First Sentence: I find it shocking,” said Clarissa
Webster.
Albert Campion is now married and not as young as he once
was, and even Lugg is now retired. Yet Albert goes off to
the picture-postcard village of Lindsay Carfax for a visit
with his niece. Fairfax is an odd town with nothing to draw
people there. The main fact of interest is what they call
“the nine days wonderful” with odd things happening
that relate to the number nine and that the town is controlled
by a group called “the Carders.”
The story begins with a caution and intriguing talk of what
happen to those who doesn’t listen. The stage is set,
and Campion is perfectly described. However, this is a case
where having a cast of characters would have been very helpful.
There isn’t a slow moment in the story. Events happen
one-after-another. Even though some are in the past, the re-telling
of them adds to the mystery of the present. Yet learning how
all these things connect is the mystery.
It’s a hard task for a new author to pick up a well-known
series written by someone else, yet Ripley does a more-than-credible
job of it. Having the gap in time of the story and the age
of the character does help quite a bit. Even so, he portrayed
Campion well. The voice, both in the narrative and dialogue,
were true to character. Even the exchange with Campion’s
wife, Lady Amanda, is classic…”And I distinctly
remember thinking “Zounds! I’ve been shot.”
But after that it all goes rather dim.” ““Zounds”?
Anyone who thinks that ought to be shot and “dim”
is a particularly apt description for your predicament…”
Mr. Campion’s Farewell is a delightful read
and an intriguing mystery. There’s a lot happening and
it all ties up quite satisfactorily in the end. For those
who love the golden-age British classics, Ripley does an excellent
job of portraying the characters, style and charm with the
same flair. The original books by Margery Allingham are still
the best, but this is a rare exception to my conviction that
characters should die with their authors. Bravo, Mr. Ripley.
|