Published by The British
Library,
October 2019.
ISBN: 978-0-7123-5310-6 (PB)
The
Princess Olga Karukhina spent the first half of her life in power and luxury in
her native Russia and the second half in poverty and squalor in lodgings in
Islington, London, and it is there that she died in suspicious circumstances.
The old lady’s death is investigated by
Detective Inspector Brett Nightingale and his assistant, Detective Sergeant
Beddoes. The discovery of an empty trunk under the princess’ bed causes the
detectives to suspect that the princess may have hoarded treasures from her
luxurious past, and the fact that she has given a couple of magnificent items
to a neighbour helps to confirm this. The police have been aware of a gang of
thieves who started their career of crime in Hampstead and Nightingale suspects
that the princess may have been their latest victim. However, the detectives
must also focus their attention on tracking down the princess’ grandson, Ivan,
who returned from his work as a clerk in the office of St Pancras Station and
then fled. Ivan is a drunkard who is frequently on bad terms with his
grandmother, so he is the detectives’ main suspect. To confuse things further,
they have to take into consideration the fact that the princess claimed to be
afraid of Bolsheviks hunting her down.
In the course of his investigation,
Nightingale interviews Mr Majendie, a wealthy jeweller. Majendie admits to
being summoned by the princess and inspecting her jewellery and other treasures
because she was considering selling them. Nightingale is uncertain whether to
trust Majendie. Nor can he understand the role played by Stephanie Cole,
Majendie’s youngest and most junior sales assistant, who keeps appearing in the
enquiry. Some drunken words spoken by Ivan describe one of his grandmother’s
treasures, ‘The Easter egg... All white an’ glittering, lovely, like ice an’
frost an’ stars.’ This confirms that, despite living in squalor, the
princess still possessed treasures worth a fortune.
As Nightingale and Beddoes track down
the treasures, in the hope of discovering the murderer, their job becomes
increasingly dangerous, and soon Nightingale is in peril of his life.
The Christmas Egg is the third book in the series featuring Nightingale and Beddoes,
but it is the first of her books republished by the British Library Crime
Classics. It is an interesting book based on a fascinating premise and with
several subtle psychological insights. The structure of the book is unusual,
starting as a police procedural, with some skilfully described historical
investigation and explanation, but transforming into a thriller, which
culminates in kidnapping and car and helicopter crashes. Nightingale and
Beddoes are both likeable and engaging characters with a good working
relationship. First published in 1958, The Christmas Egg explores the
harm done by those who cling to the past at the expense of those dependent upon
them. It is an interesting link between the classic books of the Golden Age and
the new wave of outstanding crime writers in the early 1960s, such as P.D.
James and Ruth Rendell. As with all the British Library Crime Classics, it is
enhanced by the excellent introduction by Martin Edwards. I enjoyed this book
and would recommend it to anybody who enjoys traditional crime fiction.
------
Reviewer: Carol Westron
Carol Westron is a successful short story writer and a Creative
Writing teacher. She is the moderator
for the cosy/historical crime panel, The Deadly Dames. Her crime novels are set both in contemporary
and Victorian times. The Terminal Velocity of Cats the first in her Scene of Crimes novels,
was published July 2013. Carol recently gave an interview to Mystery People. To
read the interview click on the link below.
https://promotingcrime.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/carol-westron.html
www.carolwestron.com
http://carolwestron.blogspot.co.uk/
To read a review of Carol latest book Strangers and Angels click on the title.
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