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Richard Jury #6
Help the poor struggler
Grimes, Martha
327 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1985
644 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
Martha Grimes
113 books1,454 followersMartha Grimes is an American author of detective fiction.
She was born May 2 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to D.W., a city solicitor, and to June, who owned the Mountain Lake Hotel in Western Maryland where Martha and her brother spent much of their childhood. Grimes earned her B.A. and M.A. at the University of Maryland. She has taught at the University of Iowa, Frostburg State University, and Montgomery College.
Grimes is best known for her series of novels featuring Richard Jury, an inspector with Scotland Yard, and his friend Melrose Plant, a British aristocrat who has given up his titles. Each of the Jury mysteries is named after a pub. Her page-turning, character-driven tales fall into the mystery subdivision of "cozies." In 1983, Grimes received the Nero Wolfe Award for best mystery of the year for The Anodyne Necklace.
The background to Hotel Paradise is drawn on the experiences she enjoyed spending summers at her mother's hotel in Mountain Lake Park, Maryland. One of the characters, Mr Britain, is drawn on Britten Leo Martin, Sr, who then ran Marti's Store which he owned with his father and brother. Martin's Store is accessible by a short walkway from Mountain Lake, the site of the former Hotel, which was torn down in 1967.
She splits her time between homes in Washington, D.C., and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
She was born May 2 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to D.W., a city solicitor, and to June, who owned the Mountain Lake Hotel in Western Maryland where Martha and her brother spent much of their childhood. Grimes earned her B.A. and M.A. at the University of Maryland. She has taught at the University of Iowa, Frostburg State University, and Montgomery College.
Grimes is best known for her series of novels featuring Richard Jury, an inspector with Scotland Yard, and his friend Melrose Plant, a British aristocrat who has given up his titles. Each of the Jury mysteries is named after a pub. Her page-turning, character-driven tales fall into the mystery subdivision of "cozies." In 1983, Grimes received the Nero Wolfe Award for best mystery of the year for The Anodyne Necklace.
The background to Hotel Paradise is drawn on the experiences she enjoyed spending summers at her mother's hotel in Mountain Lake Park, Maryland. One of the characters, Mr Britain, is drawn on Britten Leo Martin, Sr, who then ran Marti's Store which he owned with his father and brother. Martin's Store is accessible by a short walkway from Mountain Lake, the site of the former Hotel, which was torn down in 1967.
She splits her time between homes in Washington, D.C., and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
May 13, 2019
Martha Grimes writes the Superintendent Richard Jury books so well-from Jury himself, Melrose Plant and his nagging Aunt Agatha, the hypochondriac Detective Sergeant Wiggins, the detestable Chief Superintendent Racer and his unflappable office secretary, Fiona, Cyril the cat who lives in the halls of New Scotland Yard and does his best to needle Race, and this book introduces policeman Brian Macalvie, who proved to be an interesting addition. But the children's characters that appear in each book and are so well depicted put this series mysteries as some of the best written.
February 17, 2022
This was good (especially as Jury and the gang figure out the clues at the end) but the ending ruins the book - it wraps up quickly, doesn't make any sense/isn't explained.
I enjoy Grimes' descriptions, although I wish Melrose Plant was in the book more. He did have a very important role to play at the Ashcroft estate, though.
"[Marshall] Trueblood always managed to appear on any scene like a voyager on the deck of a departing ocean liner, all confetti and colored streamers."
We also meet Brian Macalvie, who I enjoyed. Macalvie takes a shine to Wiggins as well as Plant, to Jury's surprise. ("Macalvie seemed to be carrying Wiggins around in his pocket.")
I enjoy Grimes' descriptions, although I wish Melrose Plant was in the book more. He did have a very important role to play at the Ashcroft estate, though.
"[Marshall] Trueblood always managed to appear on any scene like a voyager on the deck of a departing ocean liner, all confetti and colored streamers."
We also meet Brian Macalvie, who I enjoyed. Macalvie takes a shine to Wiggins as well as Plant, to Jury's surprise. ("Macalvie seemed to be carrying Wiggins around in his pocket.")
