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No Wind of Blame
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No Wind of Blame - SPOILER Thread - (Feb/March 23)
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Anytime Ermyntrude and Vicky were “on stage”, I was entertained! Inspector Hemingway was very entertaining, also - he grumbles, but I think he enjoys the drama. Thanks to Ermyntrude’s fierce protectiveness, and Vicky’s shameless exploitation of it to get rid of the questionable, but slippery Russian prince, this one nearly teeters into farce!
It took me a re-read or two to appreciate Vicky as a character, although I always liked her mother. I know I was originally confused and put off by what seemed to me as a switch between Mary, as being the "heroine" of the story, to Vicky who ends up being the romantic interest for Hugh.
But on re-reads I know this is going to happen and I'm OK with it.
Currently I am only partly into my re-read and will likely have a lot more to say!
My previous comment is kind of the main thing about Vicky: you start by seeing her as outrageous, as described by Mary to Hugh, begin to see the comedy in her dress/speech/actions, and eventually come to accept her as someone Hugh would fall in love with. She is very young, yes, but beautiful, smart, confident, and willing to make a scene (and enjoy doing so!) in defense of her mother. Or even just for fun. She is a character that really gets more interesting each time I read the book.
Jackie wrote: "My previous comment is kind of the main thing about Vicky: you start by seeing her as outrageous, as described by Mary to Hugh, begin to see the comedy in her dress/speech/actions, and eventually c..."That's a great observation, about how we judge her based on the eyes we see her through, until we meet some ourselves and can draw our own conclusions.
At first I though she'd make a terrible wife for Hugh, but actually she's smart enough to match him there and he seems to like the challenge of figuring her out and keeping up with her. I think he would have been bored with Mary, clearly he likes someone more lively. And I don't think Vicky will always be play acting, but she'll always be doing interesting things and working for people or causes she believes in. With occasional costume changes and roles thrown in when they suit her needs. lol
I was thinking about the age difference between Hugh and Vicky. I know that a 10 year plus gap does worry some people, but it's necessary to make the two romantic switches work - it has to be believable that Maurice can be thought to be interested in Ermyntrude, and then choose Mary, and for Hugh to change between Mary and Vicky.
oh, good point, Rosina - I'm still in chapter 8 and even though I know what's coming Heyer will suprise me again by the end. Right now Maurice and Mary's relationship is much too subtle to snag my attendion while Ermy and Vicky are having their emotional scenes.
And even though I know Harold White is a real "wrong un" according to Janet's tea planter, I still get really annoyed with Janet putting up with his behavior. He is so rude to her and, maybe because it's a comedy of manners, this seems almost worse than being a murderer!
There is so much comedy here, even the murder scene where Mr Jones feels embarrassed by his shirt sleeves but he can't get his jacket out from under the deceased's head.
I'm really enjoying my re-read even though Hemingway hasn't even shown up yet; I think he is a wonderful character.
Mod
I think the first time I read it I was a bit confused by the switch from Mary to Vicky as Hugh's love interest, as Jackie mentioned above, but this time around that worked fine for me as I like Vicky's character so much - she might seem silly to start with but there's a lot more to her than that. A great moment when she tells Mary that at heart Mary is a bit disapproving of Ermyntrude, but she, Vicky, is always on her mother's side.
I like Mary as well though and am glad she gets a love interest of her own too.
After enjoying the humour of Vicky and Hugh, I'm wondering if one of our Heyer experts can recommend one of her romance books with similarly appealing characters?
I’m no expert, I can never remember all the titles and the characters that match each, but for sheer humor, I like the light-hearted, witty and fun of Cotillion. And although no female could be as outrageous as Vicky in the Regency era and survive socially, The Grand Sophy featured a self-assured female lead who was comfortable flouting the conventions, and stood up for those she cared about, like Vicky! The ending is very funny, almost farcical, and shows how far Sophy will go to get a happy ending for those around her!
An early Heyer, The Talisman Ring has two heroines (and the same number of heroes), a cold-case murder, and a great deal of humour. I can see a kinship between Eustacie and Vicky!
Rosina wrote: "An early Heyer, The Talisman Ring has two heroines (and the same number of heroes), a cold-case murder, and a great deal of humour. I can see a kinship between Eustacie and Vicky!"Oh, yes, good one, Rosina!
