Vertigo 42

What’s not to like about ANY of the Richard Jury series by Martha Grimes? And in “Vertigo 42,” Grimes has another clever, exciting, entertaining, and informative episode of one of the most talented police detectives in modern fiction. In this, his 23rd case, the brilliant, intuitive, and understanding Scotland yard superintendent is once again balancing the many elements of his daily life, all on the way to solving yet another murder. Of course, Grimes is no stranger to literary allusions and here she cleverly and clearly pays homage to the Alfred Hitchcock movie “Vertigo”—but just. While it would be too obvious NOT to cite Sir Alfred, Grimes takes advantage of the situation and then moves on with another fascinating story. Opening with a meeting with Tom Williamson in the posh 42-second floor bar (Vertigo 42) of one of London’s new skyscrapers, the foundation of this episode is laid. Tom’s wife Tess was found dead at the bottom of some stone steps on their estate in Devon. The death is ruled an “open verdict” due to her own vertigo, that she simply fell down those steps. Five years before that, Tess had been charged with the murder of one of the children, nine-year-old Hilda Palmer, often seen on the estate with several others at Tess’s invitation. She is cleared of that, although, of course, suspicions among the gentry were not allayed. Now, 17 years after her death, Tom meets Richard Jury to see if he will re-open the case, just to prove her innocence and to find out what actually happened. He believes it is murder. While the murder didn’t happen on Jury’s patch, it’s a delicate situation, among colleagues and professionals, for him to open up this case. His old friend Inspector Macalvie was one of the investigating officers at the time. But he assures Tom that he will “look into it.” But before Jury can really get into an investigation, though, a modern murder most foul occurs when an elegantly dressed young woman is found at the bottom of a tower near Ardry Inn (Long Piddleton) where Jury has driven from London to visit his longtime friends (the usual Grimes gang). Then, shortly thereafter, her estranged husband is also found dead. While Jury is on leave from the Yard, he can’t help but get involved—in both cases. In the second, Grimes brings back all that old gang, from Melrose Plant, to Aunt Agatha,to Marshall Trueblood---the whole lot. And all of them, ala vintage Grimes, are more than willing to offer their services (and advice) to solving all four deaths. And, of course, by the end of the book, these deaths have been solved, but not before Grimes weaves her magic. Filled with her usual reference to literature and art (esp. Thomas Hardy,Lytton Strachey, and Henry James), the well-timed comic relief with some brilliant wit also enhances the book, as perhaps only Martha Grimes can. She also seems limitless in her character creation—what a line up! Most interesting, I found, was that all the old gang, from Long Pid friends in the Jack and Hammer pub to Sergeant Wiggins to Carole-Anne Pulaski, and, yes, the Crippses make an appearance, almost as if this could be the last Reunion for Grimes’ Jury characters. And a new character, the dog Stanley provides some interest in the case. Grimes’ scope is pervasive and, once more, like Donna Leon and Ruth Rendell, doesn’t shy away from addressing socially significant issues (in this case, animal brutatity). Grimes has a field day, with clues here and there and everywhere but most readers won’t care. She doesn’t deliberately mislead, though, and attentive readers will simply takes these elements in stride. (And as she’s done with all the other Richard Jury mysteries, the title is that of an actual pub, many of which still exist today—and have been a delight to visit.) “Vertigo 42” seems to have recaptured the Grimes magic and this one is not to be missed. Granted, many of the references and background citations would be missed by readers undertaking the Jury series for the first time. Probably greater appreciation comes from having read the earlier Jury stories.)

I love this author and the Jury books - never fails to disappoint - just wish she could write them quicker

テーマは転落死。サブテーマは犬かな? 舞台はデヴォン、ノーサンツ、ロンドン。ジュリーの休暇中にノーサンツで起きる殺人事件と、約20年前の2つの謎の転落死。予備知識として、ヒッチコックの「めまい」とトーマス・ハーディの「ダーバビル家のテス」を知っていると役立つ。アマゾンでの評価は低いけど、自分としては久々に読みやすかった。退屈な章が少なく、ゾクゾクし通しとはいかないまでも、最後まで読むスピードが落ちなかった。これだけ長く続いたシリーズなので、もう、レギュラー陣をネタにして新鮮味を出すのは難しい(今回はウィギンズがちょっと面白いけど)。となると新登場人物をいかに描き込めるかが問われることになるが、どうも最近のグライムズは、そこが弱い気がする。

Erreur de ma part commandé en anglais

Fans of Martha Grimes will enjoy this addition to the series but stupid mistakes were distracting. (eg a child has reportedly hurt birds and chipmunks -no chipmunks outside zoos in England.-did she break in?)