Unexpected Night is the first book in a rather charming series by Elizabeth Daly. Her books are generally set in 1940s New York City, where things are rapidly changing. (In this case, however, we fnd ourselves initially on a Maine golfing vacation and embroiled in a mystery concerning some appalling murders, a complicated inheritance scheme, and a troupe of actors.) The old New York society featured in this series is on the decline, their way of life unsustainable in more modern times. The amateur detective who assists them here, Harry Gamadge, is a handwriting and rare book expert (these are, the reader will discover, rather useful qualities for a gentleman sleuth), comfortable with members of all walks of life, uncommonly clever, and extremely inquisitive.

Elizabeth Daly was reputedly Agatha Christie's favorite American author, so if you are a fan of hers, you may well like these. Fortunately, after Unexpected Night, there are 15 sequels, all quite literate and reminiscent of the Golden Age mysteries, so you'll have plenty of Mr. Gamadge's company should you desire it.

NOVEL: Unexpected Night

AUTHOR: Elizabeth Daly

YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 1940

IMAGE: book cover, Felony & Mayhem Press