Judy wrote: "After enjoying the humour of Vicky and Hugh, I'm wondering if one of our Heyer experts can recommend one of her romance books with similarly appealing characters?..."I agree with the recommendations you've gotten so far, all three of them immediately popped into my mind when I read your request. I'll throw in a few more to keep you busy.
You will probably enjoy Amanda from Sprig Muslin, a young headstrong girl who is spoiled and willful but not mean. The Unfinished Clue is another mystery with a crazy cast, including an over-the-top cabaret dancer. That's one house party that would give me a headache for sure! In Behold, Here's Poison a grouchy old man lives with his penny-pinching unmarried sister plus a vacuous, dramatic, widowed sister-in-law.
And I have to put in a plug for my top favorite Heyers, along with The Grand Sophy - The Unknown Ajax and Frederica. They don't contain silly or dramatic characters, but they are very lovable, Just thinking of Hugh from Ajax makes me smile. (Actually, he's a bit like Vicky - very bright and using his smarts to maneuver some of the folks around him. But they're quite different people.) Frederica herself is charming, plus she has the care of two lively young boys, and those Baluchistan hounds. lol
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Judy, there is so much humor and so many good characters in almost all of Heyer's books so I don't think you can go wrong with any of the recomendations given. Judy wrote
A great moment when she tells Mary that at heart Mary is a bit disapproving of Ermyntrude, but she, Vicky, is always on her mother's side.
I was just reading that this morning and I think it's a really good point. I know I didn't pay attention to it on my first read, but Vicky kindly points out the truth, here, as she so frequently does: Mary is a bit of a snob.
She and the doctor will make a good couple.
I'm up to the inquest, where Hugh's father is secretly glad his son wants his opinion on the subject, and Vicky says she has "fallen" for Hemingway because he reminds her of "a robin that got so tame it used to hop into the dining room". Besides "breezy" I know Hemingway has been described as "bird- like" and I love how he gets information from suspects the other police don't know enough to listen to, like Janet White in this book.
I just finished this - it was so fun. My only complaint is that it took too long for them to call in Inspector Hemingway. The previous detective was fine but not nearly as entertaining. I also really enjoyed Hugh's father's pleasure at his son wanting his opinion, as well as his mother's machinations about getting a ride in the car. It was amusing and realistic. I can feel these two people understanding that their world is changing and their son is grown up but occasionally struggling with the reality of it. I appreciate how Heyer grounds her stories in the real feelings people have. I'm pleased with how everyone paired off, I think they're each well matched.
I did wonder about who will inherit the old ladies' money. I know a criminal can't profit from their crime, but can his children? Or will it go to somebody else?
Teri-K wrote: "I did wonder about who will inherit the old ladies' money. I know a criminal can't profit from their crime, but can his children? Or will it go to somebody else?"I think that (unless he also killed the old lady) there would be no problem with the inheritance. If he's dead/executed before her death* then the children would probably inherit his next-of-kin status, and share the money.
*I haven't quite finished the re-read yet, but I assume the old lady is still alive. Of course, if she is already dead (before 4.55pm on Sunday) then Mary will inherit!
Rosina wrote: "I think that (unless he also killed the old lady) there would be no problem with the inheritance. If he's dead/executed before her death..."Since it's one step removed you think it probably wouldn't change anything? I can see that, though it feels morally wrong somehow. I'm fine with the idea of Janet and Alan getting the money - at least she and the tea planter will probably do something sensible with it. lol
I am not a lawyer, but since Wally didn't have the money at the time, and would only have had a legal claim if the aunt died intestate, then I think the law will just take the simple step of identifying the next-of-kin at the time of death, without bothering about the fate of others who might have been next-of-kin had they survived.Hypothetically, if White had murdered the aunt, and been set to inherit under her will, he would of course have been debarred from inheriting - but would the law have reverted to finding the next of kin (Janet and Alan) or debarred them as children of the murderer?
Rosina wrote: "I am not a lawyer, but since Wally didn't have the money at the time, and would only have had a legal claim if the aunt died intestate, then I think the law will just take the simple step of identi..."Yes, your first part makes sense. And the second question is fascinating, isn't it? I suspect they'd get the money, as not having been convicted of anything in terms of the crime. Thanks for helping me clarify it in my mind.
Jackie wrote: "I'm up to the inquest, where Hugh's father is secretly glad his son wants his opinion on the subject, and Vicky says she has "fallen" for Hemingway because he reminds her of "a robin that got so ta..."Exactly, I always feel Hemingway is wisely in the “let them babble on nervously” camp - good way to pick up clues, or at least nuances as to what’s real going on behind the buttoned-up facades many people showed to police!
Teri-K wrote: "I just finished this - it was so fun. My only complaint is that it took too long for them to call in Inspector Hemingway. The previous detective was fine but not nearly as entertaining. I also re..."
Good points, I agree! You’re right, we never found out about the money, did we?
Teri-K wrote: "Rosina wrote: "I think that (unless he also killed the old lady) there would be no problem with the inheritance. If he's dead/executed before her death..."Since it's one step removed you think it..."
Oh, that’s true, forgot about Janet and Alan…ah, convoluted inheritance questions, the meat and drink of the GA mystery plot!
I finally finished and loved it. Ermyntrude is such a kind-heartedwoman to think of both Janet and Alan after their father is arrested. I go into any re-read of Heyer as a long time fan so I'm especially interested in what people think who haven't read any other Heyer and how the "murder mystery" holds together for you? It all sounded plausable to me, but I have never been a hardcore mystery reader, I read more the cozy types usually and I almost always prefer a good helping of humor.
Mod
I've just started re-reading this. I dislike this kind of mechanical murder - but the characters are just so delicious in their interactions, that I can forgive the contrivance. I particularly like the confusion of the prince with the dog!
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My complaint is that I have absolutely no faith that the murder set-up could have shot Wally through the heart. Somehow, we went from looking for a shooter good enough to make the shot to a gun tied to a tree set off by a man who couldn't even see the victim.
This did not ruin my enjoyment however and if Hemingway is satisfied then I am as well. I would never second guess him.
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Sandy wrote: "I really enjoyed this book as the characters and scenes are fantastic. It could send me off to Heyer re-read marathon if I had the time. My complaint is that I have absolutely no faith that the m..."
Lol! I confess, I’m never a fan of intricate, mechanical murder methods, I can never picture it in my mind (a sketch at least would help to visualize what the author is even proposing), but it takes me right out of the story, and often leads to repetitive questions and suppositions about which suspect could attempt it. So as much of a mystery buff as I am, certain GA writers are on my no go list, that seems to be the only type of mysteries they wrote! I reread Heyer’s mysteries for the quirky characters and humor.
Susan in NC wrote: "So as much of a mystery buff as I am, certain GA writers are on my no go list, that seems to be the only type of mysteries they wrote! I reread Heyer’s mysteries for the quirky characters and humor"I'm like that, too. I mostly read mysteries because they have to have a plot that makes some kind of sense. I'll do a quick visualization of what they're saying, then it's on to the characters again. I've occasionally objected to an absolutely ridiculous solution, but generally I just want them to catch the baddie and get back to the interesting people.
Teri-K wrote: "Susan in NC wrote: "So as much of a mystery buff as I am, certain GA writers are on my no go list, that seems to be the only type of mysteries they wrote! I reread Heyer’s mysteries for the quirky ..."Yes!
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Judy wrote: "I'm another one who can't visualise the complicated methods of murder. I thought I remembered from first time around that the shooting was somehow set off by fetching the box of cigarettes, but I d..."I had confused it with an episode of Monk where the arm of a phonograph is used to set things going. So many different murder scenarios are rolling around in my head...
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I thought that was how the gun was set off. White flipped the switch of the mining 'thing' used to initiate blasting remotely while reaching for the cigarettes.
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Oh, thanks Sandy, that makes sense. When I saw about the mining gadget and the tree I got mixed up and thought I was wrong! I note the copy I was reading also has someone smoking on the cover!
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The actual murder method is ludicrously complicated and how would you guarantee that it would hit a walking man through the heart? So I sort of discounted that and saw the crime just as an excuse to get all the characters together. I was confused as to whether Wally knew White was a distant cousin or not? Not that it really matters.
Ermyntrude is adorable and her big-heartedness really comes out at the end when she takes in Janet and Alan, overlooking how irritating they are.
Vicky and Hugh deserve a book of their own!
Roman Clodia wrote: "The actual murder method is ludicrously complicated and how would you guarantee that it would hit a walking man through the heart? So I sort of discounted that and saw the crime just as an excuse t..."I would absolutely read a Vicki and Hugh book! They are the characters I keep thinking about, wondering how they will be getting on several years from now.
I agree, too, with the suggestions of The Grand Sophy for a somewhat similar romance dynamic - though I think Hugh is smarter than the hero in that one, from what I recall.I thought it was amusing that everyone else had spotted the Vicki/Hugh romance before they (or, at least, he) had!
