LemonSky reviewed Murder at Lilac Cottage by Cecil John Charles Street
Review of 'Murder at Lilac Cottage' on 'Goodreads'
2 stars
After "Death Sits on the Board," I thought I would try this mystery by the prolific John Rhode (John Street). It was a definite letdown after the previous novel.
The story concerns the mysterious murder of the even more mysterious Derrington, who has moved to the small village of Matchingfield. He leaves every day - apparently to work in London - and returns late to home in Matchingfield. He has little to do with anyone except for perhaps the "Squire" (Mr Nutbourne), Nutbourne's chauffeur Taunton, and Taunton's pretty wife (which gets him in trouble). One evening, Derrington's motorcycle is heard heading towards his home as usual, and some time later his body is found by Taunton. Inspector Waghorn and Superintendent Hanslet are on the case again, though with very different ideas regarding who did it. A good deal of the investigation has to do with figuring out just who Derrington …
After "Death Sits on the Board," I thought I would try this mystery by the prolific John Rhode (John Street). It was a definite letdown after the previous novel.
The story concerns the mysterious murder of the even more mysterious Derrington, who has moved to the small village of Matchingfield. He leaves every day - apparently to work in London - and returns late to home in Matchingfield. He has little to do with anyone except for perhaps the "Squire" (Mr Nutbourne), Nutbourne's chauffeur Taunton, and Taunton's pretty wife (which gets him in trouble). One evening, Derrington's motorcycle is heard heading towards his home as usual, and some time later his body is found by Taunton. Inspector Waghorn and Superintendent Hanslet are on the case again, though with very different ideas regarding who did it. A good deal of the investigation has to do with figuring out just who Derrington was, what he really did for a living, and why he was living in Matchingfield of all places.
Pros:
A good, workman-like effort with all the clues laid out nicely.
Cons:
Again, cardboard characters with no personality. No one really comes to life, even Dr Priestley, who seems to me to be very similar to R Austin Freeman's Dr John Thorndyke with a bit of Sherlock Holmes thrown in for good measure. Priestley has more of a presence in this book than in "Death Sits on the Board," but that's not necessarily a plus.
It was very easy to figure out who did it in this one. The murderer is quite easy to spot. I had it figured out not long after Waghorn arrived in Matchingfield. I hate it when that happens. The only mystery was regarding Derrington's background and true profession.
If you want to try a Dr Priestley mystery, I recommend "Death Sits on the Board." It's not the same quality as Agatha Christie, Rex Stout, or Erle Stanley Gardner, but it's entertaining. "Murder at Lilac Cottage" is not.