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Death of a Ghost

Albert Campion #6

Margery Allingham

First published 2007 · 402 pages

A witty, atmospheric romp through the eccentricities of the London art world, where deadly secrets hide behind bohemian facades.

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What it feels like

Stepping into this mystery feels like attending an exclusive, slightly eccentric London gallery opening where the champagne is flowing and the tension is palpable. The narrative unfolds at a steady, deliberate pace, allowing the reader to savor the sharp, satirical observations of the bohemian art world and its oversized egos. The prose is elegant and laced with dry British wit, perfectly matching the unassuming yet brilliant nature of the sleuth at its center. As the initial amusement gives way to genuine suspense, the atmosphere thickens with hidden motives and deadly intentions. It is a sophisticated, atmospheric puzzle that will delight fans of Golden Age detective fiction who prefer their murders served with a side of sparkling dialogue and high-society intrigue.

Mood
  • bohemian
  • elegant
  • suspenseful
  • eccentric
Tone
  • wry
  • sophisticated
  • satirical
  • observant
Pace
steady
Themes
artistic ego · the facade of high society · legacy and posthumous fame · hidden motives
The writing
Elegant and sharply observant, laced with dry British wit and vivid character portraits.
The arc
Begins with wry amusement at eccentric artists and deepens into genuine suspense as the danger closes in on the protagonist.
Who it's for
Fans of Golden Age detective fiction who appreciate a clever, unassuming sleuth navigating eccentric high society.
Content notes
  • murder
  • poisoning
  • stabbing

About the book

John Sebastian Lafcadio, is one of the greatest painters of the Edwardian period, and his ambition to be known as the greatest painter since Rembrandt was not to be thwarted by a matter as trifling as his own death. Lafcadio was not only a brilliantly talented, it appears, a bit psychic: Certain that his reputation would improve dramatically after his death, he left aset of twelve sealed paintings with his agent, along with the instruction that her widow should wait a suitable interval and then begin doling out the work to a newly ravenous public at the rate of one per year. Lafcadio's widow unveil the eighth canvas to a carefully selected audience. Albert Campion, an old friend of the widow's, is among the cast of gadabouts, muses and socialites gathered for the latest ceremony. The event is a success for all but one of the attendees--a young artist who is brutally stabbed while others are sipping champagne. The art is the last thing on the sleuth's mind whenl the wife of another painter is poisoned. The first killing took place at a crowded art show, in full view of the cream of London society. For the second killing, only the victim and the murderer were present. The first killing took place at a crowded art show, in full view of the cream of London society. For the second killing, only the victim and the murderer were present. Now the scene was set for the third--a lavish dinner party with vintage wines, and with Albert Campion's death as the main course. Mr. Campion must employ all his tact as well as his formidable intelligence to trap the killer, and dodge death.

Description from Open Library.

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