February 21, 2017
An early entry in the Richard Jury series and, although interesting, not quite as good as the later books. Some of the continuing characters that pop up in most of the later novels are not yet introduced, and if they are, we don't learn much about them. Those delightful folks who become a part of the charm of the series are still waiting in the wings.
The plot is centered on the murders of three children which is of course a very distasteful subject but the author thankfully does not dwell on the details. As Jury learns more about the crimes, it appears that a crime in the past is a link to these murders but he can't quite put his finger on what it means. He joins up with tough talking Inspector Bryan MacAlvie who knows a bit about the past crime and is rather obsessed with it. This leads to a rather confusing pattern of events that eventually brings it all together. The denouement is a bit of a let down but still a good and quick read.
The plot is centered on the murders of three children which is of course a very distasteful subject but the author thankfully does not dwell on the details. As Jury learns more about the crimes, it appears that a crime in the past is a link to these murders but he can't quite put his finger on what it means. He joins up with tough talking Inspector Bryan MacAlvie who knows a bit about the past crime and is rather obsessed with it. This leads to a rather confusing pattern of events that eventually brings it all together. The denouement is a bit of a let down but still a good and quick read.
March 8, 2016
I used to read Martha Grimes, could not wait for the next book. Times must have changed. I did not enjoy this book. It had the promise of a good mystery. Three children are found dead and Scotland Yard has to figure out if it is connected to a murder that happened 20 years ago. There were too many characters, too many plots. I was hoping that it would all connect at the end. The ending felt rushed and did not make sense. I had to read the final two chapters twice and still not sure about the solution.
April 26, 2022
This is another series that, for me, is always a hit, title after title. These books could be read as standalones, but reading them in order provides the most enjoyment for me because I like seeing the development of the Richard Jury character.
April 6, 2016
Wow! I didn't see that coming. A stunning ending to this mystery. But I'm still confused...is Robert really James? Which one killed Rose? How did the first Ashcroft brother die?
July 28, 2015
A good gripping mystery, although it wasn't at all clear what the motive was in the cold case murder. Brian Macalvie was introduced. I prefer it when Melrose Plant has a larger role.
January 21, 2018
Readable but not great.
May 25, 2021
Bewährte Kriminalromanserie mit dem verständnisvollen Richard Jury, mal mehr, mal weniger spannend. Immer nett: das Figurenensemble aus Long Piddleton um den ehemaligen Earl Melrose Plant.
July 18, 2025
I still like Jury, but this wasn't as strong as the other books, though I'm definitely going to keep reading the series. 3.5 ⭐
January 28, 2008
Disappointing. The resolution was forced and fuzzy, at best. This mystery is about 100 pages shorter than her previous Jury mysteries, and it shows. Frankly, much of the "mystery" was confusing and there was very little detective work and very little of Jury or Plant.
January 29, 2021
This got really interesting, really fast. I love Martha Grimes' writing, and would not say no to more Richard Jury mysteries!
January 6, 2015
Whenever I need a break from more serious reading, there are a few authors that I know I can depend on to entertain me without taxing my poor brain too much. Martha Grimes is one. I have thoroughly enjoyed acquainting myself with her series of Inspector Richard Jury mysteries over the past year. This is only the seventh in the series that now runs to twenty-three books at last count, so it's likely that I have a few more years of fun reading ahead of me - unless I decide to do a Grimes readathon and finish up in a hurry. Nah, I'd rather spread the pleasure out.
Help the Poor Struggler is another of those strangely named British pubs that Grimes takes for her titles. This one is located in Dartmoor and is a particularly hardscrabble example of the genre. But it is favored by the District Superintendent/Commander Macalvie of the police. Both Macalvie and the pub feature prominently in this story.
It begins with the murder of a young woman in the area some twenty years before. She was stabbed to death in a house where her five-year-old daughter was present and perhaps saw the crime. Afterwards the child lapses into a catatonic state and is unable to answer questions. Ultimately, a young medical student is convicted of the crime and sent to prison, but Constable Brian Macalvie who investigated the case is convinced that he is innocent.
