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saroz162's review
3.0
The second Campion adventure-thriller is the first to feel like it knows completely what it's doing, right from the very first scene; Allingham has clearly made a choice to focus on the previously secondary character of Albert Campion, and she dives into his world feet-first. I have been known to compare the tone of the 1930s books, sometimes, to the comic album (latterly, "graphic novel") world of the Belgian reporter-hero Tintin, and the opening of Mystery Mile, set aboard a sea voyage, pretty much typifies that. There is an international flavor, some broad comedy, and the revelation of narrowly-escaped death, which shoves the reader straight into the fast-paced plot. Later, there will be a mysterious garden maze, a clergyman with grave secrets, and a foreboding fortune-teller - Anglicized, but no less familiar as the kind of elements you might find in any of Hergé's Tintin adventures.
As Tintin only began in 1929, right as Allingham was composing this novel, it is, perhaps, doubtful if one really inspired the other; these kinds of stories seemed to sizzle through the air between the two World Wars, reflecting not only political concerns and increased global travel but the ever-encroaching dominance of the media (newspapers, radio and cinema). What's interesting, though, is how Allingham uses these tropes. Although they certainly keep the reader engaged, they're also something of a diversion; this is a novel where people disguise their true characters, and for once, it isn't just Mr. Campion playing the long game. Appreciating Mystery Mile strictly for its surface-level entertainments is fine, but it's an incomplete understanding. There's more going on here.
Allingham would continue to refine both her style and her characters as time went on, and following Mystery Mile, she never really attempted the frothy international crime story again. (They are hard to make work in novel form, as Agatha Christie discovered in The Big Four.) It's to her credit, then, that this one example is as entertaining and exciting as it is. It serves as an excellent reintroduction to the world of Albert Campion - a world of glib talk, colorful characters, and unexpected deceit.
As Tintin only began in 1929, right as Allingham was composing this novel, it is, perhaps, doubtful if one really inspired the other; these kinds of stories seemed to sizzle through the air between the two World Wars, reflecting not only political concerns and increased global travel but the ever-encroaching dominance of the media (newspapers, radio and cinema). What's interesting, though, is how Allingham uses these tropes. Although they certainly keep the reader engaged, they're also something of a diversion; this is a novel where people disguise their true characters, and for once, it isn't just Mr. Campion playing the long game. Appreciating Mystery Mile strictly for its surface-level entertainments is fine, but it's an incomplete understanding. There's more going on here.
Allingham would continue to refine both her style and her characters as time went on, and following Mystery Mile, she never really attempted the frothy international crime story again. (They are hard to make work in novel form, as Agatha Christie discovered in The Big Four.) It's to her credit, then, that this one example is as entertaining and exciting as it is. It serves as an excellent reintroduction to the world of Albert Campion - a world of glib talk, colorful characters, and unexpected deceit.
dcsilbertrust's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
fragglerocker's review against another edition
3.0
A clever enough jaunt of a detective story, but this series is not for me. The emphasis on dialogue, without much scene setting, plus the 1920s/30s slang made this a slog for me to read.
michael5000's review against another edition
2.0
A minor character in Mystery Mile is a thuggish guy who you would expect to be dumb, but who is actually well-read. It's the earliest instance of this gag that I've seen, and my favorite thing about the book. At one point he says something to the effect that recent goings-on are "like something out of the Decameron, only without the fun." That's a reasonable epitaph for the book as a whole.
maplessence's review against another edition
3.0
This was my first Allingham & my expectations were maybe a bit high. This book is only number 2 in the series & apparently in the first book [b:The Crime at Black Dudley|76633|The Crime at Black Dudley (Albert Campion Mystery #1)|Margery Allingham|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1295942827s/76633.jpg|1806288] Campion wasn't the lead detective. Campion is an appealing character & I can understand his creator falling for him (so to speak)
I just felt that though I enjoyed a lot of the dialogue & the book's sense of place, that for quite a short book it took a long time to get to the point. I didn't think Allingham played fair with all her clues. I didn't have any trouble guessing who was the villain. I also didn't have any trouble putting the book aside. It is extremely unusual for me to take nearly a week to finish a Golden Age mystery, so I really don't think I can rate this book higher than 3.5★
I just felt that though I enjoyed a lot of the dialogue & the book's sense of place, that for quite a short book it took a long time to get to the point. I didn't think Allingham played fair with all her clues. I didn't have any trouble guessing who was the villain. I also didn't have any trouble putting the book aside. It is extremely unusual for me to take nearly a week to finish a Golden Age mystery, so I really don't think I can rate this book higher than 3.5★
judyward's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second in the Albert Campion series and it's a good one. First published in 1930, this was a perfect book for my "golden age of mystery" obsession. Albert Campion tried to hide an American judge who is being threatened by a criminal gang at Mystery Mile, a English country home. Chaos ensues. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
caroparr's review against another edition
3.0
The earlier Campions (this is #2) are not as good as the later ones, when Allingham did not have to create such convoluted plots, and Albert's silliness was reined in. But we do have Lugg, and the wonderful Knapp and his mother. This includes the death by quicksand and tide that has stayed with me since I read the book forty years ago.
1mpossiblealice's review against another edition
3.75
This was my first Allingham and I was recommended to start here rather than book 1 which doesn't feature Campion as much. It was a really enjoyable read and I'll definitely be reading more of the series.