2024 February: Bats in the Belfry by E.C.R. Lorac

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Our second read of the British Library Crime Classics is Bats in the Belfry by E.C.R. Lorac

When Bruce is called away on a sudden trip to Paris, he vanishes completely – until his suitcase and passport are found in a sinister artist’s studio, the Belfry, in a crumbling house in Notting Hill. Inspector Macdonald must uncover Bruce’s secrets, and find out the identity of his mysterious blackmailer.

Ohhh sounds intriguing! Anyone delving in?

[Tracey]

I should be starting it this weekend when I have finished the chocolate box.

[Kathy]

I've started the book. It seems like another good one.

[Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar]

I read this a couple of years ago. It's a good one!

[Melanie]

Tracey wrote: "I should be starting it this weekend when I have finished the chocolate box."

I should be starting it this weekend too.

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Welcome Tracey, Kathy and Melanie!

I hope you share some of your thoughts on this author's style as well as comments on the story itself.

I know this is an author that Brian had mentioned and if you read something else from her please share that too as she has written over 70 detective novels!!

[John]

I picked up a copy from the library today, and will be starting it some time next week.

[Piyangie, Classical Princess]

This was the first book I read of Lorac. I've been a fan ever since. Hope you all will enjoy it.

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Welcome John!

Piyangie that is great news to hear! thank you for sharing :)

[Tracey]

I haven’t read anything by this author before so I will share my thoughts on how it compares to the previous read and other vintage crime I have read when done.

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Looking forward to it Tracey!

[Natalie]

I finished this book a couple weeks ago. I really enjoyed it because of the quick pace, range of characters, and the red herrings. It was kind of a double mystery because first we didn't know what had happened to Bruce Attleton, then who had killed him. However, 3 elements stuck out to me because of the time period in which it was written:
1. The police investigator has ample time to investigate the crime, interviewing aquaintances and suspects, checking out the crime scene, etc. . . He isn't told he can't spend too long because of budget constraints.
2. No DNA test. While it was interesting how they determined who's body was in the Belfry, a DNA test would have simplified the process!
3. No hidden cameras. A hidden camera would have simplified part of the investigation. Instead, the author relies on a number of police officers being stationed in the surrounding area!
Various aspects of the case kept reminding me the story is set in the early 1900s, among upper class Brits.
But all in all, it is an interesting story

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Interesting thoughts of modern times that would have helped in the investigation Natalie!

[Piyangie, Classical Princess]

I'm reading a different Lorac mystery of McDonald series for another group. Looking forward to our March Lorac read.

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Piyangie wrote: "I'm reading a different Lorac mystery of McDonald series for another group. Looking forward to our March Lorac read."

Your more than welcome to share that one here Piyangie when you get done!

[Piyangie, Classical Princess]

Sure, Lesle. It's published as The Theft of the Iron Dogs by British Library Crime Classics. There is an alternative title - Murderer's Mistake - the title with which it was published in the US.

Like all other Lorac mysteries of the McDonald series, I'm enjoying this mystery as well.

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Piyangie I did not realize that the books might have different titles in the States. Hmmm....

[Kathy]

I enjoyed Bats in the Belfry. I read it over a long period of time which isn't ideal. I didn't see (view spoiler)[Neil Rockingham as the murderer. (hide spoiler)] I wonder if I missed some clues.

[John]

Already behind schedule, I've just started Bats in the Belfry today.

[Kathy]

John wrote: "Already behind schedule, I've just started Bats in the Belfry today."

Enjoy, John!

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

John wrote: "Already behind schedule, I've just started Bats in the Belfry today."

No biggy John! It will stay in active for a least the rest of this month. I hope you like it!

[John]

Finished Bats in the Belfry today, and enjoyed this pleasant read. Now looking forward to the March selection, which I should be collecting tomorrow.

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Glad to see many are being entertained by Lorac's read.

But did you know that “Bats in the belfry” has another meaning? to indicate that someone is acting eccentric or crazy.