Road to Folly

by Leslie Ford

The mansion at Strawberry Hill rose like a stately white magnolia from a lush green hilltop in Carolina. It was a haven of beauty and grace, and Jennifer Reid knew it was the only place she would ever love. Then murder entered Strawberry Hill, and a mad killer waited in the shadows for Jennifer and the man she adored.

Genres: Mystery

211 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1940

About the author

Leslie Ford is the nom de plume of Zenith Jones Brown , who also wrote as David Frome and Brenda Conrad.

Reviews

[iasa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short little mystery, quaint and charming but not without it's early 20th century flaws. I've not read much of Leslie Ford's work but she does manage to create an atmosphere without being overly complicated.

[Rick Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

This setting of genteel plantation estates reminds me of Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier). As in that story, there are long-kept family secrets which no one talks about; which are gradually revealed.

As soon as arrogant Phyllis was introduced, I knew she was to be a victim. I liked the comparisons of the two side-by-side estates, one lavish, one becoming decrepit. The story is presented through the eyes of third-party Diane Baker, and this is an effective way to move the story along.

There are two murders, and the victims are left with a mass of Spanish moss over their faces. I was not sure if that is the murder method or not, it was not explained. I haven't seen Spanish moss but it seems an odd way to do away with someone.

There is a jarring contrast with the Black servants - they are always spoken to politely and respectfully in person, but when they are not present they are referred to by using the n-word. Hypocrisy at its best.

[M Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of Ms. Ford's best. As always, the observations of the local social mores (1938 Charleston, SC this time) are acute and delicious. This time, however, Ford foregoes her usual maddening protagonist Grace Latham and sleuth Colonel Primrose and we're much better off because of it. Additionally, the murder(s) occur at digestible pace and Ford neglects her usual trick of having the investigators neglect an important clue because of some urgent development.

All in all, an excellent cozy beneath the hanging moss.

And, of course, the domestic servants are referred to using the vocabulary of the time. You know what I mean.

[Mary Stenvall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all of Leslies Ford's books. Sadly, they were written at a time when social commentary and ethnic descriptions shoved her off the popular list. They were not meant as racial remarks as much as common language at the time they were written.