Review of 'Mystery of Mr. Jessop' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
Though this one only warrants three stars from me, that's still a good rating. It's just not as good as other books I've read in the series. I recommend starting out with [b:Death Comes to Cambers: A Bobby Owen Mystery|25989717|Death Comes to Cambers A Bobby Owen Mystery (The Bobby Owen Mysteries)|E.R. Punshon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437999199s/25989717.jpg|23822182] or [b:Crossword Mystery|25509856|Crossword Mystery (The Bobby Owen Mysteries)|E.R. Punshon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437933016s/25509856.jpg|21371838].
Fay Fellows, a fading American actress, is running low on funds, so she decides to sell her priceless diamond necklace through the Mayfair Square jewelers, Jessop & Jacks. One day, the jewelers call the CID claiming that the necklace has been stolen. It is suspected that the necklace is in the greedy hands of T T Mullins, a notorious fence. The police attempt to surreptitiously watch T T's home using the disguise of furniture movers. It doesn't work - T T is a sly old bird and he catches …
Though this one only warrants three stars from me, that's still a good rating. It's just not as good as other books I've read in the series. I recommend starting out with [b:Death Comes to Cambers: A Bobby Owen Mystery|25989717|Death Comes to Cambers A Bobby Owen Mystery (The Bobby Owen Mysteries)|E.R. Punshon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437999199s/25989717.jpg|23822182] or [b:Crossword Mystery|25509856|Crossword Mystery (The Bobby Owen Mysteries)|E.R. Punshon|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437933016s/25509856.jpg|21371838].
Fay Fellows, a fading American actress, is running low on funds, so she decides to sell her priceless diamond necklace through the Mayfair Square jewelers, Jessop & Jacks. One day, the jewelers call the CID claiming that the necklace has been stolen. It is suspected that the necklace is in the greedy hands of T T Mullins, a notorious fence. The police attempt to surreptitiously watch T T's home using the disguise of furniture movers. It doesn't work - T T is a sly old bird and he catches them.
However, while T T is gloating and the police are seething, two gunshots are heard in quick succession. This is not what any of them expect, especially T T, who runs off screaming, "The diamonds, diamonds." They discover the body of a dying man:
"Already the glazing eyes, the pinched face, told how near was the end. But the touch of Bobby’s hand seemed to revive the dying man a moment. He made an effort to rally his strength. He said loudly: 'The duke – duchess – knew...'"
The man then expires. He is identified as Mr Jessop of Jessop & Jacks. It is obvious that T T is totally confused and very upset by Jessop's presence. What was Jessop doing here? And where is the necklace?
The mystery is rather dull and there is no chemistry between Bobby Owen and his new boss, the stolid and rather stupid Superintendent Ulyett. I missed the easygoing camaraderie between Bobby and his former boss, Superintendent Mitchell. Ulyett was basically an obstacle that had to be gotten around most of the time.
However, the ending is priceless and very funny. Bobby has a sense of humor and looks out for people. It's also hard to feel any sympathy for the Duke, who comes across as selfish and pompous, though his pomposity is dealt a few blows in the end.
One thing I don't understand: why did Bobby, who was unarmed, run after someone he knew for a fact had a gun? Very, very stupid!