The first novel of the three written is called The Affair of the Bloodstained Cosy. These are old fashioned mysteries in the vein of Agatha Christie. They take place at the home of Lord Burford, a country estate named Alderley.
Anderson begins his novels with a prologue which sets up the initial scenario-in this novel a tale of espionage in the early thirties before WWII. It appears an imaginary Duchy needs British help to stave off the Germans who are becoming stronger and stronger. The negotiations will take on a country week-end at the manor, one of the chief negotiator being Sir Richard Saunders, brother of the earl. Then is also Lord Burford's daughter, Lady Geraldine, who invites a former school friend, Jane Clifton,who is between jobs due to her strong sense of no nonsense. There is a writer of books about antique houses and a fabulously wealthy American and his wife who share the earl's interest in antique guns. There is also a professional house guest who more or less sleeps his way through the story. There is also a former lover of Sir Richard who just happens to have a car accident outside the manor.
When one of the diplomats is found floating in the lake, a diamond necklace, and a pair of antique guns stolen, Inspector Wilkins is called in to solve the mysteries. Anderson does a wonderful job of weaving quite an elaborate plot -which turns out to be very complicated. I enjoyed the mystery, in part, because it was so old fashioned. I rate the story a high 7.
Anderson begins his novels with a prologue which sets up the initial scenario-in this novel a tale of espionage in the early thirties before WWII. It appears an imaginary Duchy needs British help to stave off the Germans who are becoming stronger and stronger. The negotiations will take on a country week-end at the manor, one of the chief negotiator being Sir Richard Saunders, brother of the earl. Then is also Lord Burford's daughter, Lady Geraldine, who invites a former school friend, Jane Clifton,who is between jobs due to her strong sense of no nonsense. There is a writer of books about antique houses and a fabulously wealthy American and his wife who share the earl's interest in antique guns. There is also a professional house guest who more or less sleeps his way through the story. There is also a former lover of Sir Richard who just happens to have a car accident outside the manor.
When one of the diplomats is found floating in the lake, a diamond necklace, and a pair of antique guns stolen, Inspector Wilkins is called in to solve the mysteries. Anderson does a wonderful job of weaving quite an elaborate plot -which turns out to be very complicated. I enjoyed the mystery, in part, because it was so old fashioned. I rate the story a high 7.







