Title: Lament for a Maker
Author: Michael Innes
First published January 1, 1938
282 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781842327418 (ISBN10: 1842327410)
Rating: 3.7
Overview
Join M.J. Holliday and the intrepid crew of Ghoul Getters as they set out on a spine-tingling adventure to the haunted streets of New Orleans. With the promise of uncovering hidden treasures and solving a centuries-old mystery, the team soon discovers that their journey is not for the faint of heart.
As they navigate through the city’s murky history and encounter vengeful spirits, M.J. and her fellow ghost busters must stay one step ahead of the malevolent forces that seek to do them harm. Will they have what it takes to outwit the ghouls and emerge victorious?
Find out in Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls!
About the Author
Did you know that Michael Innes was actually a pseudonym for John Innes MacKintosh (J.I.M.) Stewart? Stewart was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, and received his education at Edinburgh Academy and Oriel College, Oxford.
He spent several years as a Lecturer in English at the University of Leeds before moving to Australia to become the Jury Professor of English at the University of Adelaide for a decade.
After returning to the UK in 1949, Stewart became a Lecturer at the Queen’s University of Belfast, and also became a Student (Fellow) of Christ Church, Oxford. By the time he retired in 1973, he had become a Professor.
Stewart wrote a number of works of non-fiction under his own name, mainly critical studies of authors such as Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling. He also wrote about twenty works of fiction and a memoir called ‘Myself and Michael Innes’.
Under the pseudonym Michael Innes, he wrote numerous mystery novels and short story collections, most of which featured the Scotland Yard detective John Appleby.
Editoral Review
Lament for a Maker by Michael Innes is a classic detective novel first published in 1938. Michael Innes was the pen name of the British author and Oxford scholar John Innes Mackintosh Stewart.
He was a prolific author, publishing more than forty-five novels during his career. Lament for a Maker is considered one of his best works, and it is still read and enjoyed by mystery fans around the world.
The novel is set in a small Scottish town where a group of friends gather for a weekend in the hills. One of them, a wealthy and influential man, is found dead on a mountain path, and it soon becomes clear that it was not an accident.
The main character, Inspector John Appleby, is called in to investigate the murder. He quickly realizes that the victim had many enemies, and he must unravel a web of lies, secrets, and betrayals to find the killer.
Lament for a Maker is a well-crafted mystery novel that combines traditional detective fiction with a Scottish setting and a touch of Shakespearean tragedy. The novel is rich in detail and atmosphere, and Innes’ descriptions of the Scottish landscape and culture are vivid and evocative.
The novel’s themes of greed, jealousy, and revenge are timeless, and Innes explores them with skill and insight. The novel’s characters are well-drawn and complex, and Innes’ characterization is one of his strengths as a writer.
Inspector Appleby is a smart, observant, and empathetic detective who is committed to finding the truth, even if it means going against his superiors. He is supported by a cast of quirky and eccentric characters, including the victim’s family, his business associates, and the local constable.
In terms of the novel’s weaknesses, some readers may find the pacing slow in parts, as Innes takes his time to establish the setting and the characters. Additionally, the novel’s formal language and style may feel outdated to modern readers who are used to more contemporary crime fiction.
However, these flaws are minor compared to the overall quality of the novel. Lament for a Maker is a masterful work of detective fiction that stands the test of time.
It is a must-read for fans of the genre, as well as for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery novel. In terms of a recommendation, Lament for a Maker is best suited for readers who enjoy classic detective fiction and are willing to invest time in a slower-paced, character-driven story.
The novel is a great choice for readers who enjoy British mystery fiction and are looking for something outside of the Agatha Christie or Arthur Conan Doyle canon. Overall, Lament for a Maker is a classic mystery novel that deserves to be read and remembered.
Therefore, it is given a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.
