A Night of Errors
Author | Michael Innes |
---|---|
Language | English |
Series | Sir John Appleby |
Genre | Detective |
Publisher | Gollancz Dodd, Mead(US) |
Publication date | 1947 |
Publication place | United Kingdom |
Media type | |
Preceded by | Appleby's End |
Followed by | Operation Pax |
A Night of Errorsis a 1947detective novelby the British writerMichael Innes.[1]It is the eleventh in his series featuringJohn Appleby,recently aDetective Inspectorin theMetropolitan Policebut currently living in an early retirement in the English countryside. It takes the form of acountry house mysterywith an extremely complex plot, laced with strong elements offarcecommon throughout the series.[2]
Synopsis
[edit]The once wealthy Dromio family of Sherris Hall is in financial trouble and the currentbaronetSir Oliver is in America. His mother throws a small dinner party inviting a near neighbour, her brother-in-law Sir Sebastian Dromio as well as her adopted daughter Lucy. When the body of Sir Oliver turns up after dinner partially burnt in thefireplacein his study Inspector Hyland of the local force calls on the assistance of the famed Appleby. The case proves utterly baffling, and proves only more so as the bodies pile up. A drunken Sir Sebastian shoots Grubb the headgardener,who appeared about to reveal some vital clue and then a major fire consumes much of the house in flames. The whole case seems to have its roots in another mysterious fire forty years earlier, started by the insane Sir Romeo Dromio, that apparently killed Oliver's two triplets.
References
[edit]Bibliography
[edit]- Hubin, Allen J.Crime Fiction, 1749-1980: A Comprehensive Bibliography.Garland Publishing, 1984.
- Reilly, John M.Twentieth Century Crime & Mystery Writers.Springer, 2015.
- Scheper, George L.Michael Innes.Ungar, 1986.