Death in Ecstasy, Part 3, Chap 18 to end with spoilers

[Mark Pghfan]

Well, I thought I'd end our discussion of Death in Ecstasy (I'm still struggling with the spelling of ecstasy!) before the end of the month. I'm not sure where our readers are in the progress of this book, but if you're not done, feel free to join us when you can.

[Mark Pghfan]

A couple of thoughts on this section:

Things I liked--gathering everyone together and springing the solution (two of them actually). Also, the intricacy of the solution, which I have to admit, would have been very difficult to come up with on our own.

Things I didn't like: The characters were so stereotypical, and the language and idioms of the American, Mr. Ogden, were so bizarre. I also didn't see the point of introducing Claude and Lionel at all, much less making them effeminate.

What do you all think?

[Anastasia]

I loved the book. I felt that the author followed the rules in presenting and explaining the clues in the classic style. I think that the author explains Mr. Ogdens americanisms in that he is really just playing a role at being American but actually from Australia. I missed the Australian terms probably because I am so used to them that did not realise that they were not used by Americans commonly.
Claude and Lionel I think were there to increase the pool of suspects. They were a bit stereotypical but I think the author made them gay to explain why they were attracted to this alternative church as they would have been shunned by christian churches. Remember this book was written in 1936. I think we have to make some allowances for this.

[Nicole]

I enjoyed the book. There were some surprises in there for me. I'm definitely going to continue with these books, and I liked the audible version. I'm glad we read it!

[Mark Pghfan]

I have to say that it did end satisfactorily. The clues were there and the motive made sense. And Alleyn did indeed diligently work his way to the conclusion.

I'm glad you liked it, Nicole and Anastasia. I am really fond of the classic, old-school British mysteries!

[Anastasia]

It's always good to revisit an old favourite

[PugMom]

I really liked it. I was definitely surprised at the end. I loved the inspector and his sidekick so I really would love to read more.

[Mark Pghfan]

NicoleG: I'm afraid Nigel the side kick doesn't appear in too many after this, but Inspector Fox does, if that is who you mean.