The Red Redmaynes

by Eden Phillpotts

Book Overview

An atmospheric mystery of family revenge which takes place on Dartmoor in Devon. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486242552
• ISBN13: 9780486242552
• Release Date: December 2011
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

Great mystery in the moors

Mark Brendon is a rising star in Scotland Yard, a 35 year old guy who has become successful and somewhat famous. One day in the early 20's, he's down in Dartmoor on vacation, when something unusual happens: one man disappears in what seems to be a murder, but the prime suspect is also gone. The supposedly murdered man's wife asks Brendon for help, and so he starts looking into the mystery. Also, he falls for her, hard. The suspect happens to be the woman's uncle, a strange man suffering from shell shock after service in WWI. Neither man is found, and suspecting the other two uncles might be in danger, Jenny, the young wife, goes to live with one of them, uncle Bendigo Redmayne, who lives in a countryhouse in the steep coast of Southwestern England. There, Brendon is introduced to the handsome boat driver Doria, Uncle Bendigo's employee. Doria is helpful and talkative, but Brendon instinctively dislikes him. After a while, the affaire fades away, there being no notice of the men. One day Brendon pays a visit to Jenny and Bendigo. He's still in love with her. On his way back, Brendon sees the suspect Uncle, Bob, who runs away apparently afraid. Thus, the search begins anew, with more murders, strange interviews and no results. The action moves then to the beautiful lakes in Italy near the Swiss border, when the manhunt continues. An American detective is called to help the unproductive Brendon, and eventually the mystery is solved, with tragic consequences. This is a very fine detective novel, on of Borges' favorite (and he was an expert on the genre). The locations, the mood and the scenery are perfect for the kind of story it tells. The characters are pretty well developed, and as with any good book, it goes beyond the mere plot to reveal something relevant about human nature. Hopefully this novel will gain a renewed public in the future, since it is very well written and entertaining. Much recommended.