Murder by the Seaside is a collection of ten classic crime stories revolves around summer holidays, offering a delightful mix of mystery and intrigue. Like a box of chocolates, you may find one odd taste in a collection of short stories. So, let’s dive in.
The Boscombe Valley Mystery by Arthur Conan Doyle: I enjoyed the first story. You’ll learn that Australians used to have a distinct yell of ‘Cooee’—which I have no idea how that sounds. There’s not much of a mystery in this one; after Sherlock does his thing, I bet you can guess who the murderer is.
Weight and See by Cyril Hare: This one is also enjoyable. It involves a locked room mystery trick, which always gets me. The focus isn’t on who the culprit is but on how they did it. Cyril Hare managed to pull this off in less than twenty pages.
Grab your Murder by the Seaside here:
Error at Daybreak by John Dickson Carr: This is the first story set by the seaside. The mystery comes complete with a plot twist and a bit of humor. Not my favourite, but the plot twist makes it worth it.
The Absence of Mr. Glass by G.K. Chesterton: Another funny story featuring Father Brown. Just when Dr. Hood thinks he has solved the case, Father Brown steps in and proves him wrong. The conclusion is a bit absurd, in my opinion, but it serves the comedy well.
Razor’s Edge by Anthony Berkeley: A wife kills her husband because of his abusive behavior and shady profession. She also has an affair, providing a motive. Seems simple, right? The plot twist makes this one enjoyable.
The Furies by Michael Innes and Daisy Bell by Gladys Mitchell: I admit I don’t have much to say about these two. They aren’t particularly remarkable or memorable but aren’t awful either.
A Mystery of The Sand-Hills by R. Austin Freeman: This one is engaging, with plenty of clues to keep you guessing. The conclusion is satisfying, tying everything together nicely.
Superintendent Wilson’s Holiday by G.D.H. & M. Cole: This is a personal favorite of mine. Nothing seems to go right for Wilson, even encountering a crime scene during his vacation. The crime itself is a well-thought-out case. In the end, I found myself rooting for Wilson and wanting to read more of his adventures.
Man Overboard by Edmund Crispin: This one is really short and can be confusing at first. But once you get through the first pages, it makes sense, and the plot twist is the best among the rest of the stories in this book, in my opinion.
Book Rating: 3 muse points.
If you’re in the mood for some classic crime stories this summer, Murder by the Seaside is worth a read. Just remember to bring your detective hat, a magnifying glass, and perhaps a seaside cocktail—because solving mysteries is thirsty work! And if you find yourself yelling ‘Cooee’ while reading, well, don’t be surprised. It’s all part of the experience.
If you like classic mysteries, read here about the golden era of British Crime Fiction.
