Grey Mask: Patricia Wentworth

This book, published in 1928, was the first one featuring Miss Maud Silver. Although she does get involved fairly early in the book, she is not prominent in the story. The second book featuring Miss Silver did  not come out until 1937, so maybe Wentworth did not initially plan for her to be a series character. In this book she is an established private investigator, known for taking cases where women have gotten themselves into some trouble, such as the theft of valuables, and have enough money to hire Miss Silver to quietly solve the problem.

Charles Moray left England abruptly four years before, when Margaret Langdon broke off their engagement. On his return, he discovers a conspiracy that Margaret is involved in, and tries to foil the conspiracy without revealing her part in it.

When he discusses his problem with his friend Archie, he suggests Miss Silver.

‘Get a trained sleuth to do it,’ said Archie firmly. ‘That’s what they’re for. I can put you on to one if you like.’

‘A good man?’

‘A sleuthess,’ said Archie impressively. ‘A perfect wonder – has old Sherlock boiled.’

Charles frowned.

‘A woman?’

‘Well, a sleuthess. She’s not exactly what you’d call a little bit of fluff, you know’.

After a bit of convincing, Charles does decide to confide in Miss Silver.

This was a charming book. I decided to go to the first book in the series after I read The Clock Strikes Twelve, which I liked very much. I will admit that we don't get an in-depth picture of Miss Silver in this book, although I did not notice that so much because I had read books from the series when I was younger and I already knew pretty much what the character was like. She does emphasize one of her basic requirements: that her clients must trust her and tell her everything about the case, holding nothing back.

Since this was more about a conspiracy and less of a puzzle mystery, it had more suspense than the earlier story I read. People are in danger and there is romance. I should have guessed who the villain was at least midway through the book but I did not.  The story had some very interesting characters and a satisfying ending.

You can probably tell from my enthusiasm that I will be reading more books in this series. I found quite a few at the book sale in September and already had a few on the shelves so I am set for a while.

More reviews at Clothes in Books and In so many WORDS.

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Publisher: Warner Books, 1986 (first publ. 1928)
Length:    250 pages
Format:    Paperback
Series:     Miss Silver Mysteries #1
Setting:    UK 
Genre:     Mystery

Source:    I purchased my copy at the 2017 Planned Parenthood book sale.