Fast forward to the present. Three young children have been killed in villages around Dartmoor where Brian Macalvie is now the commander. He is sure that these crimes are somehow related to that old murder, which, in his mind, was never solved. Coincidentally, that young medical student who was convicted of it has recently been released from prison and is in the area. His favorite pub is Help the Poor Struggler.
Inspector Jury of Scotland Yard is sent to the area to help with the investigation. He is not welcomed with open arms by the arrogant Macalvie, but they establish a grudging (on Macalvie's part) working relationship. On the other hand, Macalvie bonds with Sgt. Wiggins, who provides him with a steady supply of Fisherman's Friend lozenges. Macalvie is trying to quit smoking, which doesn't improve his temper.
At length we meet Grimes' latest in her precocious child creations: Lady Jessica, a ten-year-old orphaned heiress who lives with her mysterious uncle and an ever-changing series of governesses, along with a constant estate staff and her dog Henry. Jessica's main goal in life is to ensure that her very attractive uncle does not marry. Jury's intuition tells him that this child may be in danger - that she may be slated to be the next victim.
I was just about halfway through the book and wondering why Melrose Plant had not yet made an appearance. I need not have feared! Jury calls on him to deploy as his undercover agent at Ashcroft, the estate where Jessica and her uncle live, to observe what is happening there, keep an eye on Jessica and report back. In the end, he plays an important part in giving Jury the clue that cracks the mystery.
As usual with Grimes, this was a quick and pleasant read with attractive characters and an interesting plot. Macalvie, in particular, was a quirky and fascinating creation. I wonder if we will see anything further of him, or was he a one-off? I confess to rather liking him and would be happy to see him in later books.
Help the Poor Struggler is another of those strangely named British pubs that Grimes takes for her titles. This one is located in Dartmoor and is a particularly hardscrabble example of the genre. But it is favored by the District Superintendent/Commander Macalvie of the police. Both Macalvie and the pub feature prominently in this story.
It begins with the murder of a young woman in the area some twenty years before. She was stabbed to death in a house where her five-year-old daughter was present and perhaps saw the crime. Afterwards the child lapses into a catatonic state and is unable to answer questions. Ultimately, a young medical student is convicted of the crime and sent to prison, but Constable Brian Macalvie who investigated the case is convinced that he is innocent.
Fast forward to the present. Three young children have been killed in villages around Dartmoor where Brian Macalvie is now the commander. He is sure that these crimes are somehow related to that old murder, which, in his mind, was never solved. Coincidentally, that young medical student who was convicted of it has recently been released from prison and is in the area. His favorite pub is Help the Poor Struggler.
Inspector Jury of Scotland Yard is sent to the area to help with the investigation. He is not welcomed with open arms by the arrogant Macalvie, but they establish a grudging (on Macalvie's part) working relationship. On the other hand, Macalvie bonds with Sgt. Wiggins, who provides him with a steady supply of Fisherman's Friend lozenges. Macalvie is trying to quit smoking, which doesn't improve his temper.
At length we meet Grimes' latest in her precocious child creations: Lady Jessica, a ten-year-old orphaned heiress who lives with her mysterious uncle and an ever-changing series of governesses, along with a constant estate staff and her dog Henry. Jessica's main goal in life is to ensure that her very attractive uncle does not marry. Jury's intuition tells him that this child may be in danger - that she may be slated to be the next victim.
I was just about halfway through the book and wondering why Melrose Plant had not yet made an appearance. I need not have feared! Jury calls on him to deploy as his undercover agent at Ashcroft, the estate where Jessica and her uncle live, to observe what is happening there, keep an eye on Jessica and report back. In the end, he plays an important part in giving Jury the clue that cracks the mystery.
As usual with Grimes, this was a quick and pleasant read with attractive characters and an interesting plot. Macalvie, in particular, was a quirky and fascinating creation. I wonder if we will see anything further of him, or was he a one-off? I confess to rather liking him and would be happy to see him in later books.
