The Malady in Madeira

Julia Probyn #7

by Ann Bridge

The Malady in Madeira

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Portugal

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

Mid twentieth-century novelist [real name, Mary Anne O'Malley] who began by exploiting the milieu of the British Foreign Office community in Peking, China, where she lived for two years with her diplomat husband. Her novels combine courtship plots with vividly-realised settings and demure social satire.

She went on to write novels which take as the background of their protagonists' emotional lives a serious investigation of modern historical developments (such as the leap by which Turkey progressed from a feudal-style government to become a modern republic in which women enjoyed equality of rights and equality of opportunity).

Ann Bridge also wrote thrillers centred on a female amateur detective, travel books, and family memoirs.

Reviews

[Carol Kerry-Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this outing for Julia Probly by Ann Bridge. Now widowed, Julia goes with her young son Philip to spend some time in Madeira with friends and to recover from the death of her husband, who was shot whilst on a mission for the secret service with Julia's cousin Colin. Also visiitng Madeira is Aglai, Colin's young wife who is recovering from a still birth following a car crash. They get mixed up in a mystery surrounding a Russian Trawler, sick sheep on a high plateu, and a sick child. What has caused the sickness, is it the same in the child as the sheep?

Julia does her usual good job of helping the secret service, with her cousin Colin whilst Ann Bridge gives us yet another excellent description of the scenery and culture of Madeira as it was in the late 1960s.

So long as you can leave your 21st century sensibilites at the door and remember that life was very different for women in the 60s, this is an enjoyable novel; though not as good as some of her earlier Julia novels.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. It is actually unusual in that it somehow seamlessly combines elements of both cozy and spy genres. Something about Julia and her relations is just comfortable and comforting, making the reader feel safe in her world, despite outside threats. And those threats are real, as the Cold War continues. Julia, her godmother, Mrs. Hathaway, and her cousin Colin's wife, Aglaia, converge on Madeira; and all of them are recovering in some way — Julia from the recent death of her husband on a mission, Mrs. Hathaway from bronchitis, and Aglaia from a miscarriage. As always, Julia
notices unusual activities that might lead to something important. Aglaia is also certain that Colin is being blamed for the failure of the mission on which Julia's husband died, so when she spots a clue , she insists that Julia contact Colin, and not his superiors. In addition to the mystery, there are also personal issues that need to be resolved. Very well plotted. Recommended.

[Lesley]

This was kind of odd: from a plot description you'd expect a thriller, possibly with elements of romance, but the pacing was extremely leisurely and very little sense that our daring protag was in much danger. Also, subplot involving her cousin & colleague's marriage problems, which is partly linked to the thriller plot, but still oddly tied together with the shenanigans. Her own v recent widowhood means no romantic theme for her.

I know Bridge wrote several similar novels with Julia Probyn as protag: possibly a female lead was more remarkable and pathbreaking when she wrote them, but oh boy, Julia is no Modesty Blaise. She's a lady.

[Julia Ibbotson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Ann Bridge novel I have read and I admit that I chose it simply because of the fact that it is set in Madeira which I love. I found the first few pages confusing as there are many characters and it seemed rather muddled. Perhaps it might have been less so for those who had read the earlier books in the series. However, as it progressed I grasped the characters and loved the setting, both of the island and also of the 1950s diplomatic corps life. A relaxing read.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julia Probyn, now a widow, and her British Intelligence cousin Colin tackle a mystery together. The setting in Madeira is so vividly portrayed that it is almost a character in the book. Between the rapid pace of events and the fascinating descriptions of life in Madeira, I finished this (short) book in a day.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was my favorite because Julia was able to put closure to the case which killed Phillip and I think she needed that to be able to move on in her life. I also liked that Colin and Mrs H were back in this book.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the earlier books in the series more than I have liked the last two I've read. There's one more; hope it is more like the first ones!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

These cozy Cold War thrillers are odd but fun. Julia is back working with Colin outwitting Russian spies.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little read whilst on holiday Madeira and being able to see and visit the places named was amazing

[Kris Theuns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable but also startling in some of the attitudes! I would imagine very like British upper classes at the time. How wives and children were treated! But the story is well written even if a bit far fetched. Julia is almost too good to be true.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, and as well written as usual.

[Chrissie]

*********************

*Enchanter's Nightshade 4 stars
*The Dark Moment 4 stars
*A Place To Stand: A Novel 4 stars
*The Tightening String 4 stars
*Illyrian Spring 3 stars
*Peking Picnic TBR

*Julia Probyn Series:
1. The Lighthearted Quest 4 stars
2.The Portuguese Escape TBR
3.The Numbered Account TBR
4,The Dangerous Islands TBR
5.Emergency In The Pyrenees TBR
6.The Episode at Toledo TBR
7.The Malady in Madeira TBR
8.Julia in Ireland TBR

[Joyce Kinkead · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a Christie mystery.

A way too long read focused on cold war with Madeira as setting for nerve gas testing. Some good local color. Protagonist Julia is a smart young widow and mother who outfoxes British intelligence.