Oscar Wilde and the Dead Man’s Smile by Gyles Brandreth
I have read and greatly enjoyed the previous two books in this remarkable series, and was therefore very happy to place book three right at the top of the reading mountain. And it did not disappoint.
The form of this book is radically different from the previous ones. There is a very distinct prologue and epilogue with the real mystery taking place nearly 10 years earlier in Paris. Of course his friend and assistant Robert is there to act as Watson to Wilde’s Holmes.
While in Paris Wilde works with the famous actor Edmond La Grange to produce the definitive version of Hamlet. This gives him the opportunity to observe the various members of the company. But then one by one several of those associated with La Grange meet with accidents or even appear to commit suicide. First a dog, then a servant and eventually even La Grange’s son. But are the murders connected? Only Wilde can explain.
This is truly an engaging read. The story is related simply, but the characters are truly complex. And the liberal sprinkling of historical figures only adds to the colour. The mystery doesn’t seem to be the core of the tale, but somehow the suspense builds and the reader is inevitably caught trying to work out who-dun-it.
