investigating the explosion suggest a much more worldly person and indeed raises questions as to whether he has continued his war activities as a Government spy or equivalent.
The locals reach the right solution before the police, largely because of their local knowledge, but more importantly their in depth knowledge of the psychology of the local characters. It was a logical conclusion in the end.
There is some sly humor throughout the book. A good example is the choirmaster's inability to remember another minor character's name, who thereafter is referenced as "Mrs Um", with the author never revealing her real name.
Sky High reveals some interesting insights into mid 20th century England:
- the council chair at one stage has to go off to cross council conference as to juvenile delinquency "There's something about juvenile delinquency that stirs the heart and soul of our newspaper-reading public" ....some things remain the same
- there seemed to be nothing untoward (either from the perspective of Ann, her grandfather or anyone else) as to 18 year old Ann being the recipient of a marriage proposal from the 64 year old council chair, nor as to 30 year old war veteran Tim's own pursuit. Admittedly, Ann has no interest in the marriage proposal, but for no-one seemingly thinking the proposal unusual took me by surprise.
A very enjoyable read. Gilbert was prolific, so will keep and eye out for some more.
January 23, 2018
An interesting book, which could be classified as a cozy thriller if that were a genre (which I guess it is, now!) The setting is post-World War Two Britain and many of the characters are ex-military--adapting, with various degrees of success, to life in peacetime. The characters aren't too sympathetic at first, but they grow on the reader. There's a touch of romance, which adds some humor and keeps things civilized. And the story's windup--though not offering too many challenges in the whodunit department--is exciting and well done.
May 19, 2020
Ingenious mystery. And the hero and the girl get together at the end (not really spoiling, just reassuring--sometimes in a Gilbert novel, they justifiably do not). Tim Artside is one hero I wish Gilbert had used in another book. He is multi-talented enough to justify it, but alas, Gilbert chose not. Of all the Gilbert books I have read so far, this comes closest to a cozy that he has, and I liked that, too.
October 9, 2022
I’m not sure I fully understood the wrap up on this, and I definitely didn’t like the frequent objectification of eighteen-year-old Sue by a couple of men old enough to be her father, but the characters (especially Liz) were solid, and I enjoyed the many musical references in the text and chapter headings.
October 29, 2022
With a Michael Gilbert mystery, the reader is in good hands. The plot is well-crafted and the characters appealing. Liz and the General are quite a team. The postwar countryside is not quite what it once was. Those who survived the war have been changed by it, but despite tribulations there is a sense of thanksgiving.
May 24, 2026
A not very memorable mystery. The amateur sleuth happens to be an ex-commando (the story is set in the 1950s). A local man dies in a house explosion, but luckily our hero has expertise in explosives - which proves to be extremely lucky. There was a silly romance, but no worries - this is not a series book.
Rating 2.8.
Rating 2.8.
May 29, 2026
Enjoyable, as always with Michael Gilbert, with some nice characterisation, but I wasn't totally won over by the mix of village mystery with melodramatic thriller. To a modern reader, too, the wooing of an 18-year-old girl by a much older and experienced war hero might read a bit off ... but I guess them's were the times.
June 2, 2026
Explosives and a rather more modern post-war crime
Michael Gilbert is a new find for me and I am enjoying his work. This one twists and turns quite a bit and there is quite a shock in the big reveal at the end. Well written with good characters and good plot development. I shall look out for more by this author.
Michael Gilbert is a new find for me and I am enjoying his work. This one twists and turns quite a bit and there is quite a shock in the big reveal at the end. Well written with good characters and good plot development. I shall look out for more by this author.
March 27, 2026
Enjoyed this one, didn't know where it was going for a bit but once it got started it developed nicely. A good range of characters and the plot didn't feel forced or added to unnecessarily; like some books do now!
April 29, 2026
A village mystery from the 1950s with a different feel. The method of murder is unusual - blowing up a house! There are hints of espionage and the shadow of previous wars. An interesting development within classic crime whodunnits.
June 2, 2026
It’s a perfect fifties detective story, yet surprisingly modern in several ways.
It has two detectives - one is if Miss Marple were a couple of years older and had a chance to become a war widow, and the other one reads as Albert Campion parody. Very subtle, could it be deliberate?
It has two detectives - one is if Miss Marple were a couple of years older and had a chance to become a war widow, and the other one reads as Albert Campion parody. Very subtle, could it be deliberate?
April 21, 2025
Another good puzzle by Mr. Gilbert.
May 29, 2026
Almost unputdownable; maintains my belief that Michael Gilbert is in the top rank of 'golden age' crime novelists.
June 2, 2026
Always a classy mystery writer.
March 5, 2026
I loved this - it gives "Thursday Murder Club" vibes 50+ years before TMC. It's well written, engaging and the characters are memorable and lovable. It's witty and fun but also serious and at points thrilling. One of my favorite BLCC reprints so far!
March 3, 2026
Clever, charming, vintage and thoroughly enjoyable 😁
February 28, 2026
Small village, death by explosion, locals set about to solve the crime. The characters are wonderfully fleshed out, the wit on display is laugh out loud inducing. I read this as part of the British Library Classic crime and I am very happy there are several volumes from the author for me to read, but sorry he didn't do a sequel to this book - I would love to visit the same characters again
January 21, 2026
For my full review click on the link below:
https://crossexaminingcrime.com/2026/...
https://crossexaminingcrime.com/2026/...
February 3, 2026
Michael Gilbert never disappoints!
January 30, 2026
My first Michael Gilbert and I very much enjoyed. Good English village setting, so good well developed characters and a plot that kept me guessing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews