Two by Allingham

Sweet Danger

Margery Allingham

1933

4/5 stars

In this adventure, the British Government enlists Campion's aid to locate the heirlooms of a forgotten Balkan  kingdom, Averna.  The Pontisbright family were the rightful heirs to this kingdom, but due to an unconfirmed marriage, the family lost their title.  All that is left of this House are the three Fittons: Amanda, her younger brother Hal, and older sister Mary.  Amanda, seventeen, becomes Campion's lieutenant as, following the clues of an aged riddle, they try desperately to find the crown, receipt, and deeds before their enemy does.

This is a delightful escapade, filled with secrets, excitement, and the unexpected.  Amanda Fitton steals the show from Campion, with her diverting ways and precocious practicality, but he still has ample time to shine with his understated heroism.   The intelligent and witty plot, while not necessarily credible, is a good deal of fun and one of Allingham's most memorable.

The Fashion in Shrouds

Margery Allingham

1938

4/5 stars

A few years ago the fiancé of Georgia Wells, a famous actress and femme fatale, disappeared.  She married another and continued with her career.  Now, however, the missing man's body has turned up, bringing with it just a hint of sordid shadow.  When another man in Georgia's life dies somewhat mysteriously,  Georgia sees it as fate's helping hand, while others aren't so sure.  Campion's sister Val, a brilliant and successful clothing designer, has her named linked to that death through an amusing anecdote shared by Georgia, making him decide that he must unearth the truth of Georgia's men to save Val's reputation.  

The story is clever and interesting, with nicely fleshed characters and an intriguing mystery.  Amanda Fitton, from Sweet Danger, makes a reappearance, and adds greatly to the charm of the novel.  Campion's underemphasized courage and audacity feature nicely, and his success as a detective and adventurer are plain.

I need to note that modern readers will have to ignore the horrible outlook on rape, and some quite dated attitudes toward women.  While not typical of all Golden Age mystery authors, these views do crop up in all artforms of that time occasionally, and have to be overlooked.  The rest of the book is quite nearly a five-star read, and I certainly recommend it.