The Ashiel Mystery

by Charles Bryce

When Sir Arthur Byrne fell ill, after three summers at his post in the little consulate that overlooked the lonely waters of the Black Sea, he applied for sick leave. Having obtained it, he hurried home to scatter guineas in Harley Street; for he felt all the uneasy doubts as to his future which a strong man who has never in his life known what it is to have a headache is apt to experience at the first symptom that all is not well. Outwardly, he pretended to make light of the matter.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2017

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 1915 story was very slow to get going and I almost abandoned it. I'm glad, however, that I didn't because once it got going it was not bad at all. There was a bit of everything in it: blackmail, murder, burglary, international intrigue and a romance element. The language was of its time but it was nicely written with good characterizations and excellent descriptions of the various locations. Strange, though, how people who are supposed to be poverty stricken can still run to a maid. Gimblet is an interesting detective and quite likeable.

As far as I can see, Mrs Charles Bryce doesn't seem to have written any other detective stories but I hope to stand corrected on this because I would read them if there are.

Thanks to Project Gutenberg for the free download with no typos or errors, unlike some of the Kindle paid-for ones which often have lots.

[Water · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sold to me as a "cozy" mystery, and that sums up the story quite well. It starts with an interesting premise: the heroine is raised by people who are not her parents, and nobody quite knows who her parents are. Later a Scottish nobleman invites her to his castle, and this is where the mystery gets really good. It has mild suspense and a light romance, but is a thoroughly enjoyable read.