Dame Ngaio Marsh certainly crafted a rich and appealing mystery (circa 1938) within "Artists in Crime". The story finds the lead detective, Roderick Alleyn, investigating the case of a murdered nude model, Sonia Gluck. The list of suspects revolves around eight individuals within an art school, including the owner - Agatha Troy, to whom Alleyn has developed a keen relationship with. All of them have their respective dislike of Miss Gluck, but the larger question is who perpetuated the method of her murder and why. One thing's for sure: things in this particular case aren't always what they seem - accident or not.I have to say that once the pieces fall into place, it's obvious who did the dirty deed and why, but without spoiling this whodunit, the way that Marsh weaves the information and accounts of each character, you almost doubt the guesses you make about each individual until the next to last chapter, and considering there's more than one murder to be had in this story, it makes the case that much more appealing among this cast of colorful characters. Her descriptions, characterization, and prose are all quite immersive and sometimes charming (particularly with the underlying humor), though it's hard to say how many people would take this mystery because it's rooted in its time. I'd also argue that when you first read this book - the amount of information you're given with respect to the eight art students may throw the reader because it seems like a lot of characters to keep up with. However, once the individual interviews start, and the characters start speaking, then they become much more clear cut.The ending/epilogue ties together the mystery threads one by one, and Alleyn is an apt and charming character to follow throughout this book, and I liked the ending well enough for it to end on the note it did, while it does leave a few plot threads dangling for speculation. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the read for what it was - a good mystery with interesting characters. I will say that it shows some measure of age in the language/referals, but I wouldn't say that's a detraction for someone who wants to read into a decent mystery with a likable detective to lead it.Overall score: 3/5
If I ever finish my book, and manage to have an audio edition, I want Benedict Cumberbatch reading it. Even with all the other readers I've come across whose voices I've fallen for, BC is a little bit spectacular. And I'm not even a "Cumberbitch". This is an abridged version of the novel, which normally I feel is an abomination, but for Cumberbatch's narration? I'm in.This was the book I heard a clip of on Tumblr, the moment when Cumberbatch "does" the voice of an American woman with a heavy Southern accent who flirts heavily with Rory Alleyn, Our Hero. It was completely ridiculous – and I pretty much headed straight to Audible to buy it. I've come to be fans of several audiobook readers, but the acting chops BC brings to the job are just marvelous. On a page, this would probably be a solid four-star read; the fifth star is all Cumberbatch.As for the book itself: it's one I read long ago, and not since, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. This is where Marsh's detective hero meets his artist lady love, and where she is brought back into his life when a model she has employed for a workshop is murdered. This is an abridged edition, but it's well done; it's coherent and lean. I loathe abridgements, but … Cumberbatch. It's pure fun.
What do You think about Artists In Crime (2005)?
Artists in Crime was the 6th series of Detective Inspector Roderick Alleyn. The crime took place in a class ran by Ms. Agatha Troy, a woman who became the love interest of D.I Alleyn. It was an art class. Sophia Gluck, a model, was asked to pose with a very uncomfortable position. After Troy drawed her position with chalk, one of her students thrust a knife in where her heart supposed to be. They wanted to paint her as a murder victim. They left the class without finishing the painting. They came back on Monday and when Sophia laid down for the pose, the knife was still there but it was from under the board so the sharp part easily stabbed her heart.Seriously, I found the killing as the silliest way to kill someone…No matter how sharp a knife is, there are bones on our back and for a knife to pass through the bones and hit the heart will require force. Sophia was pushed by someone to stay still in her uncomfortable position…so it was CLEAR, clear as crystal, that that person was the murderer even though that person pretended as someone who knew nothing about the knife.Continue reading> http://bokunosekai.wordpress.com/2013...
—Novia
I read this book a year or two ago. Ngaio Marsh was an author from New Zealand who also lived in England. The book was written in the 1930s and features Inspector Roderick Alleyn of Scotland Yard. The story is set in the English countryside. Agatha Troy is an acclaimed artist who also teaches art classes at her home and studio. She begins a new class with an assortment of students, but on the first day out, theirnude model is killed while being re-positioned in her pose - someone placed a knife where she would be killed. Alleyn is called in to investigate. He previously met Troy on an ocean voyage and became infatuated with her. Unfortunately, being under suspicion for murder does not make her receptive to his admiration. The book features an assortment of rather eccentric characters with various motives for murder in this traditional mystery that is in a class with Agatha Christie's novels. I enjoyed the 1930s setting and the characters of Alleyn and Troy. I first became interested in Ngaio Marsha after watching and enjoying the British productions of several Inspector Alleyn mysteries starring Patrick Malahide.
—Beth
I really enjoyed the audio version of this book. I have to admit, I only bought it because it was read by Benedict Cumberbatch. Three hours of that voice, I didn't think about what he would even be reading. However, ashamedly admitting to that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. There were so many twists and turns and surprises that I quickly became engrossed in the story and it didn't matter as much who read it but at the same time, it made the story come to life. Benedict is a master at creating different voices and I could completely tell the different characters from the changes in his voice. To be able to act with just your voice, that is some talent. Truly a voice made for radio. Anyway, back to the story, the world of artists was intriguing and and each character had their own sub plot that was interesting enough to make their own book. I never would have guessed the ending and was thrilled with the way it turned out. A masterpiece worthy of Poirot or Miss Marple. I recommend the audio book version heartily!
—Christy Christoffersen
