(Goodreads Synopsis)
In this engaging historical mystery, Agatha Christie’s ever-capable housekeeper, Phyllida Bright, not only keeps the celebrated author’s English country home in tip-top shape, she excels as an amateur sleuth. But when a murder-themed game goes awry, can she outfox the guilty party?
“A murder will occur tonight at Beecham House . . .” Who could resist such a compelling invitation? Of course, the murder in question purports to be a party game, and Phyllida looks forward to using some of the deductive skills she has acquired thanks to her employer, Mrs. Agatha, who is unable to attend in person.
The hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Wokesley, are new to the area, and Phyllida gladly offers their own overwhelmed housekeeper some guidance while events get underway. Family friends have been enlisted to play the suspects, and Mr. Wokesley excels in his role of dead body. Unfortunately, when the game’s solution is about to be unveiled, the participants discover that life has imitated art. Mr. Wokesley really is dead!
In the absence of Inspector Cork, Phyllida takes temporary charge of the investigation, guiding the local constable through interviews with the Murder Game actors. At first, there seems no motive to want Mr. Wokesley dead . . . but then Phyllida begins to connect each of the suspects with the roles they played and the motives assigned to them. It soon becomes clear that everyone had a reason to murder their host—both in the game and in real life. Before long, Phyllida is embroiled in a fiendishly puzzling case, with a killer who refuses to play by the rules . ..
Honestly, I wasn’t particularly impressed with this book, yet I decided to review it because I was expecting so much more. Since I first saw the first instalment, I have been curious about this series with Agatha Christie‘s housekeeper at Mallowan Hall as the protagonist. I thought the concept was so interesting and unique. And I will admit that – as it often happens to me – the cover did a lot of the attraction. I will say that it is a very relaxing read that doesn’t busy the mind. I read it quite quickly. But apart from this, there were so many things that didn’t work for me.
First of all, I didn’t connect with Phyllida. She’s presented as some sort of Mary Poppins, a perfect housekeeper who always knows what to do and is the go-to person for everyone involved in the story. She always knows what to do, she’s always right in the end. And yes, the author makes fun of it and tries to present it in an amusing way, but personally, I found it unlikely and annoying.
There are also a few hints at Phyllida’s past that were interesting, but I realised almost immediately I would never learn more than that, at least in this story. I found this annoying, too, because I don’t like baits much when I read, especially if they sound more interesting than the story that is actually being told.
I had similar issues with all the characters. They all seemed to be stereotypical in a way or another. And it might have been a precise style choice – I mean, it might have been the author trying to make fun of the genre – but I’m really not sure. It didn’t feel like that to me. There was that sort of imbalance. Even Agatha Christie, who appears briefly, doesn’t feel like a real person.
The mystery was messy. Definitely. It was unlikely, not clearly thought out, and conducted mainly through interviews that didn’t move the needle until just one detail revealed it all. The first murder seemed unlikely to happen in that way. The second – why was it even necessary? So it is no surprise that the ending was also messy, unlikely and kind of purely executed, with a final action scene happening after the revelation of the murder that really didn’t do anything in terms of plot. I just wished it was over. All of this was mixed with random hints at the past lives of the main cast and with Phyllida’s house management-oriented thoughts, which I found distracting rather than entertaining.
As I write this, I realise I’m probably not the intender reader for this mystery. Other readers may enjoy it very much. The series seems to have quite the following, so please don’t be put off by my personal reaction. And if you read it, let me know what you think!
“Murder by Invitation Only” by Colleen Cambridge – The third a instalment in the Phyllida Bright Mystery series. What if #AgathaChristies's housekeeper were a brilliant detective? #HistoricalMystery Share on XMurder by Invitation Only
Excerpt
“But you’ll assist him, won’t you, Phyllie?” Agatha added. “-cork, I mean. Heaven knows he could use a woman’s guidance.”
While Phyllida heartily agreed, she wasn’t quite ready to fully throw her hat in the ring as a detective. After all, she did have a vacuum machine due to arrive at any moment and plenty of drama here at Mallowan Hall with which to contend. “I did guide Constable Greensticks in his conducting of the interviews since the inspector isn’t able to arrive until sometime today.”
“That was very smart of you, Phyllie,” said Agatha. “And I’m certain they went quite well.”
“They did. Poor Mrs. Wokesley seemed quite overset,” Phyllida said, remembering the tragic expression on Beatrice Wokesley’s face. “And the staff at Beecham House… well, quite honestly, I don’t know how much assistance they’ll be to the guests during this tragedy. Particularly the housekeeper. She seems rather inept.”
“Why then, by all means, you ought to go over to Beecham House and offer your support,” Agatha said immediately. “It’s the neighborly thing to do. After all, most households simply aren’t well versed in what to do when a murder takes place.
Unfortunately, you’ve had a bumper crop of experience in such matters, Phyllida.”
“I don’t wish to intrude, and there are so many things happening here at Mallowan Hall,” Phyllida said. She was not being disingenuous. She was sincerely concerned about what state the house might be in once she returned from an extended visit to Beecham House.
For, despite her conversation with Ginny, Phyllida wasn’t certain the maids would put aside their differences. And then there was the matter of Doddle and his loathing of chintz and lace, not to mention her cats.
The other books in the series
The Thursday Quotables was originally a weekly post created by Lisa Wolf for her book blog Bookshelf Fantasy . It isn’t a weekly post anymore, not even for Lisa, but just like her, I still love to share my favourite reads on Thursdays and I still use the original template which included an excerpt.
