Blotto, Twinks and the Dead Dowager Duchess

Author: Simon Brett
Publisher: Felony & Mayhem Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-934609-92-7
Pages: 224
Price: $14.95

In this second volume in the Blotto and Twinks mystery series, one of their mother’s acquaintances – a member of the aristocracy – is murdered. Although the brother and sister don’t miss the woman much, they are greatly disturbed by the fact their chauffeur is accused of the murder and will hang for a crime he didn’t commit. It’s the 1920’s in Britain, and the lower classes have few rights. So, determined to clear his name, they set off to catch the real murderer, whom the brilliant Twinks has already determined.

This search takes them into the dark recesses of London, where they have to come in close contact with the “oikish” folks they normally avoid associating with. They determine their suspect is a member of the League of the Crimson Hand, and each new clue leads them closer to the Crimson Thumb – the ringleader of this evil group.

A good British murder mystery is made even better by the comedy of a pair of aristocrats running around London in evening dress, while dealing with a difficult stowaway passenger, a stolen car, and endless suitors willing to die for the beautiful Twinks. And the authentic British dialogue is pure “creamy éclair.” Fans of British mysteries will love Blotto, Twinks and the Dead Dowager Duchess.

Reviewer: Alice Berger