The Whisper in the Gloom aka Catch and Kill by Nicholas Blake

[Susan]

Welcome to the 11th book in the Nigel Strangeways series, first published in 1954.

A small boy playing in the park is handed a crumpled piece of paper by a stranger, who then collapses and dies. The boy, realising that he himself is now in danger, flees from the park with the help of detective Nigel Strangeways, only to discover that the mysterious message consists of just his own name and age: Bert Hale 12.

Bert and his young friends are confident that they can crack the case but they soon discover that they will need the help of not just Nigel Strangeways, but of the whole British government...

Please do not post spoilers in this thread - thank you.

[Susan]

I am about halfway through this and it reminds me of a Sunday afternoon, black and white movie. I keep seeing Alec Guinness as 'the Quack,' and Sid James as one of the heavies :)

[Judy]

Who else is reading this one? I always like Blake's writing style and quite enjoyed it (with a couple of reservations which I will go into later, probably in the spoiler thread!)

But I would have to say it really isn't a mystery - more of a jolly adventure in the vein of some of the early Campions or Patricia Wentworth books, with two 12-year-old boys taking prominent roles.

[Sandy]

I will be late in joining but will get there eventually!

I just got a reminder notice from the library about Sad Cypress and haven't finished Philo Vance yet.

[Judy]

The thread will still be here when you get to it, Sandy! I'm finishing off a book which is due back at the library too.

I was struck by how similar the two young boys are to Nigel in personality - they all have the same sort of cheerful determination, and enjoy their food!

[Judy]

What does anyone think of the alternative title "Catch and Kill"?? This strikes me as completely misleading for such a light adventure-type novel!

[Susan]

I think that Whisper in the Gloom is a much better title. Makes me think of London and fogs and secrets.

[Judy]

I was wondering if Whisper in the Gloom was a quote from a poem, but if so I haven't managed to find it yet...

[Bicky]

Detective fiction writers often get an urge to write thrillers. Here, not too successfully but the boys for some time are quite a delight - a different depiction of London young men as compared to Marsh!

[Pamela]

I've just started this, I like the thriller aspect and the gang of boys (they reminded me of Just William!)

[Pamela]

Judy wrote: "I was wondering if Whisper in the Gloom was a quote from a poem, but if so I haven't managed to find it yet..."

I wondered that too, Blake is so fond of his literary allusions that I thought this must be one. But he does say "Whispered in the gloom" in Chapter 1 so maybe this time it's just a literal title?

[Susan]

I would agree that this really reminded me of Just William, Pamela. Used to love those books!

[Jason]

I've recently finished this title and need to organize my comments so I can join the conversation. I agree that this feels like a black-and-white British feature from the 50s or early 60s with its mix of suspense, boys adventure, and rather clear-cut good guys and baddies. It also builds to a couple very cinematic climaxes, and The Whisper in the Gloom definitely feels more visual and less intellectual when compared to Blake's best puzzles.

Generally, I find quite a bit to enjoy here, although it feels a bit rote/predictable in overall plotline. I'll be more specific over at the Spoiler Thread.

[Susan]

Interested to read your thoughts, Jason.