Penhallow

By: Georgette Heyer

Narrated by: Ulli Birvé

Hated for his cruel and vicious nature, ruling his family with an iron hand from his sickbed, tyrannical patriarch Adam Penhallow is found murdered the day before his birthday. His entire family had assembled for his birthday celebration, and every one of them had the ways and means to commit the crime. As accusations and suspicion turn in one direction and then another, the claws and backstabbing come out, and no one is exempt from the coming implosion.

©1942 Georgette Rougier (P)2015 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

"Georgette Heyer is second to none in her ability to make detective stories entertaining." ( The Sunday Times)

"Sharp, clear and witty." ( The New Yorker)

"Rarely have we seen humour and mystery so perfectly blended." ( The New York Times)

As Always An Ending That Makes The Story Go On

Admittedly, I am a huge fan of Georgette Heyer's work. The way she sets a scene, the dialog, and as always an ending that leaves you weaving the story after the final lines are read. Well worth the read or listen.

Interesting characters

Not a typical Georgette Heyer mystery. Some disturbing themes explored, suicide, illegitimacy, family dynamics, class distinctions through regency period lens. It was interesting to read the characters’ thoughts. See them develop.

For the Gosford Park fans…

I’m a huge fan of Heyer’s regency era works so this was a bit different for me. But once again her masterful characterization and vivid descriptions managed to bring this 1920s era novel to life. If you’re a fan of Gosford Park you’ll love Penhallow.

Well ...

Georgette Heyer allowed herself free reign and it was remarkable. An epitome of her talent. A story unlike any other I've read in a really long time. Incredibly well written, real and realistic characters portrayed in unflattering light, and a totally believable outcome. Sadly.

Very Dark

This is a stepfamily with a cast of characters so unpleasant that no matter the ending it would disappoint. This is not to say that Heyer's writing falls short. I was compelled to keep listening even though Heyer reveals the murderer early on. I was waiting for a redeeming twist. The twist is there, but it redeems no one. This is nothing like the light hearted, tongue in cheek Heyer novels of her earlier years. Still, I think I'm glad I listened.