Murder in the Basement by Anthony Berkeley (Roger Sheringham #7) (July/August 23)

[Susan]

Welcome to our buddy read of Murder in the Basement the seventh book in the Roger Sheringham series, first published in 1932.

I know a few of us are fans of Berkeley and, as there is so much discrepancy on what is available where, it was decided a buddy read was the way forward. In the UK, there are a few titles available in different formats, but no publisher seems to have yet made the Sheringham series available in its entirety. Let's hope more of his work becomes available soon.

'Don't come down, Molly. There - there's something pretty beastly here. I must get a policeman.' When Reginald and Molly Dane return from their honeymoon to a new house they are curious to explore the cellar. Reginald notices a corner where the bricks have been inexpertly put back to cover a hole dug in the floor. Convinced he will find treasure he takes a pickaxe to it - but discovers a body of a woman in a shallow grave, not treasure in a chest. Chief Inspector Moresby and gentleman sleuth Roger Sheringham are soon on the case. What was the vicitm's identity? Why was she shot through the back of the head and why was she buried naked except for a pair of gloves?

Please do not post spoilers in this thread. Thank you.

[Judy]

Susan wrote: "I know a few of us are fans of Berkeley and, as there is so much discrepancy on what is available where, it was decided a buddy read was the way forward..."

Thank you for setting this buddy read up, Susan - I've just finished and must say I thoroughly enjoyed the clever plotting and Berkeley's witty writing style once again. I definitely want to read a lot more by him... even though I had a few reservations which I'll save to post in the spoiler thread.

Looking forward to our discussion - who is reading this book?

The spoiler thread is linked below:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Susan]

I really enjoyed this one! Loved the 'book within a book,' but will keep comments for the spoiler thread. Definitely up for more Berkeley buddy reads :)

[Sandy]

I plan to join in. I think this is one I have through Audible.

[Sarah]

Thankfully, my public library has a copy– maybe because I live in the City of Berkeley! Unfortunately, the city's name comes from the 18th century bishop/philosopher George Berkeley, not the mystery writer. We pronounce the name incorrectly, anyway, so it doesn't matter that the author of Murder in the Basement is technically Anthony Berkeley Cox. But now I'm wondering, how does one correctly say the writer's name? Is it "Berk-lee" or "Bark-lee"?

[Michaela]

I want to read it too, but it will get a bit later in the month or in August, as I´m busy with other reads. Looking ahead to finally reading a Berkeley book again!