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Sir John Appleby #11
A Night of Errors
When baronet Sir Oliver Dromio is found murdered at Sherris Hall, Inspector Hyland of the Sherris Magna police force calls in his old friend and neighbor, Sir John Appleby, to assist in an investigation that covers several generations of the Dromio family history
284 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1948
About the author
Michael Innes
131 books91 followersMichael Innes was the pseudonym of John Innes MacKintosh (J.I.M.) Stewart (J.I.M. Stewart).
He was born in Edinburgh, and educated at Edinburgh Academy and Oriel College, Oxford. He was Lecturer in English at the University of Leeds from 1930 - 1935, and spent the succeeding ten years as Jury Professor of English at the University of Adelaide, South Australia.
He returned to the United Kingdom in 1949, to become a Lecturer at the Queen's University of Belfast. In 1949 he became a Student (Fellow) of Christ Church, Oxford, becoming a Professor by the time of his retirement in 1973.
As J.I.M. Stewart he published a number of works of non-fiction, mainly critical studies of authors, including Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling, as well as about twenty works of fiction and a memoir, 'Myself and Michael Innes'.
As Michael Innes, he published numerous mystery novels and short story collections, most featuring the Scotland Yard detective John Appleby.
He was born in Edinburgh, and educated at Edinburgh Academy and Oriel College, Oxford. He was Lecturer in English at the University of Leeds from 1930 - 1935, and spent the succeeding ten years as Jury Professor of English at the University of Adelaide, South Australia.
He returned to the United Kingdom in 1949, to become a Lecturer at the Queen's University of Belfast. In 1949 he became a Student (Fellow) of Christ Church, Oxford, becoming a Professor by the time of his retirement in 1973.
As J.I.M. Stewart he published a number of works of non-fiction, mainly critical studies of authors, including Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling, as well as about twenty works of fiction and a memoir, 'Myself and Michael Innes'.
As Michael Innes, he published numerous mystery novels and short story collections, most featuring the Scotland Yard detective John Appleby.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 17, 2023
This is a classic Michael Innes mystery with hints of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors. Inspector John Appleby, having early retired from Scotland Yard upon his marriage to Judith Raven (who appeared in an earlier book), is called in by a bumbling rural inspector to assist in solving a mysterious murder.
The Dromios are a longstanding mercantile family elevated to a baronetcy whose fortunes by the postwar era are ebbing. In the previous generation, the heir and his wife had triplet boys, but in a fit of madness the heir burned down the nursery, supposedly with two of the boys in it, before killing himself—so in the present there is only one son, Sir Oliver Dromio. His mother and an adopted daughter, plus a handful of unsavory servants, complete the household.
Sir Oliver is supposedly away in America pursuing an heiress to restore the family fortunes, but his corpse is suddenly discovered in his study. And so begins a hectic twenty hours of detection, further murders, and arson. There are sufficient suspects and a great many baffling actions to keep the reader entertained, and the local inspector and Appleby reach widely divergent but almost equally plausible conclusions about the nature of the crime. The story was complicated enough to leave me willing to eschew guesses and simply go along for the ride, a passive state of reading that I particularly enjoy in a mystery.
This book was originally published in 1947 and with it we see Michael Innes leaving behind most of the quirky fantasy elements that made his wartime novels a trial to read. There are few bizarre elements here, the worst being the preposterous Shakespearean names, with “Sir Romeo Dromio” the nadir. There is a certain amount of gruesomeness but the characters take an almost lighthearted approach to the case, saving it from being excessively dark. Innes hasn’t allowed himself to be too carried away with the Comedy of Errors references, though some of the rural-yokel material is a broad form of comedy considered rather distasteful today. This is Innes maturing into a very respectable mystery writer.
The Dromios are a longstanding mercantile family elevated to a baronetcy whose fortunes by the postwar era are ebbing. In the previous generation, the heir and his wife had triplet boys, but in a fit of madness the heir burned down the nursery, supposedly with two of the boys in it, before killing himself—so in the present there is only one son, Sir Oliver Dromio. His mother and an adopted daughter, plus a handful of unsavory servants, complete the household.
Sir Oliver is supposedly away in America pursuing an heiress to restore the family fortunes, but his corpse is suddenly discovered in his study. And so begins a hectic twenty hours of detection, further murders, and arson. There are sufficient suspects and a great many baffling actions to keep the reader entertained, and the local inspector and Appleby reach widely divergent but almost equally plausible conclusions about the nature of the crime. The story was complicated enough to leave me willing to eschew guesses and simply go along for the ride, a passive state of reading that I particularly enjoy in a mystery.
This book was originally published in 1947 and with it we see Michael Innes leaving behind most of the quirky fantasy elements that made his wartime novels a trial to read. There are few bizarre elements here, the worst being the preposterous Shakespearean names, with “Sir Romeo Dromio” the nadir. There is a certain amount of gruesomeness but the characters take an almost lighthearted approach to the case, saving it from being excessively dark. Innes hasn’t allowed himself to be too carried away with the Comedy of Errors references, though some of the rural-yokel material is a broad form of comedy considered rather distasteful today. This is Innes maturing into a very respectable mystery writer.
October 8, 2023
At the beginning I found this somewhat disjointed and difficult to understand. Once I got further into it I knew what was going on, but it was so slow going. It is a book that you need to concentrate on, as there are so many characters involved. Maybe it was just me in the wrong frame of mind, but I got to the point where I really didn’t care who killed who and how. At least four of the characters were so alike and the others were females who only had minor roles.
This is the last book by this author that I own, and I just haven’t liked them much so I will not be buying anymore.
This is the last book by this author that I own, and I just haven’t liked them much so I will not be buying anymore.
May 21, 2018
A complicated mystery
By Charles van Buren on May 20, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Michael Innes was the pen name of John Innes Mackintosh Stewart, a Scottish writer and academic. He wrote very literate, intricate mysteries which I began reading in high school because of the availability of paperbacks on many bookracks. I would not put him on the same level as Dorothy Sayers, JosephineTey or similar writers because his work is a little uneven. Some books are outstanding and some border on redundant confusion. This English country house mystery is not Innes at the top of his game but is still very good. He develops his characters, but he puts more emphasis on the mystery than did some of his fellow English mystery authors.
This novel does display some of Innes' dry wit and broad humour in passages such as the one explaining the origins of the Dromio family as English gentry. They were merchants of foreign origin who married into the London citizenry - the Frugals, the Hoards and the Moneytraps. Then moved on to marriages with the landed gentry - such families as the Mammons and the Overreaches. Finally advancing into the aristocracy with marriages into families like the Whorehounds, the Foppingtons and the Rakes. Unfortunately his application of humor in this book is less than that in his usual writing, but there are flashes of it throughout. Mr. Innes also seems to have fun with his readers through the use of uncommon words and using character names such as Mrs. Marple.
By Charles van Buren on May 20, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Michael Innes was the pen name of John Innes Mackintosh Stewart, a Scottish writer and academic. He wrote very literate, intricate mysteries which I began reading in high school because of the availability of paperbacks on many bookracks. I would not put him on the same level as Dorothy Sayers, JosephineTey or similar writers because his work is a little uneven. Some books are outstanding and some border on redundant confusion. This English country house mystery is not Innes at the top of his game but is still very good. He develops his characters, but he puts more emphasis on the mystery than did some of his fellow English mystery authors.
This novel does display some of Innes' dry wit and broad humour in passages such as the one explaining the origins of the Dromio family as English gentry. They were merchants of foreign origin who married into the London citizenry - the Frugals, the Hoards and the Moneytraps. Then moved on to marriages with the landed gentry - such families as the Mammons and the Overreaches. Finally advancing into the aristocracy with marriages into families like the Whorehounds, the Foppingtons and the Rakes. Unfortunately his application of humor in this book is less than that in his usual writing, but there are flashes of it throughout. Mr. Innes also seems to have fun with his readers through the use of uncommon words and using character names such as Mrs. Marple.
April 2, 2019
This is a solid three and a half stars, in the Appleby style it is somewhat convoluted in its language as well as its plot, but keeps the reader (at least this one) engaged . While there are standard characters who miss the point, or add to the confusion, Innes is never unkind. His characters are more than melodrama representations. This is a bit in tribute to Shakespeare.
I like the way Innes keeps Appleby’s personal life well in the background. He is best when sticking to detection.
I like the way Innes keeps Appleby’s personal life well in the background. He is best when sticking to detection.
July 13, 2020
This is by far the most complicated mystery story I have ever read. The entire case takes place over about 2 days, and has so many winding ins and outs, misleading information, false clues, various odd characters, and confusion that it is baffling to follow. Generally I try to work out a mystery as I read (sometimes with success), but I gave up about half way through in this one.
Its a well told tale that works out reasonably and plausibly, and it shows off Appleby's brilliance and skill at his absolute best. The story content is awful and the events tragic but the telling is enjoyable and often humorous in a wry, dry way.
I particularly liked Appleby explaining his theory of criminals, how many ordinary people live just inside the law, but when influenced by crime nearby or a corruption of culture will slide into crime themselves. These people, he believed, are often more clever and awful than ordinary criminals.
Its a well told tale that works out reasonably and plausibly, and it shows off Appleby's brilliance and skill at his absolute best. The story content is awful and the events tragic but the telling is enjoyable and often humorous in a wry, dry way.
I particularly liked Appleby explaining his theory of criminals, how many ordinary people live just inside the law, but when influenced by crime nearby or a corruption of culture will slide into crime themselves. These people, he believed, are often more clever and awful than ordinary criminals.
October 7, 2018
Michael Innes' plots are always convoluted and baroque in construction, but Appleby - as ever - seems to sort out the solution while not appearing to do anything much except think. Innes is a bit of an acquired taste: his writing is full of literary jokes and flamboyant verbiage (never use one word when five or six will do instead) and there's a tendency for the action to happen off-stage. And to be absolutely truthful, this wasn't one of his very best, so I wouldn't recommend starting with it. If you haven't read Innes, go for one his absolute classics, like Hamlet, Revenge! and then, if you love that I'd recommend reading Appleby's End before A Night of Errors - the cheerful insanity of the former will prepare you for the outright lunacy of the latter.
On the other hand, if you've already made the acquaintance of Edmund Crispin's Gervase Fen, and are a fan, you'll probably be quite comfortable with Appleby.
On the other hand, if you've already made the acquaintance of Edmund Crispin's Gervase Fen, and are a fan, you'll probably be quite comfortable with Appleby.
July 5, 2019
Just as enjoyable as a re-read in 2019!
Inspector Appleby, retired after his marriage, is drawn into solving the country house death of the last surviving Dromio triplet, whose hands are deliberately burnt in a fireplace fire immediately after his murder. Why?
Much of the fun is in the exasperation of the detective in charge, Insp Hyland, who is so off the pace. Good combination of professional and yokel characters, as usual.
Witty and erudite, this plot, and the Dromio characters of course, pay homage to Shakespeare's A Comedy of Errors.
Inspector Appleby, retired after his marriage, is drawn into solving the country house death of the last surviving Dromio triplet, whose hands are deliberately burnt in a fireplace fire immediately after his murder. Why?
Much of the fun is in the exasperation of the detective in charge, Insp Hyland, who is so off the pace. Good combination of professional and yokel characters, as usual.
Witty and erudite, this plot, and the Dromio characters of course, pay homage to Shakespeare's A Comedy of Errors.
April 19, 2015
Appleby has left Scotland Yard following his marriage but still gets talked into helping the local police inspector when murder strikes the Dromio family.
While this plot is convoluted in typical Innes fashion, this 11th entry in the series is more of a straight-forward police procedural than several of the previous books. Despite that, or perhaps because of it, I found this one of the more entertaining books so far.
