Book Note: Ngaio Marsh, Killer Dolphin

This is book 24 of the "Roderick Alleyn" series.

This note does not contain major spoilers for the book.

We learn very early that it involves the Dolphin theater, damaged in the Blitz (WWII bombing raids on London; I probably have to explain that for some people at this point). The Amazon description gives away stuff that's a spoiler beyond where I've read so far. I guess this is a danger with these older books; lots of people figure nobody needs to come at them fresh any more.

I like the setup on this one. It actually makes sense. In a twisty way, and through channels not revealed until quite late in the book, but it makes perfect sense. I like that in a book. And it has a nice set of characters, and a very nice view of the theatrical world (Marsh obviously has considerable interest in the worlds of art and the theater).

This one depends heavily on the tight set of interconnections among the main characters, from millionaires to yacht stewards to actors. Which I think is entirely reasonable for the period, although it looks a little strange now. The educated world was much smaller in England then than in the USA now.

Anyway—lots of fun. Possibly my favorite so far.