One star just for the premise - a woman is last seen in an arbor with a book of Byron poetry in her hands. She is never seen again. It is 1840. Hundred years later, in 1940, she re-appears, exactly as she was, having not aged even a single day. Interesting, right? Sadly, the solution that arrives after 260 pages of superficial dialogue, bad unnecessary plot, is plain and stupid to say the least. Glad I majorly skimmed through it and didn't waste more time. The mystery novels of yore have premises that are like sensuous cover-designs of those cheap movies that don't deliver what they promise, but you are tempted to take a look anyway. A promise to the self: I will not be lured by intriguing premises anymore! Come to think of it, there is another by Elizabeth Daly in which a mysterious figure of a woman in a sunbonnet appear almost daily. Is this the same woman who died last year? No, no, I am not going to waste my time with this one. Reminder: I just made a promise!
Agatha Christie considered Elizabeth Daly one of her favorite mystery writers. The style of the book is very similar to Christie's own work. It is definitely a period piece depicting the life of wealthy New York during the 40's. However, it is very well done and very accurate in it's descriptions. Daly's detective Henry Gamadge is an intelligent and clever fellow. He is able to take his observations of people along with his gathering of clues and build a solid case for the solution of the crime. An easy and enjoyable read in the Christie tradition.
