The Man of Gold

Harriet Unwin Mystery #2

by H.R.F. Keating, Evelyn Hervey

Miss Unwin, a nanny in Victorian England, must unravel the threads of an unusual domestic affair when murder disrupts the wealthy Partington household

182 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Henry Reymond Fitzwalter Keating was an English writer of crime fiction most notable for his series of novels featuring Inspector Ghote of the Bombay CID.

H. R. F. KEATING was well versed in the worlds of crime, fiction and nonfiction. He was the crime books reviewer for The Times for fifteen years, as well as serving as the chairman of the Crime Writers Association and the Society of Authors. He won the CWA Gold Dagger Award twice, and in 1996 was awarded the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger for outstanding service to crime fiction.

Series:
. Inspector Ghote
. Harriet Martens

Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Perfectly Criminal

Reviews

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Description: Harriet Unwin, that prim, proper Victorian nanny who first captivated mystery fans in The GOVERNESS, is back once again, this time trying to save her new employee from going to the gallows for poisoning his wicked, miserly, and mean-spirited father.

To Scotland Yard, it’s an open-and-shut case: at age thirty, the widowed Riochard Partington just finally gets sick of living like a pauper while knowing that the income from his father’s pin factory is more than enough for him and his twin daughters to live a life of luxury. So, according to police theories, the dastardly, money-hungry son begins spiking his father’s food and drink with small dashes of arsenic until the old man finally keels over and dies.

But Harriet Unwin is equally convinced the police are shutting the case on the wrong man.

Read by Sheila Mitchell. H R F Keating writing as Evelyn Hervey

Keating does a good line in short, fun mysteries which are simply perfect as background to real life.

More?

Harriet Unwin Series:
3* The Governess
3* The Man of Gold
TR Into the Valley of Death

2* Inspector Ghote's Good Crusade (Inspector Ghote, #2)
3* The Murder of the Maharajah (Inspector Ghote, #12)
2* Inspector Ghote's First Case (Inspector Ghote, #25)

[Nona · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this started off OK. I understood the period in history it was written in and accepted the large amount of extra effusive language written in many of the chapters. However, when I did some more research on the book and noted when and by whom it was written, I began to change my evaluations. H.R.F. KEATING, or Evelyn HARVEY used a great deal of writer's privilege trying to convince the reader of its authenticity of the period. She copied what she thought was the correct use of dialogue, but did not succeed or else I would never have had to do any research.
But I accepted this and continued, albeit with some trepidation, as the Governess seemed to have far too much independence of mind and body as well as being a contrite and humble servant. Problem here; but I pushed on and began to visualise what I thought the ending would be, conjuring up many scenarios which I shall not relate here, not wanting to spoil anyone's reading. However, yes a very BIG however; the ending stumped me. We are always built up to great heights towards the end of a book of this type, i.e. solving a murder, but this ending is ridiculous and such a letdown.
To such an extent I don't think I will bother with any more of this author's offerings.
Not recommended.
And I would really like to hear from other readers who have read this book as to what they think of my review.