I agree with you, Roman Clodia. what did everyone think of Hemingway? I like him so much I wish he showed up for more of the book.
Mod
If memory serves, Wally knew White was related and that was the excuse he used let him have the house cheaply. It was also a hint once the inheritance issue came up that I missed both times I read the book.
Teri-K wrote: "Roman Clodia wrote: "The actual murder method is ludicrously complicated and how would you guarantee that it would hit a walking man through the heart? So I sort of discounted that and saw the crim..."Absolutely, I want to read about her hosting her first dinner for his “stuffy” barrister colleagues!
Jackie wrote: "I agree with you, Roman Clodia. what did everyone think of Hemingway? I like him so much I wish he showed up for more of the book."
I love his snarky comments, and his appreciation for drama. I feel like he reins himself in a bit more now that he’s the one in charge, at least in front of suspects…he’s still fun. I love the descriptions of his “bright, bird-like eyes”, and how he follows everyone and everything going on - he doesn’t miss a thing! And I love how encourages chatterers to ramble on - as he says, he can learn a lot, but I think it’s also very kind; those characters are usually wound up and nervous, and letting them talk makes them feel heard. It also provides some of the funniest scenes and dialogue!
Jackie wrote: "I agree with you, Roman Clodia. what did everyone think of Hemingway? I like him so much I wish he showed up for more of the book."
I think the only thing I didn't like about the book was how long it took them to call Hemingway in. It was past the half-way point, wasn't it? I kept wishing they'd say, "Too many posh suspects for us. Call in the Yard!" The original detective was fine, but he didn't really have any personality. As soon as Hemingway arrived things brightened up.
Yes, it did take it’s time- I think Heyer wanted plenty of scenes where Ermyntrude could chew the scenery, Vicki could pull her stunts, the victim could be established as a thorough louse, etc, but that was all even more fun when watching Hemingway’s reactions to both! It did seem to slow down a bit, and begin to get a bit repetitive by the time Hemingway finally arrived.
I also missed Hemingway's interactions with Hannasyde, his own sergeant wasn't as much fun. Btw, Judy, on romances with a Vicki/Hugh feel, check out Faro's Daughter.
I've finally finished this one-had to leave it at home while I was away on a trip-and agree with a lot of the comments, and also ended up skipping a lot of the details of how the murder was actually done-seemed incredibly far fetched for it to work!I was a little confused by the detective duo-did I miss a book in which Hannasyde is promoted and Hemingway takes over the field work? I also preferred it when they worked as a duo, as Roman Clodia mentioned.
It would also have been great to see a little more of Mary's change of heart and success in romance-i was spending a lot of time worrying about her a Hugh appears to transfer his affections to Vicky, and had no clue that Maurice was waiting in the wings-more time on that and less on Vicky swanning around would have improved things for me.
I also agree with everyone how kind Ermyntrude showed herself to be regarding Janet and Alan, and does she marry her farmer eventually? I rather felt there was too much build up and not enough resolution of the various romances and intrigues.
Frances wrote: "I've finally finished this one-had to leave it at home while I was away on a trip-and agree with a lot of the comments, and also ended up skipping a lot of the details of how the murder was actuall..."Good points - I don’t remember where the transition for Hannasydetook place, from active investigator to desk-bound boss man, but it seemed between books. I read one where he was the detective and Hemingway the side kick, then next book, Hemingway was in charge, but we still got some interaction when he’d call his former chief to report.
As for the romances and lack of resolution, I wonder, since Heyer wrote romances first and foremost, if she (by force of habit), gave these mystery characters romantic interests, but then the weight of the “main” mystery plot took over, and she ran out of time/space to resolve the romances!
BTW, I totally agree, whenever some intricate mechanical or technical murder method is used and described, my eyes glaze over…
Reading the Detectives
Books mentioned in this topic
Faro's Daughter (other topics)No Wind of Blame (other topics)
The Talisman Ring (other topics)
The Talisman Ring (other topics)
Cotillion (other topics)
More...
Tragedy befalls the Carter family following an eventful visit from a Russian prince and a scandalous blackmail letter. The murder of Wally Carter generates a bewildering mystery - how does one shoot a man crossing a narrow bridge without being near the murder weapon when it is fired? The superlatively analytical Inspector Hemingway reveals his unnerving talent for solving a fiendish problem.
Please feel free to post spoilers in this thread.