We're going to take a short break from the Golden Age this week to tell you about a more recent book that remains true to the traditional puzzle mystery. Between 1979 and 1995, Margot Arnold wrote a series of 12 fine mystery novels featuring the combined detective work of anthropologist Penny Spring and archeologist Sir Toby Glendower. "Margot Arnold" was, in fact, the pen name of an author named Petronelle Cook, who, according to her entry in Wikipedia, has solid credentials in both anthropology and archeology.
The sixth book in the series, published in 1982, is Lament for a Lady Laird
Set in the rugged and remote Scottish highlands, Lament for a Lady Laird is really a mix of a classic puzzle with a relatively mild (by today's standards, anyway) thriller. It begins with an invitation to Penny Spring from an old school friend, Heather Macdonell to come and visit her - she has inherited, and is now living in, a castle in the highlands. When Penny gets to the castle, she finds Heather has been frightened half out of her mind by a series of odd and terrifying events: someone apparently is stalking through the castle at night; a bagpipe is heard somewhere in the grounds piping an ancient lament; a mysterious and possibly ghostly figure appears (and disappears) nearby wearing the full dress tartan of the Macdonells. There is even talk of an old curse on the Macdonell clan.
There’s plenty of evidence that it could be part of a campaign to terrorize Heather, and it doesn’t take long for things to spiral out of control. When one of Heather's neighbors is murdered, Penny calls for help to her old friend, Sir Toby – and they both will find their hands full as they uncover a very dangerous secret. And the giant whirlpool just off the coast, the Corryvreckan, will prove to be a significant danger. Margot Arnold keeps the events rolling at a pretty good pace, and the result is a pleasant mix of classic puzzle and thriller. It's a very enjoyable combination.
The Arnold books are really quite good, aren't they, Les? Good classic mystery storytelling and--a bonus for me--a nice academic twist with Penny Spring and Sir Toby!
Posted by: Bev Hankins | February 16, 2015 at 01:34 PM
I've read several of them now, Bev, and I enjoy them thoroughly. A nice blend of thriller and classic puzzle, and I love the personalities of the two central characters!
Posted by: Les Blatt | February 16, 2015 at 01:39 PM
This sounds like my kind of book, Les. I've added the title to my list. I'm like you, I never know whether I'm grateful or not to learn of a new author (new to me at any rate) since I already have so many books waiting to be read. Especially now that I finally have a Kindle. (Thanks to a generous friend.) I'm almost afraid to think of all the books out there ready to be downloaded for free or for minimal cost. I'm like a kid let loose in a candy store!
Posted by: Yvettespaintbox | February 21, 2015 at 06:41 PM
True, Yvette. With my Kindle, I become a walking library - never run out of things to read on the plane. Or when I'm supposed to be doing something else, alas. I have dozens of books on my Kindle awaiting further attention. Ah well, there are worse problems... ;-)
Posted by: Les Blatt | February 21, 2015 at 07:42 PM