The Book Stacks

Hello and welcome to the final edition of Cover to Cover. Next week we will be moving on to other things. But today, we are here to discuss a book variously known as: The Crime at Black Dudley and The Black Dudley Murder by Margery Allingham. It was originally published in 1929. Margery herself was born May 20, 1904, in London, England. Both of her parents were writers, so it is not too surprising to discover that Margery published her first novel at the age of nineteen.

The Crime at Black Dudley has a very interesting history. As the story goes, Margery Allingham had created what she felt was the perfect detective to write a series around. His name was Dr. George Abbershaw. He was a pathologist, and well known at Scotland Yard. A love interest had been provided for him. He was just what Margery wanted. And then a secondary character, one Albert Campion, up and took over the story. No matter what she did, she could seem to get him relegated back to secondary status. It even turns out to be someone that he knows who helps to save the day in the end. Needless to say, she lost the battle, and Albert Campion became her new hero.

I first encountered the Campion mysteries through the PBS series Mystery. Several of the books were adapted for the small screen for Mystery, and I loved them. Peter Davison did a superb job as Campion. The casting was good all around, actually. I began hunting down everything I could find by Margery Allingham, and I was delighted to discover that I enjoyed the books as much as the films. I’ve re-read many of them several times by now.

Okay, then. What did you think? Let’s get on to the questions.

1. Did you like the book?

Yes, I did, but I love the next three or four in the series better. I’m particularly fond of The Fear Sign (a.k.a. Sweet Danger.) This book is enjoyable for the unfolding of the mystery of Albert Campion as much as anything else.

2. Who was your favorite character?

Campion himself is my favorite. Meggie comes in a close second. I just enjoy Campion’s stock in trade of speaking foolish nonsense. That may have something to do with the fact that it’s also something I do…but I don’t think so. Nope. Couldn’t be. Hey look! Zeppelins!

3. Have you read any of the other Campion books? If so, what did you think of the evolution of his character?

I’ve read several of the others in the series. Campion evolves from a seemingly daft young fellow, into quite the dashing hero. All the way through we are given hints as to who he might actually be, or rather, who his parents are. One notable story, The Fashion in Shrouds, is actually about his sister, and includes a moment when he drops the affable mask and gets angry with people.

4. Do you think that this book should be filmed?

I would be very interested to see them try. I can see why it wasn’t included among the ones shown as a part of Mystery, though. Perhaps a stand alone tv film is the best way to go in this case. I’d be curious to see who they would find to play Dr. Abbershaw.

5. Have you ever had a character try to take over a story that you were writing?

Yes. Not in the same way as was the case in this book, but sometimes they take it into their heads to do things that I never expected them to do. Either that, or they refuse to do what you want them to do. It’s frustrating, but it can also be enlightening, and lead to interesting discoveries. It is a bit of a weird sensation, though. You’re sitting there thinking that you can tell them what to do, as they are your characters, and then they up and do something unexpected.

And that’s it. So tell me. What did you think of the book?

The Crime at Black Dudley, The Black Dudley Murder, Margery Allingham, Albert Campion