Malice in Wonderland an odd but enjoyable mystery
Malice in Wonderland A Nigel Strangeways Mystery by Nicholas Blake Ipso Books General Fiction (Adult) , Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 14 Jul 2017
Review
Malice in Wonderland is an odd but enjoyable mystery that has the flavor of classic mysteries from the 40s. Wonderland is a holiday camp, an all inclusive resort where budget minded travelers can relax in comfort and enjoy group games and activities. The novel initially focuses on the experiences of Paul, an observational scientist who is a bit of a prig, and the Thistlethwaite family particularly Mr Thistlethwaite (who much resembles the walrus in Alice in Wonderland) and his daughter Sally. A prankster calling himself the Mad Hatter is at work in Wonderland, creating disturbances via irritating and sometimes dangerous practical jokes. The longer they continue, the more they disturb Wonderland’s holiday atmosphere and endanger the business’s continued existence. In order to avoid a scandal, the head of Wonderland calls in Nigel Strangeways, a detective whose name matches his techniques.
Malice in Wonderland is entertaining, but there is little in the way of danger or suspense. Reading it is a bit like taking a holiday - you can relax, enjoy the festivities and not worry too much about the characters or situation. Nicholas Blake keeps the reader’s interest, but doesn't push an emotional commitment. Readers are observers, like Paul believes himself to be. Malice in Wonderland is well written, so I'm rounding up a 3.5 to a 4.
4 / 5
I received a copy of Malice in Wonderland from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Description
Tampered pianos, tennis balls dipped in treacle, and mysterious forces pulling idle swimmers underwater: the ‘Mad Hatter’ is wreaking havoc at Wonderland summer camp and his pranks are getting dangerous. Private detective Nigel Strangeways receives a call for help from Wonderland, a new holiday camp that has recently opened only to be plagued by a series of cruel practical jokes conducted by the self-proclaimed ‘Mad Hatter’. The camp’s owners are convinced a rival firm, desperate to put them out of business, is behind the events. But with four hundred guests, an angry hermit, and plenty of disgruntled employees, who is the ‘Mad Hatter’?
