Roderick Alleyn does not appear till later in the book, but the story is so eventful, and so well stocked with intriguing characters, that I didn’t mind.
The setting is delightful: an inelegant boarding house operating as a thermal spa. The hot springs benefit things like lumbago. But besides the hot springs there are deadly cauldrons of boiling hot mud. The narrow paths marked with little red flags among the boiling mud pots shake underfoot. The hellish ambiance is intensified by the sulfurous air. It’s a fitting stage for murder...
The victim is a vulgar businessman who upsets everyone he encounters. The cast of characters includes an irascible doctor; the hapless, inefficient, but rather sweet couple who own the boarding house; their daughter who works like two servants and could be attractive if she knew how; a seedy drunk who boards there; a famous actor there for his health with his secretary and his dresser; and a wonderful assortment of Maori characters from aristocrats to ne’er-do-wells.
The Maori plot elements infuse the story with exoticism. The espionage adds another level of interest. New Zealanders are growing more and more uneasy about the war news, yet can’t believe there could be spies in their county. There is also a thread of romance in the plot, tame but satisfying.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was first published in 1943.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2020
Top reviews from other countries
Lacey Green
By no means a Pot-Boiler
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 27, 2010Levy loaeza.maraeugenia
Le plaisir de bien lire
Reviewed in France on June 24, 2009Amazon Customer
That it is a good read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2020