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Benvenuto Brown #1
The Crime Coast
A tragic discovery was made at Bishop’s Hotel last evening when a maid, on entering the suite of Signora da Costa, a rich Argentine guest at the hotel, found her dead body on the bed wrapped in an eiderdown.
Paul Ashby is excited to be heading off on holiday to the South of France. But on the day before departure he is entrusted with a strange mission – to find a missing young man. When he arrives in St. Antoine, he falls quickly in with the local artistic set, including alluring Adelaide Moon and Argentian playboy Hernandez de Najera. Also present is eccentric painter Benvenuto Brown who suspects de Najera of murder most foul, and a Scotland Yard detective looking for the ‘slosher’, a noted jewel thief. Are thief and killer one and the same, and what is the connection to the missing boy? Bevenuto and Paul will travel from exotic watering spots to the dangerous backstreets of Marseilles in their search for the solution to this clever and elegant whodunit.
The Crime Coast (also known as Strange Holiday) was originally published in 1931. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.
“A first-rate story all the way through… there is not a trick in this particular type of craftsmanship that she does not employ completely and to good advantage—suspense, plausibility, characterization and a fast tempo that carries the reader to an ingenious conclusion.” -- New York Times Book Review
Paul Ashby is excited to be heading off on holiday to the South of France. But on the day before departure he is entrusted with a strange mission – to find a missing young man. When he arrives in St. Antoine, he falls quickly in with the local artistic set, including alluring Adelaide Moon and Argentian playboy Hernandez de Najera. Also present is eccentric painter Benvenuto Brown who suspects de Najera of murder most foul, and a Scotland Yard detective looking for the ‘slosher’, a noted jewel thief. Are thief and killer one and the same, and what is the connection to the missing boy? Bevenuto and Paul will travel from exotic watering spots to the dangerous backstreets of Marseilles in their search for the solution to this clever and elegant whodunit.
The Crime Coast (also known as Strange Holiday) was originally published in 1931. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.
“A first-rate story all the way through… there is not a trick in this particular type of craftsmanship that she does not employ completely and to good advantage—suspense, plausibility, characterization and a fast tempo that carries the reader to an ingenious conclusion.” -- New York Times Book Review
204 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1931
18 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Gill
3 books2 followersElizabeth Gill was born Elizabeth Joyce Copping in 1901, into a family including journalists, novelists and illustrators. She married for the first time, at the age of 19, to archaeologist Kenneth Codrington. Her second marriage, to artist Colin Gill, lasted until her death, at the age of only 32, in 1934, following complications from surgery.
She is the author of three golden age mystery novels, The Crime Coast (aka Strange Holiday) (1931), What Dread Hand? (1932), and Crime de Luxe (1933), all featuring eccentric but perceptive artist-detective Benvenuto Brown.
She is the author of three golden age mystery novels, The Crime Coast (aka Strange Holiday) (1931), What Dread Hand? (1932), and Crime de Luxe (1933), all featuring eccentric but perceptive artist-detective Benvenuto Brown.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 15, 2022
It is sad that Elizabeth Gill died so young (she was only 32) as based on this book I think she showed a lot of promise.
Young lawyer Paul Ashby is going on holiday by himself on the French Riviera. Before leaving London he encounters an elderly & unwell man who asks him to try to locate his missing son, who Major West believes is somewhere in the Riviera.
The early chapters of this book were amazing. Gill painted her characters deftly & shows a real gift for description. I was certain I was looking at a 5★ read. But about a third of the way in, the book pace slowed & it finished with one of the most dreaded conventions in Golden Age mysteries - a very lengthy explanation at the end. It did cover just about every plot point. I had to knock a half ★ off my rating but I am still keen to read Ms Gill's second book, What Dread Hand?: A Benvenuto Brown Mystery
https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...
Young lawyer Paul Ashby is going on holiday by himself on the French Riviera. Before leaving London he encounters an elderly & unwell man who asks him to try to locate his missing son, who Major West believes is somewhere in the Riviera.
The early chapters of this book were amazing. Gill painted her characters deftly & shows a real gift for description. I was certain I was looking at a 5★ read. But about a third of the way in, the book pace slowed & it finished with one of the most dreaded conventions in Golden Age mysteries - a very lengthy explanation at the end. It did cover just about every plot point. I had to knock a half ★ off my rating but I am still keen to read Ms Gill's second book, What Dread Hand?: A Benvenuto Brown Mystery
https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...
August 19, 2017
This is one of three golden age mysteries published by Elizabeth Gill, a largely forgotten author who published her first book - this one - in 1931. She published only 3 mysteries because she passed away unexpectedly at 32. All three of her books have been reissued by Dean Street Press, and are available from amazon for only $1.99.
I was, frankly, lukewarm about her main character, Benvenuto Brown, amateur sleuth and brilliant artist. Perhaps he will grow on me during the course of the remaining two books.
However, while I didn't really become attached to Ben Brown, I really liked Paul Ashby, a young London lawyer who finds himself embroiled in a mystery. He is trying to locate a young artist, Adrian, on behalf of his father, whom he has met and who gave him the strange commission before leaving London for the French Riviera. Paul meets and falls in with Adelaide Moon on the train from Paris to Marseille, an alluring young woman who is known to associate with Adrian.
As the story progresses, Adrian is accused of murdering his former lover, who is discovered completely nude except for a whole bunch of jewels. Shortly thereafter, Adrian disappears, and Ben, Paul and Adelaide attempt to solve the murder to clear Adrian's name, while Paul becomes increasingly enamored of the fair Adelaide.
“As leading ladies say on first nights, this is the happiest moment of my life,” he murmured, watching blue smoke vanish into the blue air. “It’s the sort of thing one dreams about on a wet, grey day in London—only better. I’ve never had the imagination to dream of such a day as this or such a boat, or—or you,” he added, only so low that he thought perhaps she hadn’t heard.
Gill has a gift for descriptive writing, evoking the beautiful turquoise sea of the Riviera with gems like this:
“Can you dive with your eyes open?” she said. He nodded, and in a second she was a red bird skimming through the air, a moment later a goldfish in the translucent depths. It was a good dive, and Paul pulled himself together—she was watching him. He went in neatly and for cool moments of silence saw the green world slide past his eyes, saw the smooth stones of the ocean bed, and fish that flickered and vanished mysteriously, before he shot up into the dazzling sunshine.
There is a classic reveal at the end of the story, with Ben explaining all to his rapt listeners. The mystery relies on a great deal of coincidence, as these golden age mysteries often do, but it is an enjoyable, and surprising, whodunnit, nonetheless.
I was, frankly, lukewarm about her main character, Benvenuto Brown, amateur sleuth and brilliant artist. Perhaps he will grow on me during the course of the remaining two books.
However, while I didn't really become attached to Ben Brown, I really liked Paul Ashby, a young London lawyer who finds himself embroiled in a mystery. He is trying to locate a young artist, Adrian, on behalf of his father, whom he has met and who gave him the strange commission before leaving London for the French Riviera. Paul meets and falls in with Adelaide Moon on the train from Paris to Marseille, an alluring young woman who is known to associate with Adrian.
As the story progresses, Adrian is accused of murdering his former lover, who is discovered completely nude except for a whole bunch of jewels. Shortly thereafter, Adrian disappears, and Ben, Paul and Adelaide attempt to solve the murder to clear Adrian's name, while Paul becomes increasingly enamored of the fair Adelaide.
“As leading ladies say on first nights, this is the happiest moment of my life,” he murmured, watching blue smoke vanish into the blue air. “It’s the sort of thing one dreams about on a wet, grey day in London—only better. I’ve never had the imagination to dream of such a day as this or such a boat, or—or you,” he added, only so low that he thought perhaps she hadn’t heard.
Gill has a gift for descriptive writing, evoking the beautiful turquoise sea of the Riviera with gems like this:
“Can you dive with your eyes open?” she said. He nodded, and in a second she was a red bird skimming through the air, a moment later a goldfish in the translucent depths. It was a good dive, and Paul pulled himself together—she was watching him. He went in neatly and for cool moments of silence saw the green world slide past his eyes, saw the smooth stones of the ocean bed, and fish that flickered and vanished mysteriously, before he shot up into the dazzling sunshine.
There is a classic reveal at the end of the story, with Ben explaining all to his rapt listeners. The mystery relies on a great deal of coincidence, as these golden age mysteries often do, but it is an enjoyable, and surprising, whodunnit, nonetheless.
Read
December 11, 2018First of three republished mysteries from an author who died very young. The story had quite a strong start, though a rather extended ending that could well have been cut short. The detective, Benvenuto Brown, is enjoyable (and also one of those types that notice a lot of clues but don't mention them until an explanation scene).
The story is also an example of what I term the Chekhov's Gun Paradox. Chekhov was big on the proper use of details included in the story and basically stated that if you have a gun show up in chapter one, it must be used in chapter two or three (and, by implication, if a gun is used, you should have introduced its existence before it is used).
