The Importance Of Being Ernestine (2003) - Plot & Excerpts
The Importance of Being Ernestine by Dorothy Cannell is book 10 of the Ellie Haskell cozy mystery series set in contemporary England. Ellie and her housekeeper Mrs. Malloy have been solving mysteries all through the series, so it’s no surprise they’re teamed up to solve another; this time however they actually pose as private detectives.Because her ladyship’s elderly relatives around the world are dying, Lady Krumley of Moultty Towers feels that “dark forces” are carrying out a former housemaid’s deathbed curse. The most recent death at the Krumley mansion does seem suspicious. Ellie’s housekeeper Mrs. Malloy recently began working for a private investigator “Milk” Jugg, who’s on vacation, so Ellie and Mrs. Malloy take Lady Krumley’s case. Their objective: find Ernestine, the housemaid’s illegitimate offspring.This is a very gentle cozy, no violence or suspense. The weather provides atmosphere: “The moon huddled behind a threadbare blanket of cloud. It was no longer raining, but the wind shook the trees as if intent on rattling some sense into their leafless heads.” The plot takes a back seat to the comical banter between Ellie and Mrs. Malloy: “And if he don't make me his Girl Friday on the spot it'll shock me back to me old hair color, sure as my name is Roxie Malloy.” Ellie and Ben appreciate the small joys of life: “Ben and I were both avid readers. Not much for television, we enjoyed many an evening--especially in wintertime--locked in our own separate worlds yet linked by that special silence that can be better than any amount of talking.” The Importance of Being Ernestine is mild entertainment for a longtime fan of the Ellie Haskell series. If not familiar with the series, definitely start with the first book, The Thin Woman, where the primary characters and relationships are introduced.
This is a Ellie Haskell mystery. Ellie and her housekeeper cohort, Mrs. Maloy, take on the case of Lady Krumley who believes she is suffering the results of a curse put upon her by a former maid who was fired by Lady Krumley years earlier. Ellie and Mrs. Maloy are asked to track down the out of wedlock child that was born to this maid so that their client might make restitution to the maid's surviving daughter (Ernestine). Ms. Cannell writes this story with wit and humor and at times you will find yourself laughing out loud at the characters and situations. Hence, the reason I like this writer and her books. They are, in terms of murder mysteries, written with a light touch. Dark mysteries these are not.
What do You think about The Importance Of Being Ernestine (2003)?
Still reading, but I dont' know if this is in keeping with the play of which the title is a play on words, but I keep finding similes used for the proper word in sentences, but not in spoken sentences. In narrative where you would no expect it. Is this poor editing or a rouse on the part of the editor to remind us of the origin of the title? I don't know, but there are enough to make me won't to grab my pencil and make corrections. Other wise, a 'cute' story thus far.This was a good mystery for the genre. I read a lot in the genre of P.D. James, Agatha Chhristie, Margaret Atwood - mysteries that are a bit "heavier," so to speak. This was a light read for me, but it was entertaining and was a pleasant diversion. Nice for people who like mystery without the forensic details.
—Cathy