March 17, 2021
A successful guess about a villain does not denote a plot weakness. Among few characters, this is meaningless trivia without including a motive. Quality falls by the wayside in a trend to please readers wanting to be fooled by twists. As a writer I sense it, if twirling suspicious characters around detracts from solid storytelling. A villain should connect to logical emotions and actions. I do not ponder outcomes. I am the audience, letting authors show a compelling story. This 1985 mystery, “Help The Poor Struggler” seems to start that downfall of focusing on shuffling clues, instead of maintaining profound storylines. I gave it and “I Am The Only Running Footman” three stars, for dense details that crash into abrupt conclusions. Between them, “The Deer Leap” is an exceptional five star novel.
This is a grim “standard mystery” about a toddler witnessing her Mom’s death. It is Brian Macalvie’s unsolved crime, until Richard Jury investigates children’s murders in Devon, 20 years afterwards. I could have appreciated good character construction, setting details, and humorous sprinklings; if they had formed a clear connection and motive to victims of both periods. Martha’s personages were in superfluity this time. A principal family could be omitted, who was merely visited by a killer. The murderer 20 years ago was only known to bygone characters and their motive was unexplained.
Committing deus-ex-machina to generate plot distractions, wastes pages and the investment of readers, with needlessly vague and dense material. I did not finish this mystery feeling that the murderers’ identity juggling were worth sacrificing a well-constructed story.
Martha manages to garner three stars even in weaker novels, thanks to harmonious teamwork portrayals of Richard, Melrose Plant, Alfred Wiggins, and the little girl starring in this novel. I remain a fan of this series with good reason.
This is a grim “standard mystery” about a toddler witnessing her Mom’s death. It is Brian Macalvie’s unsolved crime, until Richard Jury investigates children’s murders in Devon, 20 years afterwards. I could have appreciated good character construction, setting details, and humorous sprinklings; if they had formed a clear connection and motive to victims of both periods. Martha’s personages were in superfluity this time. A principal family could be omitted, who was merely visited by a killer. The murderer 20 years ago was only known to bygone characters and their motive was unexplained.
Committing deus-ex-machina to generate plot distractions, wastes pages and the investment of readers, with needlessly vague and dense material. I did not finish this mystery feeling that the murderers’ identity juggling were worth sacrificing a well-constructed story.
Martha manages to garner three stars even in weaker novels, thanks to harmonious teamwork portrayals of Richard, Melrose Plant, Alfred Wiggins, and the little girl starring in this novel. I remain a fan of this series with good reason.
September 21, 2023
This is my third time reading this series, and this time I'm listening to the audio (for the first time). Steve West does a great job.
I loved this series because I love the characters: Jury, Wiggins, Plant, Trueblood, Macalvie, Praed, White Ellie...although I must admit I'm a little baffled at why Grimes decided to do most of her female characters such a disservice. They are either boring, simpering, harping, or insufferable on numerous levels. And it's sad to me that I was so accustomed to these stereotypes when I first read and reread the series in my late teens/early 20s, that I didn't even notice. Even Polly Praed, who is one of my favorite characters, becomes a stuttering mess around Jury. All women either preen or blush in his presence. By book 6 it's getting tedious. And not to mention how the queer characters are handled. shudder
So now, upon re-re-reading at age 45, I must say that I like this series, not love. I still love Jury, Plant, Wiggins, et al...but the treatment and portrayal of women and young (teen) girls (ugh) is a disappointment. I keep hoping for better as the series goes on, but so far no dice.
As for this particular book...normally I enjoy the mysteries in these books, but this time I was really disappointed in how we were left hanging at the end. One of the major mysteries wasn't resolved at all, and it left me feeling unsatisfied! I don't mind when every single detail isn't explained...in fact, if done well, I like that. Hints instead of long explanations go a long way in keeping things interesting. But in this instance, I had to back up and listen to the last chapter again because I thought I missed something vital. But no, we are totally left hanging. What a bummer!