The problem with this "remove everything not of relevance to the story" approach, is that the reader then knows that if something appears, it is important. An item appears early on in this story, is mentioned very briefly, and then turns up again toward the end of the story. And because there was no other reason for that item to be mentioned, I knew it was the clue to the whole murder, and thus knew the murderer, right in the first chapter.
Content note: Period racism and classism.
The story is also an example of what I term the Chekhov's Gun Paradox. Chekhov was big on the proper use of details included in the story and basically stated that if you have a gun show up in chapter one, it must be used in chapter two or three (and, by implication, if a gun is used, you should have introduced its existence before it is used).
The problem with this "remove everything not of relevance to the story" approach, is that the reader then knows that if something appears, it is important. An item appears early on in this story, is mentioned very briefly, and then turns up again toward the end of the story. And because there was no other reason for that item to be mentioned, I knew it was the clue to the whole murder, and thus knew the murderer, right in the first chapter.
Content note: Period racism and classism.
May 31, 2017
This is the first of the three Benvenuto Brown mysteries. Brown is an artist who sometimes gets involved in solving crimes and the crime in this book is convoluted and complex, yet quite pleasing in the end. The author is an amazing writer -- she has a real gift of description to the point of feeling like you are there in the thick of it all. The only reason I gave this one 4 stars instead of is that I got very confused in the early stages of the book. I ended up re-reading parts of it because I was so confused about the details. I'm really looking forward to reading the next two books though.
August 9, 2019
This is a wonderful find which far exceeded my expectations
The book begins with a newspaper report of two incidents at London's Bishop's Hotel, the murder of a woman in one room and the theft of a jewellery collection from another.
Paul Ashby is the central figure whom the reader follows in third person from here on. Ashby is looking forward to a short trip to the South of France, when he finds an elderly gentleman, a Major West, collapsed in his hall. When taken in and revived with the aid of the gentleman's medication and some whisky, the old man - having discovered Ashby's travel plans, offers a proposition.
His son, Adrian, has got involved with an unscrupulous woman who is trying to ruin him, but has now gone missing. The old man proposes that Ashby head for the South of France, on expenses, and in return conduct a search for the young man and give him his father's letter.
One is immediately hooked, and soon we are plunged into the hot and decidedly un-English atmosphere of France in the Nineteen Thirties. It soon becomes clear how the newspaper report and Adrian West are connected.
Much like Martin Walker the author seduces us with her sumptuous depiction of St Antoine, a coastal artists' colony.
Here, Ashby becomes involved with a variety of wonderfully drawn characters; The cunning but slightly common jewel thief known as The Slosher, the artist Adelaide Moon, the rich but dangerous Argentinian, Don Hernandez de Najera and the artist-cum-detective Benvenuto Brown (who I imagined for whatever reason as a young Stephen Fry. That works quite well).
Even the minor characters are well-crafted and we get a broad view of this town from the mansions of the rich to the dens of jewel fences and the sort of nightclubs decent people shouldn't really frequent.
There's an energy to the heady Bohemian atmosphere. One can almost smell the oil paint and turps.
The only beef I have with this is that Gill brings in a tad too many coincidental happenings, and it is not clear why the murder was set in London and not in St Antoine, or elsewhere in France. However, that does no overly detract from the quality of this well crafted and well written novel. It deserves wider exposure.
As a postnote, It is a sad loss to the world of literature that the author died so young, having written so little. The world would have welcomed more than three Benvenuto Brown novels.
The book begins with a newspaper report of two incidents at London's Bishop's Hotel, the murder of a woman in one room and the theft of a jewellery collection from another.
Paul Ashby is the central figure whom the reader follows in third person from here on. Ashby is looking forward to a short trip to the South of France, when he finds an elderly gentleman, a Major West, collapsed in his hall. When taken in and revived with the aid of the gentleman's medication and some whisky, the old man - having discovered Ashby's travel plans, offers a proposition.
His son, Adrian, has got involved with an unscrupulous woman who is trying to ruin him, but has now gone missing. The old man proposes that Ashby head for the South of France, on expenses, and in return conduct a search for the young man and give him his father's letter.
One is immediately hooked, and soon we are plunged into the hot and decidedly un-English atmosphere of France in the Nineteen Thirties. It soon becomes clear how the newspaper report and Adrian West are connected.
Much like Martin Walker the author seduces us with her sumptuous depiction of St Antoine, a coastal artists' colony.
Here, Ashby becomes involved with a variety of wonderfully drawn characters; The cunning but slightly common jewel thief known as The Slosher, the artist Adelaide Moon, the rich but dangerous Argentinian, Don Hernandez de Najera and the artist-cum-detective Benvenuto Brown (who I imagined for whatever reason as a young Stephen Fry. That works quite well).
Even the minor characters are well-crafted and we get a broad view of this town from the mansions of the rich to the dens of jewel fences and the sort of nightclubs decent people shouldn't really frequent.
There's an energy to the heady Bohemian atmosphere. One can almost smell the oil paint and turps.
The only beef I have with this is that Gill brings in a tad too many coincidental happenings, and it is not clear why the murder was set in London and not in St Antoine, or elsewhere in France. However, that does no overly detract from the quality of this well crafted and well written novel. It deserves wider exposure.
As a postnote, It is a sad loss to the world of literature that the author died so young, having written so little. The world would have welcomed more than three Benvenuto Brown novels.
August 14, 2017
A great discovery from the Golden Age. Full review at classicmystery.wordpress.com
June 4, 2017
I quite enjoyed this book. The characters were fairly appealing, a rather enigmatic sleuth in Benvenuto Brown, a man of mystery and various talents, friend to all and thoroughly decent chap. Then there is his new sidekick Paul, freshly arrived in the south of France seeking a young artist, friend of Benvenuto, on a commission from the young artist's dying father. And Adelaide, talented artist, friend of everyone involved and helpmate in the puzzle.
It involves unsavoury characters, smuggling, burglary and murder. What more could you ask?
The description of dull rainy London at the beginning of the story, contrasting with the turquoise seas and blue skies in the south of France is so well done you could be there. I wish!!!
Ben Brown is a bit of a loner when it comes to sharing his suspicions, but then that is par for the course. When he finally 'reveals all' we see how his incredible genius can piece together haphazard bits of information and lucky coincidences into a cohesive tale, but do pay attention.
It's nice to see books of this kind being revived , they give us a taste of the times, take us on journeys and entertain.
It involves unsavoury characters, smuggling, burglary and murder. What more could you ask?
The description of dull rainy London at the beginning of the story, contrasting with the turquoise seas and blue skies in the south of France is so well done you could be there. I wish!!!
Ben Brown is a bit of a loner when it comes to sharing his suspicions, but then that is par for the course. When he finally 'reveals all' we see how his incredible genius can piece together haphazard bits of information and lucky coincidences into a cohesive tale, but do pay attention.
It's nice to see books of this kind being revived , they give us a taste of the times, take us on journeys and entertain.
March 26, 2017
Try all three of this author's mysteries.They are excellent.Benvenuto is a great invention.The books are well-written and witty and deserve to be widely-read.
For information about the author and her other books please follow the link.
http://thepassingtramp.blogspot.co.uk...
For information about the author and her other books please follow the link.
http://thepassingtramp.blogspot.co.uk...
May 30, 2017
Three and a half stars.
Benvenuto Brown is quite an engaging character and the story zipped along quite nicely with good descriptions of the locations and the wealthy hedonists in The South of France. It was though, let down by the ending which relied on the most outrageous coincidence. However, this won't stop me from reading her others in the series.
Benvenuto Brown is quite an engaging character and the story zipped along quite nicely with good descriptions of the locations and the wealthy hedonists in The South of France. It was though, let down by the ending which relied on the most outrageous coincidence. However, this won't stop me from reading her others in the series.
June 13, 2017
For my full review click on the link below:
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...
April 15, 2018
This book built really well, with vivid descriptions of the French Riviera complimenting an intriguing murder mystery with an interesting sub plot and just the tiniest hint of romance. Up till the last few chapters I’d have given the book four stars as a long neglected example of the Golden Era of Crime Writing. Then came the classic big reveal - and I found myself wondering why Ben and Paul had not shared certain information with each other. Once I’d started thinking that, the star rating slid to three!
January 19, 2022
Review is for the Dean Street Press print edition of this novel.
July 10, 2022
An entertaining mystery set mostly in the south of France. Very much of its time in terms of style, and that's just what I was looking for! Quite satisfying.
May 11, 2019
This is a book written during the Golden Age by Elizabeth Gill, an author who wrote only three books before her death at age 32. The setting is an European setting (a French seaside town) even though the murder involved was done in London and the case involves primarily a British cast of characters. The amateur detective in this case is also an artist/painter with the name Benvenuto Brown. The book started out very strong with a lot of actions and reads a little bit like a thriller. However, towards the end it drags on way too much to become almost boring.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews