Michael Innes' plots are always convoluted and baroque in construction, but Appleby - as ever - seems to sort out the solution while not appearing to do anything much except think. Innes is a bit of an acquired taste: his writing is full of literary jokes and flamboyant verbiage (never use one word when five or six will do instead) and there's a tendency for the action to happen off-stage. And to be absolutely truthful, this wasn't one of his very best, so I wouldn't recommend starting with it. If you haven't read Innes, go for one his absolute classics, like Hamlet, Revenge! and then, if you love that I'd recommend reading Appleby's End before A Night of Errors - the cheerful insanity of the former will prepare you for the outright lunacy of the latter.

On the other hand, if you've already made the acquaintance of Edmund Crispin's Gervase Fen, and are a fan, you'll probably be quite comfortable with Appleby.

Night of errors has something for everybody. A crime that happened long ago leaves one heir standing. Until he's found dead in his study years later. Who did it, why and how will leave your senses wanting more.

This turned out to be one of the few books I have been unable to finish so it would be unfair to review.

I rated “A Night of Errors” only 2 stars, but it isn’t a bad book. It is well-written and occasionally very funny. I am not sure the sense of humour will appeal to everyone, however. This book is funny in a dry, British humour sort of way. The novel from the start appears satirical and it is hard to take the criminal intrigue and the characters seriously. I had an impression the author was constantly winking at me. Sometimes I got the joke and at other occasions I was completely baffled by it and have no idea what the author was referring to. I also got an impression that I was watching a comedy played on stage while reading this book. The characters seemed to be actors performing their roles not real people. This impression was magnified by the fact that most of the book happened in less than 24 hours. It was really hard to rate this book, because I never really got into it.

I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with the advance reader copy of the book.

An Innes mystery that is a for reals mystery (in its emphasis on sleuthing and police procedure) which, for me, was a nice departure from some of the deconstructions and funkiness that he indulges in. Everyone is horrible, per the usual country house murder style, which I also enjoyed. A recommend.

What a lot of twists and turns this book has, really keeps you on your toes, It is classic Michael Innes - he seems to like putting many red herrings and twist in his books. I found it a challenge, but an enjoyable read all the same.

I'm hooked on Innes' unique brand of bonkers erudition and crime, and this is one of the best, if most head-spinning, of his Appleby series to date. Taking its cue from A Comedy of Errors, Innes turns twins into triplets and multiplies the complications to the max. Huge fun!

Excellent ! Another enjoyable mystery.