A snappy and fun read, if not the most challenging of mysteries to solve - I'm not sure if the reader is supposed to think the detective is a real dum dum or if the big reveal is meant to surprise? Additionally, the last chapter introduces some facts/clues in our detective's summation that weren't introduced to the reader so we are definitely out of "fair play" country. I enjoyed the read in spite of these nitpicks, which I think shows what an engaging writer Mr. Budge was. A recommend but not for puzzle solvers.

From http://www.bookbarmy.com

Is it possible to have a crush on a publisher?

My heart beats faster, my fingers fondle their book covers, and my wallet giddily opens its arms -- all for The British Library Crime Series by Poisoned Pen Press.

Just look at these beauties, I mean really, what mystery reader could resist?
I first became aware of this series with my first purchase of THIS long lost favorite mystery. Since then I have cultivated a insatiable craving finely-tuned taste for this Poisoned Pen Press imprint.

In 1997, husband and wife founders, Robert Rosenwald and Barbara Peters, who are also the owners of the legendary Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, Arizona, saw an opportunity to re-publish the wonderful British mysteries novels of the 1930's and 1940's. They tapped into every bibliophile's secret desire --out of print titles, long lost authors, and beautiful covers to lovingly add to a bookcase:

“We knew that mystery readers wanted complete collections, so we thought we could make a business out of that.”
I've read several of these and, while some are better than others, all are well-plotted mysteries graced with some classic crime writing and completely interesting settings - in short they are pure fun escape reading.

There are locked room mysteries (Miraculous Mysteries), murders in Europe (Continental Crimes), small village settings (Death of a Busybody), and dead bodies in crumbling manors (Seven Dead).
In short, there's a British mystery for you in The British Library Crime Series. You got to love any publisher/bookseller who states this as their mission statement:

We are a community Bound By Mystery.

and who gathers praise such as this:

Hurrah to British Library Crime Classics for rediscovering some of the forgotten gems of the Golden Age of British crime writing.(Globe and Mail)

Might I suggest you support this fine enterprise by buying the books direct from their website ~ just click this logo.

Mysteries are my favorite genre and I especially love those set in the Golden Age. The Sussex Downs Murder is a great example. The book was easy to read - although a little slow in places. The clues were laid out well and there were some good plot twists that kept things interesting. I enjoyed Superintendent Meredith. I will certainly try to read more by John Bude.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.