Our Book Group is almost a year old and it's time to choose the twelfth title for us to read. I've given some thought to this, looking to achieve a balance of sorts, keen to have something good but not a book that might turn our enthusiasm down to a gentle simmer, as some have done! We haven't had any crime or thrillers yet, so I've gone for what is often referred to as a masterpiece from the Golden Age of crime writing, a book by an author I haven't read before, Margery Allingham's The Tiger in the Smoke.
You can read about the writer here, where you'll see the best of her work described as "among the most distinguished in the genre - vivacious, stylish, observant, shapely, intricate and witty... unfailingly intelligent and imaginative....", while this book is "more than an outstanding thriller. In her intense depiction of character, place and event, Margery Allingham has created a major novel."
The book should be readily available, but as ever, the Book Depository offers free worldwide delivery if local sources don't have it, and if I set the discussion date for Saturday, 13th. December there should be plenty of time for us to read it. Anyone who wants to read along with us is very welcome - the group is open to all - and I hope we'll enjoy this novel very much.
I *love* Margery Allingham! Tiger in the Smoke is a terrific novel but not typical of her work (in the same sense that people say Great Expectations is 'un-Dickensian'), so I think it's a good stand-alone to choose.
Posted by: Barbara | 30 October 2008 at 03:08 PM
Majorie Allingham is one of my favorite mystery writers. They had a series of her mysteries on PBS about 20 or so years ago. They were wonderful also. The lead was played by the man who played Tristan on All Creatures Great & Small. He also played one of the Dr. Whos.
Posted by: Hester | 30 October 2008 at 05:08 PM
It's a great book, and everyone will enjoy it! It may not be typical, but its well written (unlike Agatha Christie etc, so please don't think its like that cardboard mass production) and it has a couple of great characters in it, including ... but no spoilers. Given my track record, your readers may be put off by me applauding a book, but really, this is very fine and very readable.
Posted by: lindsay | 30 October 2008 at 05:09 PM
Majorie Allingham is one of my favorite mystery writers. They had a series of her mysteries on PBS about 20 or so years ago. They were wonderful also. The lead was played by the man who played Tristan on All Creatures Great & Small. He also played one of the Dr. Whos.
Posted by: Hester | 30 October 2008 at 05:10 PM
It's quite a few years since I read Tiger in the Smoke, but I seem to recall that it was excellent!
Posted by: Mrs C | 30 October 2008 at 09:50 PM
I don't know this writer or book so am delighted to have your selcetion at this point in time so that I can get a head start. Many thanks!
Posted by: Barbara MacLeod | 31 October 2008 at 09:10 AM
Ah, I just read my first Margery Allingham the other week "Traitor's Purse". I shall have to try and hunt this one out.
Posted by: Sarah | 01 November 2008 at 05:04 AM
Oh, splendid! I have been (re)reading my way through all Allingham's Campion novels in order this autumn, and it will only take a little catching up to be ready for this one in time. And this is one of my favourites.
Posted by: GeraniumCat | 01 November 2008 at 05:45 PM
Snapped it up from Amazon - it arrived yesterday. Now at the top of the tbr! Haven't read any Allingham - looking forward to it.
Posted by: Claire | 07 November 2008 at 10:43 AM