While this plot is convoluted in typical Innes fashion, this 11th entry in the series is more of a straight-forward police procedural than several of the previous books. Despite that, or perhaps because of it, I found this one of the more entertaining books so far.
December 28, 2025
One of Innes's more bizarre mysteries, very knowingly based on Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors (with which I'm unfamiliar). Appleby is brought out of retirement to assist in unraveling the labyrinthine plot (and show up the poor, smug local inspector). As often is the case with Innes, the weirdness is just an excuse for Appleby's erudite digressions (and obscure jests in questionable taste) rather than the actual mystery. Interesting, but not a favorite.
May 3, 2018
An Innes mystery that is a for reals mystery (in its emphasis on sleuthing and police procedure) which, for me, was a nice departure from some of the deconstructions and funkiness that he indulges in. Everyone is horrible, per the usual country house murder style, which I also enjoyed. A recommend.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2019
Three sons are born to Sir Dromio. His family only has twins so he is upset. A mysterious fire kills two of the sons and Sir Dromio dies three months later.
Thirty years later, his only son is also killed in a mysterious fire. How are the two connected? It's up to Sir John Appleby to figure out the answer.
Thirty years later, his only son is also killed in a mysterious fire. How are the two connected? It's up to Sir John Appleby to figure out the answer.
August 18, 2021
This is another excessively chaotic effort, sort of based on Shakespeare with a little Jane Eyre thrown in. I think?
It feels like it could have been a really good comedic mystery in the hands of a more skilled author, to be brutal.
It feels like it could have been a really good comedic mystery in the hands of a more skilled author, to be brutal.
October 24, 2023
Had it not been so well written, I would have downsized my rating of this mystery, given the implausibility and twists and turns of the plot. The labyrinth in the garden provides the perfect metaphor for a very what I found rather a dead end.
May 10, 2018
Dreadful book. Unbelievably complicated, no character development, waste of time.
June 4, 2018
Too slow for me
July 1, 2018
3 Stars.
A confusing story way to many twist and turns . I like a little more character development i really didn't give a hoot about any of them.
A confusing story way to many twist and turns . I like a little more character development i really didn't give a hoot about any of them.
February 27, 2020
I think I would have liked this one better if the ending had not been excessively complicated and downright loony if not improbable.
April 6, 2024
Overly complicated but the wit and language make up for it
August 7, 2022
“Do you know, I am constrained to think of our family’s namesakes in Shakespeare’s play? To the first appearance of those earlier Dromios there was sometimes given the title The Night of Errors. I think we may say that we have been through just that.” – quote from the ARC
I rated “A Night of Errors” only 2 stars, but it isn’t a bad book. It is well-written and occasionally very funny. I am not sure the sense of humour will appeal to everyone, however. This book is funny in a dry, British humour sort of way. The novel from the start appears satirical and it is hard to take the criminal intrigue and the characters seriously. I had an impression the author was constantly winking at me. Sometimes I got the joke and at other occasions I was completely baffled by it and have no idea what the author was referring to. I also got an impression that I was watching a comedy played on stage while reading this book. The characters seemed to be actors performing their roles not real people. This impression was magnified by the fact that most of the book happened in less than 24 hours. It was really hard to rate this book, because I never really got into it.
I received "A Night of Errors" from the publisher via NetGalley. I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with the advance reader copy of the book.
I rated “A Night of Errors” only 2 stars, but it isn’t a bad book. It is well-written and occasionally very funny. I am not sure the sense of humour will appeal to everyone, however. This book is funny in a dry, British humour sort of way. The novel from the start appears satirical and it is hard to take the criminal intrigue and the characters seriously. I had an impression the author was constantly winking at me. Sometimes I got the joke and at other occasions I was completely baffled by it and have no idea what the author was referring to. I also got an impression that I was watching a comedy played on stage while reading this book. The characters seemed to be actors performing their roles not real people. This impression was magnified by the fact that most of the book happened in less than 24 hours. It was really hard to rate this book, because I never really got into it.
I received "A Night of Errors" from the publisher via NetGalley. I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with the advance reader copy of the book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews