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Arnold Landon #2
Most Cunning Workmen
Called in to catalogue the library of a medieval manor about to be sold to an American conglomerate, antiquarian Arnold Landon finds himself embroiled in property disputes, corporate politics, and murder
182 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1985
About the author
Roy Lewis
178 books76 followersJohn Royston Lewis, who published his fiction under the name Roy Lewis, was a prominent English crime writer who wrote more than 60 novels. He was also a teacher, and he taught Law for 10 years before being appointed as One of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Further & Higher Education. He lived in the north of England where many of his novels are set.
Lewis is also the author of several law texts, which he published under the name J.R. Lewis.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Lewis is also the author of several law texts, which he published under the name J.R. Lewis.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 3, 2022
‘Land has always been the most precious commodity of all in England. English Law has always recognized that land is the one immovable — the concept of real property concerns the right to hold the res, the thing itself. Building on that land strengthened title to it, in a sense, but ownership of the land remained, whatever happened to the building. And within families, it meant the land should not be split up into small parcels — so the eldest son inherited.’ [page 74]
This 2nd book in the Arnold Landon mystery series was a delightful exposition of how history can have an effect on inheritance law and ultimate ownership of property in England. Arnold had been sent by the Planning Comission to Oakham Manor in Northumbria to catalog the manor's library holdings on behalf of the Historical Society. He cam upon a centuries old document that triggered his curiosity about how the Oakham estate was passed down through the generations to Tina Valance, the current resident of the Manor. Amidst questionable business dealings by an American company and another claimant to the estate, Arnold discovers a secret passageway under the manor reflecting back to the original ownership of the abbey that predated the manor house and that ultimately impacted on the current business dealings.
As a retired (American) lawyer, I've always had a particular interest in the history of property law and was immediately drawn into the story. Yes, there was a murder with red herrings galor, but ultimately the history and Arnold's faithful doggedness to it was what really fascinated me.
I note also that the book was written and set in the 1980s and was an interesting reminder of the advances in technology over the past 40 years!
This 2nd book in the Arnold Landon mystery series was a delightful exposition of how history can have an effect on inheritance law and ultimate ownership of property in England. Arnold had been sent by the Planning Comission to Oakham Manor in Northumbria to catalog the manor's library holdings on behalf of the Historical Society. He cam upon a centuries old document that triggered his curiosity about how the Oakham estate was passed down through the generations to Tina Valance, the current resident of the Manor. Amidst questionable business dealings by an American company and another claimant to the estate, Arnold discovers a secret passageway under the manor reflecting back to the original ownership of the abbey that predated the manor house and that ultimately impacted on the current business dealings.
As a retired (American) lawyer, I've always had a particular interest in the history of property law and was immediately drawn into the story. Yes, there was a murder with red herrings galor, but ultimately the history and Arnold's faithful doggedness to it was what really fascinated me.
I note also that the book was written and set in the 1980s and was an interesting reminder of the advances in technology over the past 40 years!
May 8, 2021
Intriguing
Why is it that you cannot wait to get to the end of a good book because it is such an enjoyable story but then you need it to continue because you do not want it to end. I find this with all Roy Lewis books with Arnold Landon as the lead character. Having already read the whole series from the library many years ago it is brilliant that they are being made into Ebooks. His books remind me of how Agatha Christie brings a story together. Bring on the next in the series please as soon as possible.
Why is it that you cannot wait to get to the end of a good book because it is such an enjoyable story but then you need it to continue because you do not want it to end. I find this with all Roy Lewis books with Arnold Landon as the lead character. Having already read the whole series from the library many years ago it is brilliant that they are being made into Ebooks. His books remind me of how Agatha Christie brings a story together. Bring on the next in the series please as soon as possible.
February 8, 2024
I am only two books in but I LOVE this series! Lewis's writing is intelligent, hilarious and, most importantly, discusses history in a completely new way for me. Also, as I mentioned in my previous reviews of both the Eric Ward series and this series, I am in awe of Lewis's ability to make areas I considered mind-numbingly boring (merchant banking, shipping legal issues, planning permissions, land disputes) breathtakingly fascinating.
"Murder in the Manor" is another excellent mystery full of twists and turns and fascinating historical details.
"Murder in the Manor" is another excellent mystery full of twists and turns and fascinating historical details.
July 11, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story in spite of some reservations. I don't like it when an author tells you what you should think of a character by the expression on his face. It was easy to tell who the villains were by Lewis's description--and his interpretations of them. I also was reminded of Nancy Drew mysteries when someone often manages to overhear a conversation that gives everything away. Plus a secret tunnel! I shouldn't complain because I kept reading to find out how it would end.
January 17, 2022
Arnold Landon is spending his vacation cataloguing the library at the manor. There are two cousins and a company from the states trying to see who will have ownership of the manor. A man's body is found in a ditch nearby. While Arnold is there he finds a tunnel and goes to investigate. What will become of the manor. Only one of the people involved really loves it and has lived there most of her life.
March 21, 2024
Such a different protagonist and such a different book. Set in (I think) the late 1970s-early 1980's even that setting (without cell phones and rapid data availability) seems already as ancient as the WW1 books. Arnold is without a formal education but has a remarkable mind. His interests are wood and stone and history..... amazing how that fits into a murder mystery! Have patience and read this one!
May 13, 2021
Enthralling read
I enjoyed reading more about Arnold and his fascination with wood, especially in ancient buildings. The new characters who were skilfully crafted to interact with each other, which gave a few suspects with intriguing motives. A fast paced mystery which left me very satisfied. I look forward to reading more about this unique character.
