Archive for November 17th, 2006
Mrs. Pargeter’s Point of Honor by Simon Brett
ISBN 0-373-26361-9
This is a charming book. It is quaint, old-fashioned, and fun all at the same time. It is about Mrs. Pargeter, who is the widow of a master criminal whose activities are only vaguely described, but who garnered the loyalty of all who worked for and with him. After his demise, this loyalty has been extended to Mrs. Pargeter who, while her husband was alive, knew almost nothing of her husband’s activities - at his insistence. Now that he is dead, however, she feels obligated to wrap up his unfinished business.
The particular bit of business in this book is to return a bunch of stolen paintings to their rightful owners. Mrs. Pargeter and her husband’s colorful former associates plan a delightful little caper to accomplish this feat. And while there is a little mystery in this book, the caper seemed the more interesting part. But that may just be me, I am a sucker for a well-planned heist.
Younger and more liberated female readers will find the character of Mrs. Pargeter unusual. While some of her ignorance of Mr. P’s illegal activities is feigned to protect herself from moral or legal unpleasantness, Brett has fashioned her after a generation of women that really existed but are quickly disappearing. Yes girls, there really were women who never worked and had no idea what their husbands did for a living. But if you can get past this oddity, you will enjoy this book.
Did I guess it? Yes. Will I read more? Absolutely.
Mystery Book Reviews by Reviewed By Liz.com ©2006
Posted: November 17th, 2006 under Brett, Simon, Reviews by Author.
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