The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay

 

Publication Date:

1936

Length:

253 pages

Summary:

Hay only published three novels and all were detective mysteries written in the 1930's. I had not heard of her before reading this one. I thought the cover was adorable and the perfect read for the hot June weather. So I am calling this review a "Christmas in June" book review. This is part of the revived collection of British Library Crime Classics and so it falls into the category of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. I am glad these books are being republished and with such vibrant, beautiful covers. The story is told in a series of chapters written from the perspective of each character, with the main detective having most of the story from his thoughts on the case. It is unique, giving insight into how each person is thinking.

The Melbury family is gathering for their annual Christmas. Sir Osmond, patriarch of the clan is domineering and particular in how he likes things done. His five children: George, Hilda, Edith, Eleanor, and Jennifer are all very different personalities, including how they feel about and handle their father. There is also the money and inheritance to consider as each vie for what is in theirs and their children's best interest. Although they don't always see eye to eye, they gather together and try to get through another trying holiday reunion.

Various other guests, spouses, family friends, and the family secretary are also present and horrified when Sir Osmond is found dead in his study on Christmas Day with a bullet through his head. The main suspect, dressed as the resident Santa Klaus for entertainment, is not someone who would stand to gain financially from Sir Osmond's death. As Constable Halstock begins to investigate he realizes there are actually two Santa Klauses and now the search becomes even more bizzare and complicated. Having known the family well for years, Halstock is baffled because he believes one of them is behind the murder, owing to the fact that they are not all honest about who they really are behind closed doors. It is up to Halstock and his cranky partner, Detective Rousdon to find out the truth.

My Thoughts:

This story follows a rhythm very similar to an Agatha Christie novel. The first half is told by character development and relationships and the second half is the detective work solving the crime. The cozy, country house feel is all there along with the clues that there is something darker and more sinister going on that is hanging in the air. You are kept guessing with clues and coincidences and just when you start to rule someone out or suspect them, there is a twist. 

The dynamics between the siblings, their spouses, Sir Osmond, and the secretary/housekeeper, Grace Portisham, all serve to keep the reader off balance. Grace seems to have been Sir Osmond's favorite and the children don't trust her fully. Grace sees the children as unsupportive of their father and doesn't trust them. I thought this served as an entertaining backdrop of tension that really made the story unpredictable. I also enjoyed the chapters written from each person's point of view. Colonel Halstock's investigation was unique because he already knew the family well and was able to add his own opinions on their motives and character. It is a cute, cozy mystery that has a satisfying conclusion. Nothing spectacular but great for a nice, clean story.

It's surprising the author didn't write more novels as she had a good grasp of the genre. There are so many of these published during the 1920's and 30's it seems I'll never run out. It's fun trying and sharing different ones as I find them.