Title: Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Importance
Author: Gyles Brandreth
First published January 1, 2007
368 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781416551744 (ISBN10: 1416551743)
Rating: 3.61
Overview
Step back in time to Victorian London, Paris, Oxford, and Edinburgh, where a young artist’s model has been murdered. In this gripping historical mystery, Oscar Wilde leads the investigation with the help of his friends Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Sherard.
But as they delve deeper into the case, they discover a dark and twisted world of secrets and scandal. Based on real events and packed with authenticity, this chilling tale sheds light on Wilde’s secret involvement in the infamous murder of Billy Wood, which served as the inspiration for The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Told through the eyes of Wilde’s contemporary, poet Robert Sherard, this novel paints a fascinating portrait of British literature’s most controversial figure and his unlikely partnership with Sherlock Holmes creator, Arthur Conan Doyle. Lovers of mystery and history alike will be captivated by Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Importance.
(Published in the USA simultaneously in hardcover and paperback under the title Oscar Wilde and the Candlelight Murders.)
About the Author
Meet Gyles Daubeney Brandreth. He has a diverse career background, having been an Oxford Scholar, President of the Oxford Union, and MP for the City of Chester.
He has also worked as a Whip and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury in John Major’s government and starred in his own award-winning musical revue in London’s West End.
Aside from his impressive professional background, Gyles is also a prolific broadcaster who has appeared in various programs ranging from Just a Minute to Have I Got News for You. He’s also an acclaimed interviewer and has written novels, children’s books, and biographies.
His bestselling diary, for instance, was described as “By far the best political diary of recent years, far more perceptive and revealing than Alan Clark’s” and “Searingly honest, wildly indiscreet, and incredibly funny”. He has written two critically acclaimed royal biographies: and.
In 2007/2008, John Murray in the UK and Simon & Schuster in the US began publishing his series of Victorian murder mysteries featuring Oscar Wilde as the detective.
Gyles is also a performer and has recently appeared in various shows such as at the Duchess Theatre and on tour throughout the UK, and as Malvolio and the Sea Captain in at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
As one of Britain’s busiest after-dinner speakers and award ceremony hosts, Gyles has won awards himself and has been nominated for awards in various categories, including public speaking, novel writing, children’s writing, broadcasting, political diaries, journalism, theatre production, and business.
He is married to writer and publisher Michèle Brown, and together they co-curated the exhibition of twentieth-century children’s authors at the National Portrait Gallery and founded the award-winning Teddy Bear Museum, which is now based at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon. Gyles is also a trustee of the British Forces Foundation and a former chairman and now vice-president of the National Playing Fields Association.
Gyles Brandreth’s family background is just as fascinating as his career. He comes from a line of accomplished individuals, including George R.
Sims, the highest-paid journalist of his day, and Jeremiah Brandreth, the last man in England to be beheaded for treason. His great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Brandreth, promoted “Brandreth’s Pills,” a medicine that claimed to cure everything! He was also a pioneer of modern advertising and a New York state senator.
Today, Gyles has family living in New York, Maryland, South Carolina, and California. He has been a London correspondent for “Up to the Minute” on CBS News, and his books published in the United States include the New York Times best-seller and, most recently, .
Editoral Review
In Gyles Brandreth’s book, Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Importance, readers are presented with a thrilling murder mystery set in London during the 1890s. The book offers a fusion of historical fiction and mystery genres and is an excellent read for fans of both.
Gyles Brandreth, a former Member of Parliament and now an acclaimed author, beautifully weaves a tale around an infamous literary figure, expanding his reputation beyond just the mere controversies surrounding his persona. The book’s narrative is set in the Victorian era, with women fighting for their rights and the affluent class occupying positions of power.
The story revolves around the death of a notorious socialite, Randolph Churchill, in which Wilde becomes involved. While imprisoned, Wilde meets Robert Sherard, who eventually enlists his help in solving the case.
Together, they embark on a perilous journey, risking everything they possess, to unravel the mystery and bring the murderer to justice.
The book seamlessly combines period-specific details with a gripping plot, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
The pace of the story never falters, and the characters are well-developed, each with a unique identity and motive. Gyles Brandreth impressively captures the essence of Oscar Wilde’s language, adding authenticity to the tale.
Aside from being an engaging mystery, the book provides a well researched in-depth view of societal issues during the 1890s. The story raises questions on issues such as gender inequality, class dynamics, corruption, and the role of the press, highlighting the fact that people have been struggling with these problems for centuries.
Brandreth’s writing style is clear and concise, vividly describing the settings, characters and plot twists. The book’s plot is intricate and presents the reader with surprising yet satisfying twists that keep them wondering until the very end.
The plot progression is tightly woven, and the writing is smooth and fluid, making for an enjoyable read. If there are any faults to be found in this book, it may be that the plot is somewhat predictable at times.
In conclusion, Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Importance skillfully merges historical fiction with a murder mystery in the form of a fast-paced plot with well-developed characters. Although the story follows Wilde’s infamous fall from grace, it serves a far greater purpose in creating awareness and reflection on the social and cultural issues humanity still wrestles with to this day.
The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in an entertaining read that educates while it entertains. It is given a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for its captivating plot, well-developed characters, and thoughtful commentary on society.
