A Late Phoenix
by Catherine Aird (Doubleday, 1970)
audiobook read by Robin Bailey (Bolinda, 2014)
While Aird does capture something of English county life in its lingering post-war hangover, the mystery remains a leisurely non-event, solving itself while Inspector Sloan (well portrayed in Bailey’s audiobook performance) drifts along in its wake, offering sardonic commentary under his breath.
Henrietta Who?
by Catherine Aird (Doubleday, 1968)
audiobook read by Robin Bailey (Bolinda, 2014)
A streamlined narrative whose drollness of dialogue Aird elucidates on the fly. Though the mystery doesn’t outstay its welcome, Henrietta’s lament rather does (“She’s not my mother!”). The focus on legitimacy, though period appropriate, seems oddly old-fashioned given the book’s publication date.