A Mysterious Affair of Style

When it comes to crafting a murder mystery that both pays homage to the golden age of detective fiction and brings a fresh twist to the genre, few manage to do it with as much wit and flair as Gilbert Adair in his novel, A Mysterious Affair of Style. This book, with ISBN 9780571319770, is a sequel in the Evadne Mount trilogy, published in 2014. It stands as a testament to Adair's ability to weave an intricate plot full of clever misdirection and nostalgic charm.

Right from the start, Adair transports us back to post-war Britain, a time when the country was still picking up the pieces and when the appetite for escapist entertainment, such as murder mysteries, was at its peak. The protagonist, Evadne Mount, is the quintessential crime novelist of her era – sharp, witty, and always a step ahead of the reader. She is the Agatha Christie-like figure of Adair's creation, and in A Mysterious Affair of Style, she finds herself not just writing about fictional murders but also tangled up in a real-life whodunit.

The narrative begins on a high note, with a murder taking place on the set of a film adaptation of one of Evadne's previous novels. As the bodies begin to pile up, our intrepid authoress finds that the world of movie-making is as perilous as the murderous plots she pens. With a cast of characters as colorful as any from the silver screen – from the glamorous yet troubled leading lady to the suave but potentially duplicitous leading man, not to mention a supporting cast of directors, scriptwriters, and producers all with secrets to hide – Adair sets the stage for an engaging puzzle.

Adair's prose is a joy to read, evoking the period with a light touch that never feels heavy-handed or overly nostalgic. He captures the essence of the era's dialogue, the fashion, and societal norms, making you feel as though you've stepped into the past. Moreover, his ability to mimic the style of 1940s crime novels is remarkable, with all the expected trappings: red herrings, cliffhangers, and a denouement that gathers all suspects for the grand reveal.

What sets A Mysterious Affair of Style apart from other pastiches is its metafictional layer. Adair doesn't just recreate the style of a bygone era; he winks at it. Evadne Mount is not only a detective in her own right but also a commentator on the genre, offering insights that could easily be Adair's own critiques on the limitations and conventions of the classic murder mystery. This self-awareness adds depth to the novel and allows for a dialogue between Adair and his readers about the nature of storytelling and the evolution of the detective genre.

The book is also a celebration of cinema, with the murder mystery set against the backdrop of the film industry's golden age. Adair's knowledge of the period's filmmaking, from the technical aspects to the cultural impact of cinema, is evident and enhances the story's setting. He even includes fictional film titles and plot summaries that sound as though they could have been lifted straight from the era's movie posters.

Despite the nostalgia and the elegance of the prose, Adair does not shy away from the darker aspects of the time. He touches upon the class system, the changing roles of women, and the scars left by the war. These elements provide a rich tapestry against which the murder mystery unfolds, making the novel as much a historical commentary as it is an engaging crime story.

For fans of detective fiction, A Mysterious Affair of Style is a delightful journey through the tropes and traditions of the genre, all while offering a complex and gripping mystery. Gilbert Adair's command of language, character development, and pacing are exemplary, ensuring that the reader is both entertained and intellectually stimulated throughout the story.

In conclusion, A Mysterious Affair of Style is a must-read for those who cherish the classic murder mystery but are looking for something with a modern twist. Gilbert Adair has crafted a novel that is both a loving tribute to the masters of the genre and a clever, contemporary take on the form. Readers will revel in the company of Evadne Mount, a detective as timeless as the mysteries she solves. With its intricate plot, rich historical setting, and metafictional playfulness, this book is sure to engage, thrill, and leave readers eagerly anticipating the next twist in the tale. As a testament to the enduring allure of the murder mystery, A Mysterious Affair of Style is an affair to remember.

The book "A Mysterious Affair of Style" is a world bestseller by Adair Gilbert, available in English in convenient EPUB, PDF, and FB2 formats. Read online or download. No ads, no frills - just a high-quality e-book. Available for purchase via Telegram bot.