Review of "Murder by Candlelight: A Val and Arbie Mystery" by Faith Martin

This debut book in the 'Val & Arbie mystery series' introduces us to the English amateur sleuths.

*****

It's summer 1924, and a young bon vivant called Arbuthnot Lancelot Smith (Arbie) - who lives in the Cotswold village of Maybury-in-the-Marsh - is planning a stroll to the village shop for newspapers and tobacco, followed by a spot of fishing on his grounds.



It's not to be, however, because Arbie is accosted by Miss Amy Phelps, one of the oldest and richest residents of Maybury-in-the-Marsh. Miss Phelps explains that her home, the Old Forge manor house, has a ghost that's frightening her. Though most villagers think Arbie is an airhead, Miss Phelps wants him to look into the matter. This is less surprising than it might seem.



As a kind of lark, Arbie had written a book called 'The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost-Hunting', which was an unexpected smash hit with the British public.



Arbie is trying to squirm out of assisting Miss Phelps when his longtime friend, Valentina Coulton-James (Val), the vicar's daughter, comes whizzing along on her bicycle. Val is a tall strapping athletic girl who, hearing about the ghost, immediately says she and Arbie will look into it.



Arbie and Val are invited to a luxurious tea at the Old Forge to discuss the matter.



At the manor house, Arbie and Val are greeted by the housekeeper Mrs. Jane Brockhurst.



The ghosthunters also meet the houseguests. These are: Cora Delaney - Miss Phelps' oldest friend;



Reggie Bicklesworth - an artist who rescues and rehomes needy animals;



Phyllis Thomas -Miss Phelps' niece;



and Murray Phelps - Miss Phelps' nephew.



A few days later, Arbie and Val set themselves up at the Old Forge for the night, to look and listen for ghostly emanations. The twosome don't see spirits, but the next morning, Miss Amy Phelps is found dead in her locked bedroom, poisoned with cyanide.



Police Inspector Gorringe arrives to investigate the homicide.....



.....and Arbie and Val, who both think of themselves as Sherlock Holmes, look into the murder as well. The main thrust of everyone's inquiries is 'cui bono' (who benefits). Typical cozy mystery tropes abound, such as old grudges; a spot of larceny; strange accidents; people changing their wills; etc.



Things move pretty quickly and Arbie helps expose the culprit at the book's climax.



This is a rather slight story, but the historical setting is interesting, the characters are fun, and I got quite a few laughs. Recommended to fans of the genre.

 Rating: 3.5 stars