The Franchise Affair, by Josephine Tey (PB, 1988 edition of 1949 book, $1.50)
Every once in awhile I run across something unexpectedly special. This timr it is a sweet classic mystery. How can a mystery be sweet? Probably it has something to do with it not being a murder mystery, and your never believing those two strange women, who live in an even stranger house, could have kept a girl hostage in their attic for a month, much less beaten her in hopes of having her become their maid. (Ha?) But, on the other hand, how can you not believe such an innocent looking school girl! The women aren't really witches, but neither is the school girl a tramp. Or are they? Or is she?
Our poor solicitor, Robert Blair, only gets himself involved because he is late leaving his office. Yes, he is supposed to be there every day until 4, but he never is. There is never any need. At the law firm of Blair, Hayward, and Bennet nothing unexpected ever happens. Robert might draw up wills, deeds, or investment documents, but to be involved in a kidnapping case, and with Scotland Yard... Never! Except one day he stays late. And the phone rings. And he answers it. And one thing leads to another... till his whole life is turned upside-down. No longer will discovering the kind of pastry on his tea tray be the excitement of the day.
And why would he help these two women, one an old maid of more than 40, who wears exotic clothing, and the other, her fierce and scary old mother? Worse yet, they are newcomers to the area, and were unwelcome even before they caused Scotland Yard to visit.
This book has a modern feel to it, except for the parts were horses are excited by cars, and all the women wear hats. I loved this book and hope you do too! Look for it in the mystery section.
