Now, what is baffling the police is that there is only one
set of footprints which leads towards the room. So, how did the murderer
managed to escape without leaving another set of footprints?
And like in all murder mysteries there is another murder and
that too of the most likely suspect.
HM and the newly promoted Chief Inspector Master’s investigate
the White Priory Murders.
Review:
Another Impossible locked room crime written by Carr in 1934,
who is writing here under his famous synonym “Carter Dickson”. While the book
is only second in the Henry Merrivale series it has all the common plot and
character intricacies that you would expect out of a HM story. Expect that HM himself is a bit subdued in his
early novels, in later novels he keeps getting into more jocular and sometimes even
ridiculous situations.
The “no footprints in the snow” plot is a common plot theme
in many Carr book like the “Hollow man” and “She Died a Lady”. In my opinion
this plot idea is best handled in She Died a Lady which is a far superior novel
then the White Priory murders. The solution to the impossible crime in white
priory murders is simple and nicely explained but far better in She Died a Lady.
One thing which made the book a little dry was that it was
missing any kind of humor. Most of the Carr books have enough content and
context to leave the reader in splits. Also HM novels are well known for their
light moments, I guess this book was an exception to the rule.
Carr is very good at weaving supernatural and tension in the
atmosphere of the book. But that is also absent from this book. The book is missing
the spark that you would generally associate with a Carr book. I would like to
have seen the setting of the Queen’s room being explored more it was a great
idea and adding a bit of supernatural there would have given the book that much
needed edge.
HM delivers a lecture about: in what situation a locked room murder would take place. It is thoroughly enjoyable. The book is a great example of needing solid characters, compelling dialog and a seductive atmosphere, the mystery won't alone sell the book. Overall I think the book had some good
things and little tweaks would have made this a great read but it ends up being
an average read where you keep counting how many pages are left to the end
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