Murder of a Lady

By: Anthony Wynne

Narrated by: James Bryce

Duchlan Castle is a gloomy place in the Scottish Highlands. Late one night the body of Mary Gregor, sister of the laird, is found in the castle. She has been stabbed to death in her locked bedroom. The only tiny clue to the culprit is a silver fish's scale, left on the floor next to Mary's body.

Inspector Dundas is dispatched to investigate. The Gregor family and their servants are quick to explain that Mary was a kind and charitable woman, but Dundas uncovers a more complex truth.

Soon further deaths occur. Superstitious locals believe that fish creatures from the nearby waters are responsible, but luckily for Inspector Dundas, gifted amateur sleuth Eustace Hailey is on the scene.

©2015 Estate of Anthony Wynne (P)2016 Soundings

Excellent story. Great performance.

Such a satisfying tale. Can't wait to find this author and performer again. Francie Patton.

Complex Mystery With Blah Characters

I finished the listen, but with flagging interest. If you enjoy figuring out solutions, this might be for you. I don't listen as carefully as I read, so can't comment on the quality of the mystery itself, only its complexity. However there's virtually no character development so other than some feelings of reproach, I found it hard to care about any of them. Writing good. Narration very good.

Solid golden age detective story

Like able detective. Good mystery. I figured out the who about the same time as the detective but not the how.

A solid golden age detective story to be read by all fans of the genre.

Scottish Golden Age

This golden age mystery set in Scotland was an interesting listen. However, I did feel that it dragged more than I prefer. I have read and listened to many mysteries and novels set in England/Scotland between WWI and WWII and this one somehow had a more "dated" feel than many others. I am glad to have listened to it and added Anthony Wynne to my list of Golden Age mystery authors, but I am less apt to re-listen to this one than to most.

The Silver Scale Mystery of 1931

I've been meaning to read this book for years. It was always described as "the" classic murder mystery by those who recommended it. I'm glad I waited to tackle it on audio because James Bryce's narration is truly superb.

When the lady in question is murdered, it appears for all the world to be a classic locked room mystery. But nothing is quite what it seems in this story, and there are layers of psychological suspense and characterization that are unusual in a mystery of its time.

That said, it drags in places. To modern ears not used to classic detective fiction, it might not be a good fit. But if you do love old school murder mysteries, give it a go, and if you love Scotland, that recommendation goes double.

Now make sure you have your Dundee cakes ready for Hogmanay, and have a jolly New Year.