Reading the Detectives discussion
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Calamity in Kent
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June 2021 - Calamity in Kent by John Rowland (1950)
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Who is reading this one? I liked the writer's style and the seaside setting and really enjoyed it for the most part. Sadly this is one of only two mysteries by John Rowland currently in print - I hope British Library republishes some more.
I did have a couple of problems with the plot, though, which I'll mention later on over in the spoiler thread.
I finished reading this last week. I look forward to everyone's comments. I personally didn't enjoy it much.
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I wanted to read it in June, but as you all only give 2 stars...
I am halfway through with it, and not enjoying it much. I find Jimmy insufferable, and wish we could see the investigation from the police viewpoint, since the way it was written suggests that the police are doing nothing but wait for Jimmy to bring them snippets of information. The 'interesting' locked-room aspect seems to have been totally forgotten to allow Jimmy to exercise his people-reading skills.
I confess, I started it and then bailed as I got bored... the plot had potential but I didn't like the narrator for the same reasons as Rosina.
The journalist was remarkably unlikable, and Scotland Yard looked inept throughout. I finished it, but should have just bailed.
I liked Jimmy! I enjoyed the writing and the setting. Maybe it's because I'm stuck in seemingly endless travel restrictions, that I was weak to the idea of a seaside escape. The conclusion of the mystery itself was poor, but I'd certainly seek out other books by this author.
Tracey wrote: "I liked Jimmy! I enjoyed the writing and the setting. Maybe it's because I'm stuck in seemingly endless travel restrictions, that I was weak to the idea of a seaside escape. The conclusion of the m..."I agree. I liked Jimmy and enjoyed the writing and setting. The only funicular railway I have been on has been the one at Lynton and Lynmouth so in my mind it was set there.
Originally I had the Folkestone water-powered lifts in my mind, but this clearly is a single cabin, and so far (50% in) there isn't much evidence that anything about the lift is relevant to the murder, or of interest to the investigating police officers. The mention of a 'tunnel' seemed promising, but if it was stationary at the time, not likely to figure in the solution.
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Agree with most of you, I didn’t really enjoy it for the same reasons, skipped to the end after getting halfway through. Will jump to spoiler thread.
I’m set to start reading today.
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That's exactly how I felt, Tracey. I really liked Jimmy and the seaside setting - the introduction suggests the resort is a cross between the resorts of Broadstairs and Ramsgate. It was a nice change to have a detective who isn't super-rich or aristocratic! I do agree the conclusion was a bit weak, but I definitely want to read more by this author.
I started this one this afternoon, I'm not far in yet so I haven't formed an opinion on Jimmy yet, but he already seems to be playing fast and loose with the rules.
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I had a quick glance at the introduction, though I won't read it properly until I finish, and noticed that Shelley is helped by an amateur in this one too and apparently that happens in several books of the series. In this one the other detective is a very different character from Jimmy, though - it's a mild-mannered museum visitor.
Hm I see there are divided opinions here... well no option but to start it myself and find out!
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My opinion is divided even after reading.
Sandy wrote: "My opinion is divided even after reading."You need to have a talk with yourself. :D
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You need to have a talk with yourself. :D"
I try to avoid arguments with the unreasonable and uninformed.
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Over to the spoiler ...
I hardly ever abandon a book, and I don't think I've ever abandoned a mystery as I'm always at least mildly curious as to the culprit, however, I've realised I couldn't care less who dunnit so I am ditching this one; perhaps I'll try again at a later date.
Not my favorite mystery, but certainly not the worst one I've ever read. Jimmy did seem rather full of himself, although his impressions did match reality (not the unreliable narrator type here). Its also plausible that the police would team up with a reporter they trusted, since he's going to investigate the case on his own regardless, but they seemed to do so at the expense of the local constabulary. Poor Inspector Beech.
I listened to an audiobook. I liked the narrator's voice and the Jimmy he portrayed. I
Reading the Detectives
Books mentioned in this topic
Murder in the Museum (other topics)Calamity in Kent (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
John Rowland (other topics)John Rowland (other topics)
John Rowland (other topics)
Rowland's series character was Inspector Shelley and the books ran from 1935 to 1950. Calamity in Kent is second from last in the long-running series and was published in 1950 and republished as part of the British Library Crime Classics imprint, with the usual excellent cover artwork.
In the peaceful seaside town of Broadgate, an impossible crime occurs. The operator of the cliff railway locks the empty carriage one evening; when he returns to work next morning, a dead body is locked inside - a man who has been stabbed in the back.
Jimmy London, a newspaper reporter, is first on the scene. He is quick on the trail for clues - and agrees to pool his knowledge with Inspector Shelley of Scotland Yard, who is holidaying in the area. Mistrustful of the plodding local policeman, Inspector Beech, the two men launch their own investigation into the most baffling locked-room mystery - a case that could reignite Jimmy's flagging career, but one that exposes him to great danger.
Please do not post spoilers in this thread. Thank you.