The Allingham Casebook

4 stars

This collection of short stories by Margery Allingham is a treasure. They are all well written and comic in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way. They run the gamut from well-planned heists to a certain lack of domestic bliss.

I want to thank Netgalley and Ipso Books for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful little book to read.

Allingham, for me, is one of the more elusive Golden Age authors - both in the ability to find her books and in enjoyment of her Campion series. She knows how to spin a murder and she doesn't overly rely on the same types of characters (I'm looking at you, Agatha) BUT Campion has never rung the bell in my mind. As such, this short story collection really opens up the vistas of her writing. The plots are tight, although she hides the ball quite a bit but that's probably a function of the short story form rather than her writing, the characters well drawn, and there seems to be a wink behind most of the stories. In one especially fine psychological study, They Never Get Caught, the reader can draw a straight line between Allingham and Ruth Rendell and Joyce Carol Oates. A strong recommend.

I received an e-ARC of this collection of short stories through NetGalley and Ipso Books. Thank you.

I seem to be reading a lot of short stories lately. Quite often they just don't measure up. That's why it was such a delight to read the 18 stories included in this collection and to be so satisfied with the whole thing when I finished reading. I could sit down and read one or several of the stories at my leisure and look forward to getting back to the book as soon as possible. The biography included in this book states that Allingham wrote over 20 short stories so most of them are included in this volume. I didn't keep precise count, but it seems to me that approximately half the stories include Campion and either Inspector Charlie Luke or Superintendent Stanislaus Oates. Allingham doesn't always give a precise ending to a story, instead allowing the reader to think for a moment before having that "Oh, now I get it" moment. One story I still haven't quite figured out even though I read it twice.

Margery Allingham has always been one of my favorite mystery novel authors because she makes her characters possess not just intelligence, but also wit and charm. This was a thoroughly enjoyable collection of entertaining short stories. At the end of the stories there is a sample of the Allingham novel Traitor's Purse. There is something here for readers who are already firm fans of this author plus intriguing glimpses into the high quality of the writing you will find if you read the full length novels. Try this sampler then go for the main course. You almost can't go wrong with any book you pick. Super sleuth Albert Campion made his first appearance in "The Crime at Black Dudley" (not his best showing according to me) and became the main character of the Allingham books in "Mystery Mile".

Margery Allingham is one of the best early writers of crime fiction.  Her stories have stood the test of time, and practically every mystery lover is familiar with her iconic detective - Albert Campion.  I was delighted to have the opportunity to review this anthology.  It more than lived up to my expectations.  

Readers feast on an assortment of short stories, all unique.  What they do have in common is how clever they are.  Often there is a seemingly insurmountable puzzle, the unraveling of which is a delight.  Many, but not all feature Albert Campion.  More than a few throw in a dash of humor.  Allingham is a consummate storyteller, able to bring vastly different characters to vibrant life and never using the same plot twice.  These stories satisfy, not only because the puzzles are clever but also because justice is done.  There is murder, but there is no graphic violence.  These stories challenge the intellect but comfortably provide an understandable resolution.  I absolutely adore this collection of Allingham's short works.  I recommend it to anyone who enjoys classic mysteries, challenging puzzles or who is looking for a light satisfying read that is a departure from the norm.

5 / 5

I received a copy of The Allingham Case-book from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

Please see my post at: http://mwgerard.com/books-for-june-17/

Honestly, there's not a tremendous amount to say about this collection. I've been fond of Margery Allingham's writing for a very long time, and of Albert Campion; not all these stories are about him, but I like the Campions best, of course. Some I remembered; some felt new to me – and they're all very enjoyable, and very clever.

The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.