- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; (Reissue) edition (28 Nov 1994)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0006138403
- ISBN-13: 978-0006138402
- Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 11.2 x 1.5 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 768,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Ngaio Marsh Collection - Black As He's Painted
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Product Description
Review
Black he is - the President of Ng'ombwana (probably only Dame Marsh can faultlessly articulate that with her perdurable presence) who comes to England where he had once been known as Boomer to his old school friend Chief Supt. Alleyn who must now protect him against a blatantly inviting assassination attempt. With the help of proper Mr. Whipplestone, a retired F.O. who observes all the dubious activities near his new home at something called the Piggie Pottery where they pot pigs and plot sinister retaliations. As indispensable as that anchovy toast which appears at teatime if it's the taste you once acquired. (Kirkus Reviews)
Product Description
When the President of Ng'ombwana proposes to dispense with the security arrangements on an official visit to London, his old school mate, Superintendent Alleyn persuades him to do otherwise. However, an assassin does strike, and Alleyn discovers a wealth of suspects in a coterie of ex-colonials.
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7 reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Pretty Good
13 July 2000
Format:Mass Market Paperback
First published in 1974, Black As He's Painted with Chief Superintendent Roderick Alleyn is back in print.
The mystery starts out with a bored Mr. Samuel Whipplestone, who is retired from Her Majesty's Foreign Service, venturing out on a stroll. The walk leads him to Capricorn Place, a couple of memorable experiences and a change in his newly retired life. Later in the mystery, he meets up with Superintendent Alleyn at a reception where an assassination has occurred. The superintendent has his hands full trying to keep his old school buddy, now president of Ng'ombwana in Africa, safe from his many enemies. Knowing Mr. Whipplestone's past job description, the Superintendent requests his aid - Mr. Whipplestone obliges.
I enjoyed reading Ngaio Marsh's mystery. It has the flavor of an old fashion British mystery, with an added flare of espionage. The author's ability to plant suspicion and lead her readers into the twists and turns are well done. Although I know Black As He's Painted is a Superintendent Alleyn mystery, I feel Mr. Whipplestone and the adorable recently procured addition to his household steals the show and adds charm to the mystery. If you haven't read a Ngaio Marsh Mystery here's your chance to experience a writer said to be in the same league as Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Great characterizations
5 Nov 2008
Format:Hardcover
This is my favorite of the baker's dozen Marsh's I've read so far. Not only are her style, dialog, & plot very fine, but her characterizations are delightful--esp. the Boomer (President of an African nation & former classmate of Alleyn's), the always intriguing Troy (bringing in her fascinating painter's perspective), and (perhaps esp.) former Foreign Service Officer Whipplestone & his cat Lucy Lockett. The supporting characters were also interesting & unusual (e.g. Gomez, the Chubbs, the Sanskrits, the Montforts, etc.). There's also an interesting foil regarding racial prejudice amongst the various characters. The only quibble might be the perhaps over-emphasis & insensitivity on the obesity of the Sanskrits. The book actually has two mysteries embedded in it--the overarching one and a quick & dirty one. Overall, a terrific mystery novel in the British tradition.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Black as He's Painted
6 July 2000
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Ngaio Marsh is one of my favourite mystery writers and this book lives up to her usual standard. Roderick Alleyn must investigate an assassination attempt on an old school friend that resulted in the death of a bystander. His job is made more difficult because of cultural differences and racism. In addition to creating believable characters, Marsh writes an interesting story with an unexpected ending.
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