Every Sunday we are taking a look at the world of books. I read a lot and always want to share my opinions on what I read, so I thought it would be fun to write reviews. Today we are looking at a classic crime novel.

Somebody At The Door (1943)

Raymond Postgate

Synopsis

‘The death was an odd one, it was true; but there was after all no very clear reason to assume it was anything but natural.’ In the winter of 1942, England lies cold and dark in the wartime blackout. One bleak evening, Councillor Grayling steps off the 6.12 from Euston, carrying GBP120 in cash, and oblivious to the fate that awaits him in the snow-covered suburbs. Inspector Holly draws up a list of Grayling’s fellow passengers: his distrusted employee Charles Evetts, the charming Hugh Rolandson, and an unknown refugee from Nazi Germany, among others. Inspector Holly will soon discover that each passenger harbours their own dark secrets, and that the councillor had more than one enemy among them. First published in 1943, Raymond Postgate’s wartime murder mystery combines thrilling detection with rich characters and a fascinating depiction of life on the home front.

– from Waterstones

Positive Points

If you are looking for a classic crime novel that is different to the more popular ones then this is the book for you. It is a book that is not predictable and when you read it, there will be times when you will recognise where others have taken inspiration in films or other books. It is set in the war but it is not really focussed on the main topic at the time and it has a unique way of looking at the suspects.

Negative Points

The one thing I was not a fan was that it was an incredibly quick outcome.

Overall Review

It is a book that I would say give a read to see something more traditional and interesting in this genre. It is a shame that it ends so quickly as the run up is quite impressive.

Rating : *** 3 Stars