Clutch of Constables by Ngaio Marsh 3 stars

[Karin]

Constables refers to paintings by the very real painter John Constable. Agatha Alleyn, aka Troy, gets a last minute berth on a river cruise in England while her husband is touring the States. Various odd things are going on, which Roderick is writing to her husband when one of the passengers goes missing, and she fears this woman has been murdered.

This is my first time reading anything by Kiwi writer Ngaio Marsh and since it is the 25th book featuring Mrs. Alleyn, I didn't realize at first that she is normally an amateur sleuth who loves crimes because her husband happens to be a Chief Inspector. Yes, a New Zealander writing books set in England.

[Jgrace]

Karin, I think it's hard to start a series at the 25th book. I've read several of the early ones and I'm pretty sure that Roderick Allen is the male detective. Agatha Troy (Alleyn) is his wife. She's a professional artist. They do seem to always be in the vicinity of a murder. I don't think I got past the 10th book.

[Karin]

Jgrace wrote: "Karin, I think it's hard to start a series at the 25th book. I've read several of the early ones and I'm pretty sure that Roderick Allen is the male detective. Agatha Troy (Alleyn) is his wife. She..."

You are right so I have corrected this!

[ShazM]

I love these books. They go right through Roderick Alleyn's career and include the case where he met Troy and later even include a couple with their son. I like the personal touches about them and their family as it seems to fill out the mystery. There are some set in New Zealand I think particularly Died in the Wool and Colour Scheme

[Karin]

ShazM wrote: "I love these books. They go right through Roderick Alleyn's career and include the case where he met Troy and later even include a couple with their son. I like the personal touches about them and ..."

Thanks, I'll put the first one on my tbr to remind me.