From the Bookshelf of Reading the Detectives…

The Sussex Downs Murder (Superintendent Meredith, #2)

John Bude,

Martin Edwards (Introduction)

Start date: November 1, 2019

Finish date: November 30, 2019

Discussion: Group reads

Why we're reading this: Winner of the poll for our November group read.
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Group reads

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What Members Thought

Nov 30, 2020 AngryGreyCat rated it really liked it

This is the third John Bude mystery I have read. All of them have been reprintings as part of the British Library Crime Classics series. I have to say of this entire series I really like the John Bude books more than many of the others.

In this book, we have a pair of brothers, one missing presumed murdered, a beautiful young wife and a gruesome discovery. Superintendent Meredith has his hands full as the clues point first in one direction and then the other. An interesting mystery leading to an ...more

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Oct 05, 2015 Ann rated it really liked it

John Rother, a gentleman who lived with his brother, William, and his wife, disappears when on a vacation trip. Detective Inspector Meredith is called in to investigate and soon bones are found in the lime kilns the brothers operated. When William is also killed (was it suicide or murder?), Meredith begins to look at the wife. But who is the caped man seen running from the area shortly after William's death. This is a mystery originally published in 1930 so it is a little old fashioned in forens ...more

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Jun 24, 2015 Gillian Kevern rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mystery, vintage

4.5 rounded up.

Another really good example of vintage crime at it's best. I saw the solution early on, but I wonder if that was only because I've read later crime novels that turned on the point used here, and that was what introduced the possibility to me. Finely crafted and a pleasure to read. ...more

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Oct 01, 2019 Indeneri rated it liked it

Shelves: mystery, crime, 2019

The story starts of well enough. We're seeing John off on his holiday. It's a cozy family affair, and then BAM! Murder! And Inspector Meredith is on the case.

After the first chapter, the story starts plodding with slow Meredith following up on every useless clue, missing the big story until his boss points it out to him and generally driving all over the Sussex Downs with his driver. I think a full quarter of the books is dedicated to him going home for dinner or tea.

However the story is saved ...more

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Sep 03, 2017 Francine rated it liked it

Shelves: mystery

Really enjoyed reading this series.

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Oct 31, 2019 Jill rated it liked it

Shelves: john-bude

I do think this was very slightly better than the first book in the Meredith series, but still not a very good book. Almost from the start I knew what was going on and what the outcome would be. I realise this is more about police procedure, but the idea just didn't occur to detective. His numerous journeys going backwards and forwards did become tedious after a while. I know he had to have proof to charge someone, but he just seemed to have no idea. ...more

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