I loved this series because I love the characters: Jury, Wiggins, Plant, Trueblood, Macalvie, Praed, White Ellie...although I must admit I'm a little baffled at why Grimes decided to do most of her female characters such a disservice. They are either boring, simpering, harping, or insufferable on numerous levels. And it's sad to me that I was so accustomed to these stereotypes when I first read and reread the series in my late teens/early 20s, that I didn't even notice. Even Polly Praed, who is one of my favorite characters, becomes a stuttering mess around Jury. All women either preen or blush in his presence. By book 6 it's getting tedious. And not to mention how the queer characters are handled. shudder
So now, upon re-re-reading at age 45, I must say that I like this series, not love. I still love Jury, Plant, Wiggins, et al...but the treatment and portrayal of women and young (teen) girls (ugh) is a disappointment. I keep hoping for better as the series goes on, but so far no dice.
As for this particular book...normally I enjoy the mysteries in these books, but this time I was really disappointed in how we were left hanging at the end. One of the major mysteries wasn't resolved at all, and it left me feeling unsatisfied! I don't mind when every single detail isn't explained...in fact, if done well, I like that. Hints instead of long explanations go a long way in keeping things interesting. But in this instance, I had to back up and listen to the last chapter again because I thought I missed something vital. But no, we are totally left hanging. What a bummer!
October 22, 2017
Much darker than the previous installments, but that's not a criticism.
Jury takes a bit of a backseat to the newly introduced Brian Macalvie - an ambitious and cantankerous detective who is likable despite his brusque superiority. The murders themselves are horrifying, though Grimes capably paints the picture without feeling the need to drizzle the scene in gore. Wiggins and Plant are entertaining bright spots, as always, keeping the story from being weighed too far down by melancholy. And as usual, there is a highly precocious, unnervingly intelligent child in the mix.
All in all, a gripping mystery with a resolution that left me feeling rather unsettled. Not every story can be tied up in a neat little bow.
Jury takes a bit of a backseat to the newly introduced Brian Macalvie - an ambitious and cantankerous detective who is likable despite his brusque superiority. The murders themselves are horrifying, though Grimes capably paints the picture without feeling the need to drizzle the scene in gore. Wiggins and Plant are entertaining bright spots, as always, keeping the story from being weighed too far down by melancholy. And as usual, there is a highly precocious, unnervingly intelligent child in the mix.
All in all, a gripping mystery with a resolution that left me feeling rather unsettled. Not every story can be tied up in a neat little bow.
October 7, 2015
I've enjoyed all the Richard Jury/Melrose Plant mysteries I've read - until now. I tried hard to like this one, but just gave up after a while. I'm surprised I finished it. There is a great deal of violence against children - a little girl witnesses the bloody murder of her mother, three more children are killed, and a fourth is threatened with death. The "solution" at the end doesn't really provide a sense of closure, and motive for the crimes is totally absurd. I'm going to give Grimes a pass on this one and say she was just having a bad day.
February 10, 2023
Richard Jury is back and with the assistance of Melrose Plant, he will solve the case.
This book has great characters that we have come to expect from Martha Grimes, Richard Jury series.
A new one is introduced Brain Macalvie who has a habit of kicking a jukebox when he hates the song.
This is a case that will be connected to one in his past and will take both him and Jury to solve.
I can't say enough how much I enjoy this series and writer. I have read her for years and hope to read her many more.
This book has great characters that we have come to expect from Martha Grimes, Richard Jury series.
A new one is introduced Brain Macalvie who has a habit of kicking a jukebox when he hates the song.
This is a case that will be connected to one in his past and will take both him and Jury to solve.
I can't say enough how much I enjoy this series and writer. I have read her for years and hope to read her many more.
December 20, 2018
This is my junk food, snacky food kind of reading. When I need a break, I hang out with Plant and enjoy the antics of Wiggins, while watching Jury catch the bad guy. Good mystery and lots of red herrings.
December 23, 2011
This is an old "Jury" novel, by Martha Grimes. Excellent fast moving plot, keeps you guessing and has a surprise ending. Classic mystery!
November 13, 2020
I enjoyed this until the end which was muddled and hardly explained. I'm not even 100% sure about some of the details of the murder.
December 29, 2020
I think this is probably a bad book. The mystery is a mess, the logic is missing, and I think I know what happened but also, do I?
January 30, 2011
It starts off well with a powerful scene, but the plot doesn't make much sense; actually try to explain it and it just doesn't work. And the devices needed to drag Melrose Plant and Aunt Agatha into the story are becoming increasingly strained. The quality of the series really falls off after the first few books.
March 23, 2019
While I find all of her books charming, I especially enjoy how she writes precocious girls. Different ones in different villages and they are all delightful. I love that both Plant and Jury actually listen to them and are always part of easing rather than causing their frustration. These are such fun books.
November 14, 2022
For some reason I had trouble following this one. There were a lot of intertwining storylines and the reader needed more reminders of who was who and what happened when, particularly in the end. I got the feeling that this one was rushed to be published as there were some significant editing errors in my library copy and it felt less thought-through than some of the previous ones.
July 16, 2023
I had about three stars worth of enjoyment from this book, but I think it only deserves two. I still enjoyed the recurring characters quite a bit, but the story itself was not very good. I was left with a lot of questions about why and how and there were several things that were pretty nonsensical or didn’t add up.
January 17, 2017
The effects of a brutal murder that happened years ago are coming to a head and Richard Jury is chasing someone who has murdered three children. Interesting characters in this one.
January 12, 2020
Dark and confusing.
November 27, 2023
Maybe I read this too fast but I remain flummoxed by the alleged motives for the murders .
October 20, 2018
I enjoy this series very much. I have listened to all the audio books and am now savoring the series from the beginning reading the print only editions and re-listening to the audio versions. The Knowledge: A Richard Jury Mystery, her latest as I write this, is a real treat but it felt like it is a long goodbye to Richard Jury and company. That inspired me to go back to the beginning.
When reading the e-books it is lovely to be able to effortlessly check definitions or Wikipedia entries about unfamiliar vocabulary. Martha Grimes deftly enhances these stories with literary references, architectural features, less familiar British words and phrases, and more. She's not heavy-handed at all. Typically all is clear from context and I never was confused by just listening to the audio but I appreciate the nuances of word choice by checking meanings. I hope Martha Grimes somehow still is rewarded for her work.
You have to pay attention to the details as you go along.
Richard Jury often (always?) has knowledge to solve the crime that the reader does not have until the reveal. Still I can skate very close to the solution as the investigation proceeds and do not feel cheated at the conclusion.
Martha Grimes writes about children and dogs with tremendous skill and love.
A note about the audios. Steve West is a pitch perfect narrator.
All of the above, except the spoiler, could be about any book in the series. I should pop it in all my Richard Jury reviews! Most of my reviews are just shelf tags anyway.
This book introduces a few characters who return in later books. It's nice to meet Divisional Commander Malcavie and learn more about Cyril's origins.
Melrose Plant contributes in a logical way. Every detective benefits from an idle wealthy friend to provide the resources beyond the reach of the police.
Very little of the Annoying Aunt Agatha. Yay!
When reading the e-books it is lovely to be able to effortlessly check definitions or Wikipedia entries about unfamiliar vocabulary. Martha Grimes deftly enhances these stories with literary references, architectural features, less familiar British words and phrases, and more. She's not heavy-handed at all. Typically all is clear from context and I never was confused by just listening to the audio but I appreciate the nuances of word choice by checking meanings. I hope Martha Grimes somehow still is rewarded for her work.
You have to pay attention to the details as you go along.
Richard Jury often (always?) has knowledge to solve the crime that the reader does not have until the reveal. Still I can skate very close to the solution as the investigation proceeds and do not feel cheated at the conclusion.
Martha Grimes writes about children and dogs with tremendous skill and love.
A note about the audios. Steve West is a pitch perfect narrator.
All of the above, except the spoiler, could be about any book in the series. I should pop it in all my Richard Jury reviews! Most of my reviews are just shelf tags anyway.
This book introduces a few characters who return in later books. It's nice to meet Divisional Commander Malcavie and learn more about Cyril's origins.
Melrose Plant contributes in a logical way. Every detective benefits from an idle wealthy friend to provide the resources beyond the reach of the police.
Very little of the Annoying Aunt Agatha. Yay!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews