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Inspector Shelley #6
Murder in the Museum
When Professor Julius Arnell breathes his last in the hushed atmosphere of the British Museum Reading Room, it looks like death from natural causes. Who, after all, would have cause to murder a retired academic whose life was devoted to Elizabethan literature? Inspector Shelley's suspicions are aroused when he finds a packet of poisoned sugared almonds in the dead man's pocket; and a motive becomes clearer when he discovers Arnell's connection to a Texan oil millionaire. Soon another man plunges hundreds of feet into a reservoir on a Yorkshire moor. What can be the connection between two deaths so different, and so widely separated? The mild-mannered museum visitor Henry Fairhurst adds his detective talents to Inspector Shelley's own, and together they set about solving one of the most baffling cases Shelley has ever encountered.
The 18th book in Poisoned Pen Press's highly praised British Library Crime Classic series.
The 18th book in Poisoned Pen Press's highly praised British Library Crime Classic series.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1938
About the author
John Rowland
92 books7 followersJohn Herbert Shelley Rowland was a B.S.c with Honours in Chemistry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
August 7, 2017
I am throwing in the towel @ 30% because my TBR is way too big to waste time on books I simply cannot enjoy.
What is even more aggravating than actually having bought this one (rather than borrowed from the library) is that there were elements that should have made this book great:
1. The setting: The books starts in the Reading Room at the British Museum. It is one of my favourite places. It has lots of atmosphere. The first murder takes place there. In public, but without any one noticing.
This should have made for a great locked room type mystery.
Instead, there is hardly any scene setting, and the little that is there does not describe anything about the museum or the reading room. Why set it in the Museum then? Why not an indistinguishable coffee house? Or a park?
Also, there is no atmosphere. None! Most of the book seems written in pretty flat dialogue. We don't even get to know any of the characters other than by name and occupation.
2. There are lot of tips of the hat to Sherlock Holmes in this book: A character caller Mr. Henry Baker like in ACD's Blue Carbuncle, the British Museum (which is also mentioned in Blue Carbuncle), and later on (I skip read to the end) the action takes us to Dartmoor where a prisoner escaped (Hound of the Baskervilles much?). Could this be more Sherlockian?
Yes. Yes, it could! Why did the author stop at nicking ACD's characters and settings? Why could he not have copied some of ACD's style, too? It would have infinitely improved this book.
I completely gave up on the book when I got to the following:
In a few minutes he was speaking to the inspector in charge of the City police station at Oxford, and he explained his need for information, having first given the secret police sign which indicates that a fellow limb of the law is making the enquiry.
A secret police sign?!?!? WHY??? They're not even under cover!
This makes no sense.
There was more that made no sense - like the first officer on the scene declaring the cause of death to be poisoning by cyanide. Surely, they must have had some protocol even in 1938 when this was written.
Anyway. Good riddance.
What is even more aggravating than actually having bought this one (rather than borrowed from the library) is that there were elements that should have made this book great:
1. The setting: The books starts in the Reading Room at the British Museum. It is one of my favourite places. It has lots of atmosphere. The first murder takes place there. In public, but without any one noticing.
This should have made for a great locked room type mystery.
Instead, there is hardly any scene setting, and the little that is there does not describe anything about the museum or the reading room. Why set it in the Museum then? Why not an indistinguishable coffee house? Or a park?
Also, there is no atmosphere. None! Most of the book seems written in pretty flat dialogue. We don't even get to know any of the characters other than by name and occupation.
2. There are lot of tips of the hat to Sherlock Holmes in this book: A character caller Mr. Henry Baker like in ACD's Blue Carbuncle, the British Museum (which is also mentioned in Blue Carbuncle), and later on (I skip read to the end) the action takes us to Dartmoor where a prisoner escaped (Hound of the Baskervilles much?). Could this be more Sherlockian?
Yes. Yes, it could! Why did the author stop at nicking ACD's characters and settings? Why could he not have copied some of ACD's style, too? It would have infinitely improved this book.
I completely gave up on the book when I got to the following:
In a few minutes he was speaking to the inspector in charge of the City police station at Oxford, and he explained his need for information, having first given the secret police sign which indicates that a fellow limb of the law is making the enquiry.
A secret police sign?!?!? WHY??? They're not even under cover!
This makes no sense.
There was more that made no sense - like the first officer on the scene declaring the cause of death to be poisoning by cyanide. Surely, they must have had some protocol even in 1938 when this was written.
Anyway. Good riddance.
November 26, 2018
I enjoyed this book, it reminded me of a Agatha Christie style story. I loved the way they wrote back then. This is not a fast paced story, they sometimes talk around a subject until they got to the point. There was some wording back then that we would not use now, that felt a bit uncomfortable reading. It shows how far we have come in trying to respect people around us.
I liked sitting down to a good old fashioned murder mystery.
I liked sitting down to a good old fashioned murder mystery.
April 2, 2017
The victim of the Murder in the Museum is a Shakespeare scholar, who held a theory that "Shakespeare’s plays were written by two people together— one was Shakespeare himself and the other Kit Marlowe". So obviously I was pleased when he was killed. At least he wasn't an Oxfordian; I would have had to stop reading, because the death wasn't brutal enough.
This is a reissue of a Golden Age mystery which involves poison, kidnapping, and a cross-country high-for-its-time-speed pursuit; it features some of the good aspects of the subgenre – a clever detective, some nice writing; and also several of the not-so-good ones – like the mores and mindset of the time, which means that whenever someone who is Jewish comes on the scene or is spoken about, it's jarring. (Be warned.)
I'm not sure if I'll hunt out more John Rowland novels – this one didn't win me over completely – but I'm certainly not sorry I read it. There's much worse out there. Much.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
This is a reissue of a Golden Age mystery which involves poison, kidnapping, and a cross-country high-for-its-time-speed pursuit; it features some of the good aspects of the subgenre – a clever detective, some nice writing; and also several of the not-so-good ones – like the mores and mindset of the time, which means that whenever someone who is Jewish comes on the scene or is spoken about, it's jarring. (Be warned.)
I'm not sure if I'll hunt out more John Rowland novels – this one didn't win me over completely – but I'm certainly not sorry I read it. There's much worse out there. Much.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
May 16, 2021
'Murder in the Museum', as its title suggests, opens in the Reading Room of the British Museum, where Henry Fairhurst, a timid, pince-nez wearing henpecked man, is playing one of his favourite games – the Sherlock Holmes game - where he tries to guess the occupation of the other users often getting it amazingly wrong.
‘It is possibly unnecessary to add that Henry’s detective-story reading was usually to be found in the more blood thirsty shelves of the local lending library.’
However, when Fairhurst goes to wake a sleeping man, whose snoring has recently been reverberating around the hushed room, he discovers that the man, Professor Julius Arnell, is dead. It initially appears to be natural causes but it is swiftly deducted that he has been poisoned with cyanide. Who would want to murder a retired academic whose life was devoted to Elizabethan literature?
There are a number of possible lines of enquiry. Arnell was a wealthy man, so could his money have been enough to motivate those who stood to inherit it, his daughter Violet and nephew Moses Moss, to hasten his demise? Additionally, Arnell had also disapproved of his daughter’s engagement to a local science teacher who he thinks is only after Violet’s inheritance. Or perhaps the motive is academic rivalry?
Fairhurst is an amusing character who despite his mild and meek manner, is keen to get involved in the case and manages to inveigle himself into the investigation, he was:
‘plunged deep in a daydream in which he outwitted Scotland Yard as well as the cleverest brains in the underworld.’
Up until this point the story was enjoyable. Fairhurst’s role is quite funny but as the tale hastens towards its climax some of his information felt just too convenient to ring authentic, as if the author either ran out of ideas or simply got bored and sloppy. It becomes ridiculously prosaic complete with a man hunt,a kidnapping and a shoot-out.
This book was first published in 1938 so it is not surprising that this isn't as hard edged as modern crime novels, nor is the idea of amateur sleuths terribly original but whilst there is a certain elegance to the prose, overall I found this rather disappointing. It started off OK but soon fizzled out.
‘It is possibly unnecessary to add that Henry’s detective-story reading was usually to be found in the more blood thirsty shelves of the local lending library.’
However, when Fairhurst goes to wake a sleeping man, whose snoring has recently been reverberating around the hushed room, he discovers that the man, Professor Julius Arnell, is dead. It initially appears to be natural causes but it is swiftly deducted that he has been poisoned with cyanide. Who would want to murder a retired academic whose life was devoted to Elizabethan literature?
There are a number of possible lines of enquiry. Arnell was a wealthy man, so could his money have been enough to motivate those who stood to inherit it, his daughter Violet and nephew Moses Moss, to hasten his demise? Additionally, Arnell had also disapproved of his daughter’s engagement to a local science teacher who he thinks is only after Violet’s inheritance. Or perhaps the motive is academic rivalry?
Fairhurst is an amusing character who despite his mild and meek manner, is keen to get involved in the case and manages to inveigle himself into the investigation, he was:
‘plunged deep in a daydream in which he outwitted Scotland Yard as well as the cleverest brains in the underworld.’
