Hmmm...champers, anyone? That's champagne, of course, and it's on the menu at Minnie and Tonker's party of the season at the Beckoning Lady. This installment finds our hero, Albert Campion, down in the country for this party along with Amanda & their son Rupert; it all begins with the discovery of a dead body and the death of Uncle William. Uncle William, if you've been following the series, has been in a couple of Campion mysteries, and is much beloved by Campion and Amanda. So...Campion does not believe that Uncle William died peacefully, but rather was murdered, and while preparing for the party, must investigate to see if he was correct. He's also involved in the investigation into the other death, so he's very busy.I liked this one, but it was rather silly in places, and if you aren't aware of current cultural references of the time you might be a bit lost. Otherwise, not quite as good as some of the Campion novels, but not too bad. Do NOT start with this one as an opener to the series. Campion is not at his detecting best here. Recommended for those following the series and those who are fans of British mystery in general.
Most boring Albert Campion mystery I have read. This is a pity since they are usually so much fun. In this book, nothing much happens, really. We know that there is a body out there and we wait for it to be discovered. We know that there will be a big party, and we watch the preparations progress. We think that there will be some denoument at the party, but when it comes it's kind of anticlimactic. There are no good red herrings, and the solution to the mystery is disappointing. Nothing in this book really grabbed my attention.
What do You think about The Beckoning Lady (2007)?
Albert Campion and his family are in the country to attend a friends annual summer party when not one but two individuals die. I had thought I'd read everything written by Margery Allingham years ago and was delighted to find "The Beckoning Lady". I loved it and plowed right through it in one long sitting (rainy day). I did guess the murderer well before the end, but there were some interesting twists. I love the dialogue...if you like action thrillers without conversation, this is not a book for you.
—Barbara
Albert Campion is spending time in Suffolk with his wife Amanda and small son Rupert along with Scotland Yard Detective Charlie Luke who is convalescing from an injury acquired in the course of duty. Near neighbours – Minnie and Tonker – are holding a huge and sprawling party to which everyone is invited. But the day before the party a body is discovered and it seems many people may have had a reason to wish the victim out of the way.This is a fascinating and amusing story of life in the nineteen-fifties set in idyllic countryside with a nice range of eccentric and mysterious characters. I found it an entertaining and enjoyable read which kept me guessing right up until almost the last page. The plot is complex and the background interesting. It was good to see more of Lady Amanda as well and to see how the relationship between her and Campion is developing.If you enjoy crime novels set in in a gentler age which involve the reader in solving complex puzzles then try Margery Allingham. The Campion novels can be read in any order.
—Damaskcat
