An English Murder by Cyril Hare is a classic English country house mystery set at Warbeck Hall during Christmas. The story unfolds as a group of guests, including a diverse mix of characters with political affiliations and historical backgrounds, become snowbound in the house. A murder occurs, leading to an investigation led by Dr. Bottwink, a Central European historian, and Sergeant Rogers, a Special Branch Detective. The plot is filled with subtle humor, diverse political views, and an ingenious mystery that keeps the reader engaged till the end.

Characters:

The characters are an eccentric and diverse cast that includes a weak aristocrat and a foreign historian, collectively reflecting the societal tensions of the time.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by witty and engaging prose, featuring dry humor and clever observations, creating a modern feel while reflecting the societal nuances of the 1950s.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is a traditional English country house murder mystery set during Christmas, featuring a group of guests snowed in, dramatic deaths, and a gradual resolution revealing the murderer amid class tensions.

Setting:

The setting is a snowbound English country house that creates an atmosphere of isolation, reflecting the historical context and class distinctions of post-WWII Britain.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk with engaging dialogues driving the story, although the second half is noted to be less exciting. Overall, it feels satisfyingly short.

Warbeck Hall is reputed to be the oldest inhabited house in Markshire. The muniment room in the north-eastern angle is probably its oldest part; it is certainly the coldest. Dr. Wenceslaus Bottwink, P...

Notes:

An English Murder is a classic English country house murder mystery set during Christmas.

The plot gently mocks 1950s English upper-class manners and beliefs.

The story features guests snowed in at a country manor, creating a closed circle mystery.

Dr. Botwink, a foreign historian, provides an outsider's perspective on England and its class system.

The novel touches on themes of post-WWII politics, including fascism and socialism.

Cyril Hare was a County Court Judge, which influenced his writing style and legal references.

The characters represent a mix of political affiliations, reflecting the era's tensions.

The death scenes and the unraveling mystery keep readers engaged, evoking a classic whodunit feel.

Hare's witty humor adds a layer of depth to the character interactions and social commentary.

The realistic portrayal of characters is praised, making them more relatable than typical stereotypes.

The mystery resolution requires obscure knowledge of English law and history, showcasing Hare's legal expertise.

From The Publisher:

A country house murder mystery classic, as a party find themselves snowed-in on Christmas Eve with a murderer among them...

The snow is thick, the phone line is down, and no one is getting in or out of Warbeck Hall. All is set for a lovely Christmas, with friends and family gathered round the fire, except as the bells chime midnight, a murder is committed. But who is responsible? The scorned young lover? The lord's passed-over cousin? The social climbing politician's wife? The Czech history professor? The obsequious butler? And perhaps the real question is: Can they survive long enough to find out?

Ratings (1)

Incredible (1)

Reader Stats (6):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
An English Murder?

See the list (67 books)

About the Author:

An English Murder (1951) was the sixth crime novel by Cyril Hare, nom de plume of Alfred Gordon Clark, one of the most influential names in English Golden Age crime writing. Alfred Gordon Clark was a county judge when he wrote the novel. He died in 1958.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

An English Murder

Cyril Hare