Up until this point the story was enjoyable. Fairhurst’s role is quite funny but as the tale hastens towards its climax some of his information felt just too convenient to ring authentic, as if the author either ran out of ideas or simply got bored and sloppy. It becomes ridiculously prosaic complete with a man hunt,a kidnapping and a shoot-out.
This book was first published in 1938 so it is not surprising that this isn't as hard edged as modern crime novels, nor is the idea of amateur sleuths terribly original but whilst there is a certain elegance to the prose, overall I found this rather disappointing. It started off OK but soon fizzled out.
March 3, 2016
Starting in May 2015, Poisoned Pen Press in collaboration with The British Library has been republishing classic British crime mysteries that have been out-of-print, some for many years. This particular mystery, Murder in the Museum, has not been republished since its original publication in 1938. This is the fifth book in the British Library Crime Classics series that I have read, and it is my favorite so far. Each book contains an introduction that I have found to be invaluable. The introductions provide details regarding the particular author, and the context in which he/she was writing. Specific to this story, there is language and some references in the novel that would not be acceptable today. The introduction provides an explanation as to why the references were left as they were originally written which was extremely helpful to know as I was reading.
The story begins as Henry Fairhurst is conducting research in the reading room of the British Museum (the UK’s national library formed part of the British Museum in 1938). Henry enjoys people watching in the reading room, and he tries to predict what career each person has. One individual catches Henry’s attention due to the man’s loud snoring. Henry decides to approach him to wake him and discovers that the occupant has just expired. Scotland Yard is summoned, and Inspector Shelley is assigned the case. Henry is enthralled by the murder case and decides to pursue the case on his own independent of the Scotland Yard inquiry. As he uncovers various facts, he presents them to Inspector Shelley who begrudgingly allows Henry to continue to participate. Together the pair compile the facts to solve the mystery. I really liked both Henry Fairhurst and Inspector Shelley and their interactions.
This story has all of the elements of a classic British mystery, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story line. The ending was told in various letters which was clever and creative. Anyone who reads mysteries should add this novel to his or her list.
The story begins as Henry Fairhurst is conducting research in the reading room of the British Museum (the UK’s national library formed part of the British Museum in 1938). Henry enjoys people watching in the reading room, and he tries to predict what career each person has. One individual catches Henry’s attention due to the man’s loud snoring. Henry decides to approach him to wake him and discovers that the occupant has just expired. Scotland Yard is summoned, and Inspector Shelley is assigned the case. Henry is enthralled by the murder case and decides to pursue the case on his own independent of the Scotland Yard inquiry. As he uncovers various facts, he presents them to Inspector Shelley who begrudgingly allows Henry to continue to participate. Together the pair compile the facts to solve the mystery. I really liked both Henry Fairhurst and Inspector Shelley and their interactions.
This story has all of the elements of a classic British mystery, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story line. The ending was told in various letters which was clever and creative. Anyone who reads mysteries should add this novel to his or her list.
November 15, 2018
Fast-paced, simple detective from the Golden Age of Detective fiction with a few nice twists and turns. Solution to the murder was slightly unsatisfactorily. Very happy that it was about academic university professors of the English language .
If there is one thing I've learned from reading the British Library Crime Classics, it is that an important part of the book will always - sooner or later - revolve around petrol. It is inevitable. I think everyone was just really excited about cars in those days.
Fiddlesticks!
If there is one thing I've learned from reading the British Library Crime Classics, it is that an important part of the book will always - sooner or later - revolve around petrol. It is inevitable. I think everyone was just really excited about cars in those days.
Fiddlesticks!
June 22, 2018
I’ll admit that I was hoping for more of the Museum atmosphere from this, and that I was a little sad that the academic rivalry subplot peters out. But it’s still entertaining: nothing too solid, fairly stereotyped cast of characters for a Golden Age crime novel, quick to read… I wasn’t expecting anything revolutionary (and indeed, don’t remember Martin Edwards mentioning this author at all in The Golden Age of Murder, which talked about some of the more interesting members of the Golden Age crime fiction movement and particularly the Detection Club), but this was the sort of undemanding, mild fun I imagined. Despite involving murder, it’s pretty darn cosy. The only uncomfortable bit is the abduction of the female character.
So not an enormously high rating, but it deserves at least a three. I had fun. Not recommended if you don’t like Golden Age tropes, though!
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
So not an enormously high rating, but it deserves at least a three. I had fun. Not recommended if you don’t like Golden Age tropes, though!
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
April 1, 2016
Three cheers for British Library Publishing and Poisoned Pen Press! Thanks to them 21st century readers are rediscovering wonderful mystery writers from the genre’s Golden Age: J. Jefferson Farjeon, John Bude, and Christopher St. John Sprigg. How did these excellent mystery writers ever lapse into obscurity?
Poisoned Pen Press’ latest reprint is Murder in the Museum, a tale in which three obscure academicians specializing in lesser Elizabethan writers end up dead. Now, the author, John Rowland, isn’t of the same caliber as Farjeon, Bude and Sprigg — and Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Shelley can’t hold a candle to Bude’s Inspector William Meredith (featured in The Lake District Murder, The Sussex Downs Murder, and Death on the Riviera); however, Murder in the Museum introduces the most charming police sidekick ever, the milquetoast (if insightful) Henry Fairhurst. Ridiculous — with his pince-nez, meek ways, and his domineering spinster sister — Fairhurst finds his Walter Mitty-like dreams of helping the police — and being valued by them — suddenly come true. It’s adorable!
Murder in the Museum takes a bit to get going, and the novel would have benefited from serious trimming in its first third. And its two “professionals” — Inspector Shelley and the dimwitted Sergeant Cunningham — remain pretty two-dimensional. However, I loved meek, middle-aged Henry Fairhurst; I just wish he could have a series to himself! Even with its faults, Murder in the Museum provides readers with a satisfying read, as long as you set your expectations accordingly.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I received this book free from NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and British Library Publishing in return for an honest review.
Poisoned Pen Press’ latest reprint is Murder in the Museum, a tale in which three obscure academicians specializing in lesser Elizabethan writers end up dead. Now, the author, John Rowland, isn’t of the same caliber as Farjeon, Bude and Sprigg — and Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Shelley can’t hold a candle to Bude’s Inspector William Meredith (featured in The Lake District Murder, The Sussex Downs Murder, and Death on the Riviera); however, Murder in the Museum introduces the most charming police sidekick ever, the milquetoast (if insightful) Henry Fairhurst. Ridiculous — with his pince-nez, meek ways, and his domineering spinster sister — Fairhurst finds his Walter Mitty-like dreams of helping the police — and being valued by them — suddenly come true. It’s adorable!
Murder in the Museum takes a bit to get going, and the novel would have benefited from serious trimming in its first third. And its two “professionals” — Inspector Shelley and the dimwitted Sergeant Cunningham — remain pretty two-dimensional. However, I loved meek, middle-aged Henry Fairhurst; I just wish he could have a series to himself! Even with its faults, Murder in the Museum provides readers with a satisfying read, as long as you set your expectations accordingly.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I received this book free from NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and British Library Publishing in return for an honest review.
March 11, 2018
While I liked the setting, style, and hero, the swearing got to be too much.
July 30, 2016
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press, we have another fun outing in the wonderful British Library Crime Classic series. Originally published in 1938, this is a classic whodunit with carefully planted clues and a lot of twists and turns along the way.
Mr. Rowland immediately begins the mystery with the murder occurring in a crowded, public room right away in chapter one. Scotland Yard's Inspector Shelley is on the scene at once, collecting evidence, interviewing suspects, and doggedly following clues.
What makes this book stand out from your typical classic Scotland Yard inspector mystery is Henry Fairhurst. Henry was in the British Museum Reading Room at the time of Professor Julius Arnell's death, and fancies himself to be a bit of a sleuth. (In truth, he really is not, but he is observant and eager to help.) Henry pops up several times with new information that keeps the case moving along.
From an armchair detective point of view, I will tell you I found this mystery almost impossible to solve, and was glad when Mr. Rowland spelled things out for me in the end. True to the golden age of detective fiction, Mr. Rowland does provide the reader with the pieces needed to put the puzzle together, but looking back, this one did seem to be a bit unfair to the reader in that respect.
I always enjoy reading a story written and set in the late 1930's, and Murder in the Museum is no exception.
From my review at Hidden Staircase.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mr. Rowland immediately begins the mystery with the murder occurring in a crowded, public room right away in chapter one. Scotland Yard's Inspector Shelley is on the scene at once, collecting evidence, interviewing suspects, and doggedly following clues.
What makes this book stand out from your typical classic Scotland Yard inspector mystery is Henry Fairhurst. Henry was in the British Museum Reading Room at the time of Professor Julius Arnell's death, and fancies himself to be a bit of a sleuth. (In truth, he really is not, but he is observant and eager to help.) Henry pops up several times with new information that keeps the case moving along.
From an armchair detective point of view, I will tell you I found this mystery almost impossible to solve, and was glad when Mr. Rowland spelled things out for me in the end. True to the golden age of detective fiction, Mr. Rowland does provide the reader with the pieces needed to put the puzzle together, but looking back, this one did seem to be a bit unfair to the reader in that respect.
I always enjoy reading a story written and set in the late 1930's, and Murder in the Museum is no exception.
From my review at Hidden Staircase.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2016
Professor Julius Arnell dies of eating a poisoned sugared almond in the hushed atmosphere of the British Museum Reading Room. He is an expert on minor Elizabethan dramatists. Henry Fairhurst - who is an inveterate people watcher and who spends a lot of time in the reading room. sees him die and is interviewed by the police.
Inspector Shelley is on the case and he is at first totally puzzled by it. The dead professor's daughter, Violet seems to have a motive for the killing as does her fiancé. But Shelley doesn't quite see them as the killers. Violet asks Henry Fairhurst for help and Fairhurst is soon helping the police in their investigations.
I enjoyed this entertaining and well plotted mystery. Some of the attitudes may seem a little dated by twenty first century readers but these were the prevailing attitudes of the day and in fact Shelley himself displays some very modern attitudes. I liked the characters and thought they were well drawn. There were plenty of clues and just as many red herrings though it will take an observant reader to work out in advance who was responsible for the death. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
Inspector Shelley is on the case and he is at first totally puzzled by it. The dead professor's daughter, Violet seems to have a motive for the killing as does her fiancé. But Shelley doesn't quite see them as the killers. Violet asks Henry Fairhurst for help and Fairhurst is soon helping the police in their investigations.
I enjoyed this entertaining and well plotted mystery. Some of the attitudes may seem a little dated by twenty first century readers but these were the prevailing attitudes of the day and in fact Shelley himself displays some very modern attitudes. I liked the characters and thought they were well drawn. There were plenty of clues and just as many red herrings though it will take an observant reader to work out in advance who was responsible for the death. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
April 5, 2019
A mystery in a museum, but more in my mind- a mystery in a library (which is housed in the British Museum.) The detectives here are Insp. Shelley and Henry Fairhurst (who happened to be the one to witness the death.).
Each chapter seems to feature a perspective of different people involved, but investigating and potential victims. So while there is detecting, it also seems you to be also showing you at some point the murderer’s view point as well.
This story in terms of mystery and style is certainly more light-hearted and certainly would stretch the credulity of the situation at times. But overall, it’s a quick read. Fairly fun. Some nice points where you think there will be an answer but it either dead ends or flips another avenue to search. Would say that the murderer ended up being a bit off the path- and also his connection to one of the characters was a bit too neatly placed.
But overall, interesting to see something from this time period, and the introduction by Martin Edwards is really nice- many authors from this time period could be quite unknown quantities, especially as so many wrote under different names.
Each chapter seems to feature a perspective of different people involved, but investigating and potential victims. So while there is detecting, it also seems you to be also showing you at some point the murderer’s view point as well.
This story in terms of mystery and style is certainly more light-hearted and certainly would stretch the credulity of the situation at times. But overall, it’s a quick read. Fairly fun. Some nice points where you think there will be an answer but it either dead ends or flips another avenue to search. Would say that the murderer ended up being a bit off the path- and also his connection to one of the characters was a bit too neatly placed.
But overall, interesting to see something from this time period, and the introduction by Martin Edwards is really nice- many authors from this time period could be quite unknown quantities, especially as so many wrote under different names.
October 24, 2019
That this deeply silly book, very much what the Rt Hon Freddie Threepwood would be reading one night at Blandings whilst shenanigans for a cow creamer are afoot, was written by the father of dullest lecturer I ever had tickles me wonderfully. One of the nicest men I’ve ever met and one of the most unique names I’ve ever encountered so there’s little doubt it’s him when he’s mentioned in the introduction. As a crime novel it’s tosh. As a thriller, it manages to waste a brilliant central idea that John Dickson Carr would have worked wonders with. But as pure entertainment it’s a joy. Wonderful fun
October 31, 2016
I am quite surprised that other reviewers seem to like this book a lot more than I did. I found it mundane and pedestrian. The plot was weak, easy to see through and there was a distinct lack of detection.
Sometimes excellent writing makes up a bit for these shortcomings but not so in this case. Considering the usual quality of The British Library Crime Classics this was very disappointing.
Sometimes excellent writing makes up a bit for these shortcomings but not so in this case. Considering the usual quality of The British Library Crime Classics this was very disappointing.
May 11, 2018
In 1938’s Murder in the Museum by John Rowland, Henry Fairhurst has been doing research in the British Museum Reading Room when he gets annoyed that a man nearby seems to have fallen asleep. But when Henry goes to wake up the man, he discovers that the man is dead. Inspector Shelley, called to the scene, is certain that the man has been poisoned with cyanide. The victim proves to be Professor Julius Arnell, an expert in Elizabethan poets. Soon Inspector Shelley learns that another expert in the same field died in the British Museum six months earlier, and a third expert has gone missing. It doesn’t take long before they locate the missing man’s body, also at the British Museum, but stabbed only half an hour earlier.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
May 21, 2023
I like a good murder-mystery book, unfortunately this one missed the mark for me, evidenced by the fact it took me a whole month to read 209 pages.
It had good bones and some twists, however the end was rather anti-climatic and disappointing.
It was first released back in 1938 and I did struggle with the style of writing and language use throughout the book.
It had good bones and some twists, however the end was rather anti-climatic and disappointing.
It was first released back in 1938 and I did struggle with the style of writing and language use throughout the book.
April 2, 2017
I've gone a bit crazy buying up these classic British crime series, but must admit am thoroughly enjoying them. This one was primarily set around mysterious deaths at the British Library. Probably the weakest storyline and ending of those I've read so far, but still worth a read.
December 6, 2020
It had the feel of a book written in a different era and by golly it was. It had the feel of a black and white film on a Sunday afternoon.w
April 15, 2018
A great first half but falls apart at the halfway point. Full review at classicmystery.wordpress.com
July 7, 2016
The blurb tells us that the author ' John Rowland, (1907-1984) was a publisher, journalist, civil servant and Unitarian minister whose detective novels have long been neglected'. This book was first published in 1938 and this is its first republication since then now under the aegis of the British Library which is publishing a fair number of neglected crime 'classics'. Quite honestly. it is easy to see why this book has been neglected. Its first publication was at the end of the so called 'golden age' of the English crime novel, but the author was no Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers or Edmund Crispin. I suppose the kindest description is to call the book 'quaint'. The dialogue is very stilted, characterisation almost non existent. Words like framed-up (not just framed) are surrounded by inverted commas. In one episode a body has been exhumed for a further post mortem (and at least the author doesn't use the Americanism 'autopsy'). The pathologist reports to the police inspector that the deceased had died of natural causes. 'You are dead certain of that' asks the DI. 'Dead certain' replies the pathologist. In neither case is there any indication that this was meant humourously and one is left with the impression that the author was unaware of what exactly he had written. In another chapter, the police ascertain that a character is in danger and has likely caught a bus from Streatham to Pinner. Rather than check with London Transport the route the bus would take and catch it up (we are told that the police car could go fast), it lumbers slowly behind another, later service, on the same route. I don't think that even 80 odd years ago, the Metropolitan Police were that stupid. One postive point - the book is very well presented and although a paperback, the pages fall open easily without a need to crack the spine. Other publishers please take note! Was it worth the time of the British Library to reprint the book? I think the answer has to be 'yes' because it is always interesting to see what lesser practioners of any particular art were up to during a time dominated a small number of masters. I have a number of other books in the series to read and in giving this book 2* I do not denigrate from the work the British Library has done in making it available for us to read.
September 7, 2019
I bought this on impulse as I enjoy classic mysteries and have enjoyed several of the other books reissued by the British Library, but have to say that this one is deservedly forgotten and out of print for years.
The characters are, at best, 2 dimensional, the plot implausible in the extreme (and while I have no issue with implausible plots if they are well-written or entertaining, but this is, unfortunately, neither), and the plot is full of gaping holes..
The Scotland Yard detectives appear to be mind-blowingly incompetent - at one point they ask a local police officer about local residents with beards, but completely fail to actually ask for him by *name*, despite knowing that he has had a house in the village for around 10 years and that he had been corresponding with friends from that address, so presumably the village (or at the least, the post office) , know him by his real name.
There is no real detection - everything is uncovered due to coincidences.
Sadly, the descriptions are not great either, so there isn't even any joy to be had from enjoying the period and forgetting the plot.
The writing suggests that the author has virtually no knowledge at all of police procedure or routine- at one point, he refers to a police officer using 'the secret sign' to another police force to identify themselves as police officers (despite the fact that they are, at the time, making enquiries which are not remotely confidential or sensitive)
Overall, very disappointing, and i won't be looking for any more books by this author.
The characters are, at best, 2 dimensional, the plot implausible in the extreme (and while I have no issue with implausible plots if they are well-written or entertaining, but this is, unfortunately, neither), and the plot is full of gaping holes..
The Scotland Yard detectives appear to be mind-blowingly incompetent - at one point they ask a local police officer about local residents with beards, but completely fail to actually ask for him by *name*, despite knowing that he has had a house in the village for around 10 years and that he had been corresponding with friends from that address, so presumably the village (or at the least, the post office) , know him by his real name.
There is no real detection - everything is uncovered due to coincidences.
Sadly, the descriptions are not great either, so there isn't even any joy to be had from enjoying the period and forgetting the plot.
The writing suggests that the author has virtually no knowledge at all of police procedure or routine- at one point, he refers to a police officer using 'the secret sign' to another police force to identify themselves as police officers (despite the fact that they are, at the time, making enquiries which are not remotely confidential or sensitive)
Overall, very disappointing, and i won't be looking for any more books by this author.
October 1, 2020
The British Library Crime Classics series is a worthy project, and John Rowland's 1938 novel is very readable -- fascinating for its 1930s settings and technology, and not least its imagined police procedures. But the modern editor of the volume, Martin Edwards, attempts in his Introduction to suggest that the narrative references to the Jewishness of a minor character are, to all intents and purposes, transparent and innocuous for a modern readership -- a naïve editorial assertion, given the relative frequency of references to "the young Jew" (Moses Moss) and his stereotyped physical and mental characteristics. If "young Jew" is permissible and understandable, why not also "young Anglican", "old lapsed Catholic", or "confirmed atheist"?! After all, the character in question is simply another British citizen. More damningly, why was it necessary for Rowland to create Moses Moss as a "Jewish" character at all? -- merely, perhaps, to exploit contemporary prejudices against Jewish members of British society, for whom some might have automatically suspected that a Jew, any Jew, would be likely to have criminal tendencies motivated by a lust for lucre?! This implicit 1930s prejudice cries out, arguably still capable of both reflecting and reinforcing the values of those days as values for modern times. (An even more minor elderly "spinster" character is treated in similar stereotyping ways as the potential target of sexist readers.) So, yes, an interesting and obviously dated crime narrative, but poorly introduced by Martin Edwards for a modern, 21st-century readership.
June 12, 2018
Henry Fairhurst was doing research in the British Museum Reading Room when his attention was caught by a man sitting nearby, a man with flaming red hair, enormous horn-rimmed spectacles, well-cut clothing spoiled by the spotting of remnants of several meals, a dirty collar, and a tie wildly askew. And -- was he SNORING? In the Reading Room? Something Must Be Done, and Henry was the man to do it. Henry made his way over to the man and shook him several times to awaken him. The man's only response was to slip under the table and on to the floor. He was quite dead.
Thus began Henry's adventure as a detective. Although Inspector Shelley welcomes any information Henry can offer, he does not wish for any further help from him. He and Sergeant Cunningham have the case well in hand, and do not need further interference from amateurs. But Henry fancies himself as something like an armchair detective, and feels he must help the authorities with their case, and proceeds to interfere as much as possible.
I was immediately caught up in this tale, which was lively with interesting characters and excellent dialog. The story was well-plotted with some red herrings and a few twists. The ending, however, was disappointing. The motive was hard to believe because it just didn't really make sense, and excusing that by showing the person is insane doesn't change that fact convincingly.
Thus began Henry's adventure as a detective. Although Inspector Shelley welcomes any information Henry can offer, he does not wish for any further help from him. He and Sergeant Cunningham have the case well in hand, and do not need further interference from amateurs. But Henry fancies himself as something like an armchair detective, and feels he must help the authorities with their case, and proceeds to interfere as much as possible.
I was immediately caught up in this tale, which was lively with interesting characters and excellent dialog. The story was well-plotted with some red herrings and a few twists. The ending, however, was disappointing. The motive was hard to believe because it just didn't really make sense, and excusing that by showing the person is insane doesn't change that fact convincingly.
September 29, 2021
Sometimes an event driving the reading enjoyment, sometimes it is really the characters and in this book, while the mystery itself was very different from what I have read before, it really was the diversity of characters — and not necessarily the main characters — who brought this truly to life.
The story opens with little (only 5'4" tall) Henry Fairhurst coming to the British Museum Reading Room where he plays a little mind game of looking at individuals and thinking who they are, what they do. This time, he looks over at one such man and finds a corpse.
But that is not the only appearance of Mr Henry Fairhurst. And that brings us the first twist, an amateur detective working along side the Inspector Shelley and Sgt. Cunningham of Scotland Yard.
Who killed Professor Julius Arnell and why? There are plenty of twist and turns and along for the ride are Fairhurst and his spinster sister Sarah; Violet Arnell, the victim's daughter and her fiancé, Harry Baker; and a host of other unusual characters.
There are plenty of twists and turns too and all together it makes for a fun and enjoyable afternoon of reading.
The story opens with little (only 5'4" tall) Henry Fairhurst coming to the British Museum Reading Room where he plays a little mind game of looking at individuals and thinking who they are, what they do. This time, he looks over at one such man and finds a corpse.
But that is not the only appearance of Mr Henry Fairhurst. And that brings us the first twist, an amateur detective working along side the Inspector Shelley and Sgt. Cunningham of Scotland Yard.
Who killed Professor Julius Arnell and why? There are plenty of twist and turns and along for the ride are Fairhurst and his spinster sister Sarah; Violet Arnell, the victim's daughter and her fiancé, Harry Baker; and a host of other unusual characters.
There are plenty of twists and turns too and all together it makes for a fun and enjoyable afternoon of reading.
January 24, 2022
Murder in the Museum is a classic mystery written during the golden age of crime fiction. I love having the chance to read something that would have otherwise been forgotten.
This book is apart of the Inspector Shelley series although I think it does well as a stand alone. It is a shorter novel and the plot is not quite as in-depth. Sometimes shorter books are nice, but I don't always feel like you get a sense for the atmosphere. That is the case with this book. The murder takes place in the reading room of a museum, but honestly I think the murder could have occurred anywhere. The crime does not have much to do with the actual museum itself. The author takes the murder mystery in a different direction than I was expecting. I like when a book keeps you guessing and this one definitely made me do just that.
I would give this book a rating of three and a half stars if I could. I liked the characters and the way the author wrapped up the story. This was a fun and enjoyable read. That is why I always come back for more when I see a British Library Crime Classic.
This book is apart of the Inspector Shelley series although I think it does well as a stand alone. It is a shorter novel and the plot is not quite as in-depth. Sometimes shorter books are nice, but I don't always feel like you get a sense for the atmosphere. That is the case with this book. The murder takes place in the reading room of a museum, but honestly I think the murder could have occurred anywhere. The crime does not have much to do with the actual museum itself. The author takes the murder mystery in a different direction than I was expecting. I like when a book keeps you guessing and this one definitely made me do just that.
I would give this book a rating of three and a half stars if I could. I liked the characters and the way the author wrapped up the story. This was a fun and enjoyable read. That is why I always come back for more when I see a British Library Crime Classic.
July 9, 2018
The British Library Crime Classic series is the leading publisher of re-issued golden age (and later) forgotten crime novels & short stories. It has always amused me how this genre can come up with so many varied ways to incorporate crime into a novel and also the interesting titles they have produced. Just the title of this novel excited me - as I knew that the British Library use to be housed in the British Museum - and these novels are a great way to get a sense of the times. Although I enjoyed reading the book (as it flows well and is essentially an easy book to read at bedtime) - it is obvious to frequent readers of classical crime that this is a first or an early crime novel by the author as he makes mistakes in his pace which is somewhat slow and tension/excitement which needs to be enhanced. Another book in a similar style to this novel is John Austwick's - Murder in the Borough Library. I would give this book 5.5 out of 10.
October 10, 2021
Rating 3
An entertaining enough book during the reading but afterwards it doesn’t linger very long in the mind or memory I’m afraid.
Not badly written but it certainly doesn’t match up against a large proportion of the BL crime series reprints. The story is very straightforward and moves from mystery to thriller I suppose by finishing with a chase after the murderer who has become a kidnapper during the final few chapters.
Based on this book alone I can see why the author has never been ‘re discovered’ by publishers during the recent golden age crime revival. But I will pick up any other titles I see by him as it wasn’t terrible by any means - just very much of its time I suspect.
An entertaining enough book during the reading but afterwards it doesn’t linger very long in the mind or memory I’m afraid.
Not badly written but it certainly doesn’t match up against a large proportion of the BL crime series reprints. The story is very straightforward and moves from mystery to thriller I suppose by finishing with a chase after the murderer who has become a kidnapper during the final few chapters.
Based on this book alone I can see why the author has never been ‘re discovered’ by publishers during the recent golden age crime revival. But I will pick up any other titles I see by him as it wasn’t terrible by any means - just very much of its time I suspect.
July 8, 2018
You have to read all the books in this beautifully presented series as products of their time, and provided you step into that era, and better still if you specifically love all its trappings, as I do, this is a jolly caper that put me in mind of a light-hearted and lightweight John Buchan. Good fun for fans of the golden age of crime, and refreshing to be reminded of the time in which detection depended entirely on the wits of the detectives - and a large dose of luck and/or coincidence - rather than technology and computer power.
June 7, 2016
When a man suddenly collapses in the British Museum Reading Room, quiet little Mr. Henry Fairhurst is the first to realize that he's dead. Since Henry is fascinated by detective stories, he's reluctant to leave the case in the capable hands of Inspector Shelley of Scotland Yard. And, since Shelley is a fair-minded man, he admits that some of the information that Henry provides about the learned world is useful.
July 11, 2016
OK you lot know I'm a pushover for period whodunits - I really enjoyed this one. Maybe because its so dated, because it focuses on all the loves of my life - the domed Reading Room of the British Museum, the British Museum, Elizabethan drama, Professors of said drama (OK I'd love to be one)and period detectives who always get their man. I even love the cover. Just pass me another toasted crumpet......
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