Murder at Wedgefield Manor

February 1, 2021
Which of the veddy British suspects murdered the handsome young visitor? England, 1926. Exuberant narrator Jane Wunderly brings her yellow biplane in for less than a smooth landing, much to the consternation of her Aunt Millie but with the approval of Group Capt. Christopher Hammond and Lord Edward Hughes, on whose estate she's just landed. Plucky Jane can't help musing about the exciting Egyptian mystery that she recently solved and about Redvers, the dashing man who helped her. Where might he be? Back at the Hughes manor house, the company, which includes Millie's daughter, Lillian, and Lillian's friend Marie, settles in for dinner and mahjong. Flight Lt. Simon Marshall, who's dating Lillian, arrives unexpectedly, drinks too much, and storms off after launching some insults. Next morning, Jane receives two surprises when Simon's killed in a road accident and Redvers arrives unannounced. The news that Simon's brakes were tampered with marks his death a homicide. Inspector Greyson seems competent enough, but Millie and Lillian press Jane to investigate as well. The game is clearly afoot. The small circle of suspects also includes servants Martha, Queenie, and Alistair. Neubauer complicates her Agatha Christie homage with a slower narrative, less dialogue, and the addition of a slowly simmering romance. Suspects with secrets, a poisoning, and a kidnapping enliven the later chapters. A retro whodunit with a comfy cast and a nifty solution.

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