I enjoyed reading more about Arnold and his fascination with wood, especially in ancient buildings. The new characters who were skilfully crafted to interact with each other, which gave a few suspects with intriguing motives. A fast paced mystery which left me very satisfied. I look forward to reading more about this unique character.
June 28, 2021
Another Winner
This is the 2nd book in the series and I immediately picked up after reading book 1. I also picked up book3--that's how good Roy Lewis is, and also the lead character Arnold Landon.
I will definitely be reading all books in this series, and probably start another of his collections.
I highly recommend you try this.
This is the 2nd book in the series and I immediately picked up after reading book 1. I also picked up book3--that's how good Roy Lewis is, and also the lead character Arnold Landon.
I will definitely be reading all books in this series, and probably start another of his collections.
I highly recommend you try this.
February 23, 2022
Very good!
Another intriguing murder mystery by Roy Lewis involving murder, medieval history and insights into the cutthroat world of international business and stock trading. I didn’t know a lot about the latter, but Lewis’ writing style grabs and pulls me through the many twists, turns and surprises.
Another intriguing murder mystery by Roy Lewis involving murder, medieval history and insights into the cutthroat world of international business and stock trading. I didn’t know a lot about the latter, but Lewis’ writing style grabs and pulls me through the many twists, turns and surprises.
March 3, 2022
Unusual lead character
This is the 2nd book I have read in the series and I fear (I have read all the Eric Ward series) that this series follows the same formula. I still enjoyed both stories and as I love history there was a lot to like. I just downloaded #3 so ill see if the familiar feeling I get continues. Good read!
This is the 2nd book I have read in the series and I fear (I have read all the Eric Ward series) that this series follows the same formula. I still enjoyed both stories and as I love history there was a lot to like. I just downloaded #3 so ill see if the familiar feeling I get continues. Good read!
September 30, 2024
I really like Arnold and I sympathize with him, with feeling betrayed, what with his apparent inability to actually make friends. The case itself was interesting but the beginning was really long, just like most of the chapters that weren't about Arnold and his exploits in and around the manor. That's why only 3 stars.
May 22, 2021
What Could A Tunnel Mean
This is a delightful mystery that will hold your attention all the way through. Murder and conspiracy reign in the middle of an important business deal. Who knew that a hidden tunnel in an old mansion could hold so many secrets. An exciting read!
This is a delightful mystery that will hold your attention all the way through. Murder and conspiracy reign in the middle of an important business deal. Who knew that a hidden tunnel in an old mansion could hold so many secrets. An exciting read!
July 23, 2021
Different and enjoyable
This was an enjoyable read set in a time before mobile phones and social media. It is a story of crime and murder but not one in which the police feature - rather someone with an interest in history and a sense of mystery
This was an enjoyable read set in a time before mobile phones and social media. It is a story of crime and murder but not one in which the police feature - rather someone with an interest in history and a sense of mystery
July 26, 2021
Another good book
Another good story in the Arnold Landham series. For a middle aged local government officer he does get himself into some scrapes. Fortunately he persevered which means more books to read.
Another good story in the Arnold Landham series. For a middle aged local government officer he does get himself into some scrapes. Fortunately he persevered which means more books to read.
August 17, 2021
Hard to make it through
This book was very tedious and I almost didn't finish it. I love the mild mannered hero but the business dealings in this novel got real detailed and hard to keep up with all the different characters.
This book was very tedious and I almost didn't finish it. I love the mild mannered hero but the business dealings in this novel got real detailed and hard to keep up with all the different characters.
September 2, 2023
Every one of these books in this series is so good. It is just the right mix of historical information about medieval architecture in England and good old fashioned murder mystery. I continue to be a big fan of the main character.
Read
May 12, 2025Read to about 60+ pages and unfortunately this book did not hold my interest as much as the first in the series did. I really didn't like any of the characters I met and found the story slow going. Setting this aside and will pick up the next in the series hoping for a better experience.
June 5, 2021
A great read
A superb book to read. Keeps you interested and draws you in. I read it in one go as couldn’t put it down
A superb book to read. Keeps you interested and draws you in. I read it in one go as couldn’t put it down
June 14, 2021
The Arnold Landon series is pure excellence!
June 20, 2021
A very nice and enjoyable murder story.
July 20, 2021
Not one of the best
I was not overall impressed with this read lots of flannel story was wrapped over the last few pages. Would not recommend
I was not overall impressed with this read lots of flannel story was wrapped over the last few pages. Would not recommend
September 7, 2021
Murder in the Manor review
A very absorbed ing and entertaining murder mystery that also involves international big business wheeling and dealings. Very enjoyable to read.
A very absorbed ing and entertaining murder mystery that also involves international big business wheeling and dealings. Very enjoyable to read.
September 25, 2021
unusual
A very interesting book of times past, and the present
With twists and turns that may lead to answers, or not
A very interesting book of times past, and the present
With twists and turns that may lead to answers, or not
July 10, 2022
Wonderful mystery
Love this series, quirky mystery and great story line. On to the next in the series. Great to have discovered these books.
Love this series, quirky mystery and great story line. On to the next in the series. Great to have discovered these books.
December 18, 2022
Another slow burning storyline but because the main character has been laid out in the first story then its not as long drawn out in this one. A good storyline and enjoyed the book!
August 31, 2021
Unputdownable !
Read every spare moment and when I should have been doing something else !
The devil is in the detail. Enjoy
Read every spare moment and when I should have been doing something else !
The devil is in the detail. Enjoy
July 24, 2022
boring
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews