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Robert Macdonald #11
Post After Post-Mortem
The Surrays and their five children form a prolific writing machine, with scores of treatises, reviews and crime thrillers published under their family name. Following a rare convergence of the whole household at their Oxfordshire home, Ruth � middle sister who writes 'books which are just books' � decides to spend some weeks there recovering from the pressures of the writing life while the rest of the brood scatter to the winds again. Their next return is heralded by the tragic news that Ruth has taken her life after an evening at the Surrays' hosting a set of publishers and writers, one of whom is named as Ruth's literary executor in the will she left behind.
Despite some suspicions from the family, the verdict at the inquest is suicide � but when Ruth's brother Richard receives a letter from the deceased which was delayed in the post, he enlists the help of CID Robert Macdonald to investigate what could only be an ingeniously planned murder.
Despite some suspicions from the family, the verdict at the inquest is suicide � but when Ruth's brother Richard receives a letter from the deceased which was delayed in the post, he enlists the help of CID Robert Macdonald to investigate what could only be an ingeniously planned murder.
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First published January 1, 1936
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About the author
E.C.R. Lorac
75Ìýbooks162ÌýfollowersEdith Caroline Rivett (who wrote under the pseudonyms E.C.R. Lorac, Carol Carnac, Carol Rivett, and Mary le Bourne) was a British crime writer. She was born in Hendon, Middlesex (now London). She attended the South Hampstead High School, and the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London.
She was a member of the Detection Club. She was a very prolific writer, having written forty-eight mysteries under her first pen name, and twenty-three under her second. She was an important author of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.
She was a member of the Detection Club. She was a very prolific writer, having written forty-eight mysteries under her first pen name, and twenty-three under her second. She was an important author of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
February 4, 2023
This is a new edition of a book first published in 1936 and it can be included in the lists of the Golden Age of Crime. was a prolific writer. She published no less than 46 books in the Inspector Robert MacDonald series, of which this book is #11, and more than 20 in another series.
The story tells of a very intellectual family with five very successful adult offspring, one of whom commits suicide very unexpectedly. When new evidence arises Inspector MacDonald is asked to consider the events surrounding the incident and he suspects murder.
This a well-constructed and interesting mystery with plenty of suspects and many red herrings. The author misled me completely, using one particular event to redirect me down one path and Inspector MacDonald down another one altogether. Of course he was right. Very enjoyable and I will happily read more of this series when possible.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The story tells of a very intellectual family with five very successful adult offspring, one of whom commits suicide very unexpectedly. When new evidence arises Inspector MacDonald is asked to consider the events surrounding the incident and he suspects murder.
This a well-constructed and interesting mystery with plenty of suspects and many red herrings. The author misled me completely, using one particular event to redirect me down one path and Inspector MacDonald down another one altogether. Of course he was right. Very enjoyable and I will happily read more of this series when possible.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 17, 2023
This is another clever outing with Lorac. I enjoyed accompanying Inspector Macdonald on his investigation into whether or not Ruth Surray's death was suicide or murder.
It's at issue primarily because everyone who testified at the inquest sought to keep things that may be and are pertinent to themselves. Her death is judged to be suicide and then a letter she sent to her brother arrives to him that reflects a completely different state of mind than what people said in the inquest. Robert, her brother to whom the letter is addressed is deeply disturbed and enlists the assistance of Macdonald.
From the start, the case is a difficult one because every friend, acquaintance, and family member is so reticent to answer truthfully it was virtually impossible to glean any actual information. This made for many suspects and theories but boy they were a frustrating lot! The main reason to be so difficult seemed to be that now that Ruth was actually dead, what good could come of telling unpretty truths and the family having to confront them or having any of the facts being public knowledge. I tried to understand but I had a difficult time because these are all people who loved her and if she was murdered should want to know who did it and have them answer for it. This disbelief propelled me through this story as Macdonald and his assistant Reeves searched for answers and then there was a line that told me that it wasn't just me:
“I think that you’re all so obsessed with keeping her memory sacrosanct that a small point like discovering who murdered her seems immaterial to you,� retorted Macdonald.
I yelled out "Thank You!" to Macdonald and was glad to know it wasn't just me at the end of my patience with these people. Mind you, it's not just Ruth's murder that happens, one witness is suspiciously injured and unable to give any more information, a fire is set at the Surrey house in the night to cover up something but also risked killing the assembled family and a poisoning event as the culprit is trying to cover and clean up. And some of them still held back! Unreal to me but I guess the fear of scandal can loom thatÌýlarge in the mind. Honestly, the Surrays with the exception of one daughter, Judith, seemed a rather high-strung group. Ruth's high-strung nature was chalked up by some as partly because she had her writing career and didn't have aÌý husband or babies. I wondered If they were comparing her to the serene and sensible Judith, who was married and had a baby or if this was just a general rule held by people of the time & place. No explanation in kind was offered about the over-wrought male members of the family that extended beyond their work.
The death happens before 20% into the book and Macdonald shows up a little after that sp most of the book is about solving the mystery and that was great. The motive and murderer were well done but not something that could have been known earlier in the story. Sometimes that will put me off a story but I didn't at all mind here. This is the third Lorac book I've read and enjoyed and I recommend it (recs to and ). I'm glad the British Library Crime Classics resissues have included her books and I look forward to more.
Favourite passages:
On posthumous publishing by Ruth Surrey, ("Burn it all!" she says!):
"There had been too much of this sort of this thing of recent years, she had written. It was mistaken sentiment to give to the world the experiments and trivial scraps of narrative which the living author would have consigned to the waste-paper basket had he lived to do so. Neither were those who had been nearest to the author during his life, nor those who had loved him the most devotedly, the best judges of what should be published among the mass of work which every author leaves behind him. Literature should be judged on its merits alone, and to believe it to be a pious duty to publish all the trifles which a great writer might leave behind him was a disservice to his memory."
On worthy drinks for toasts (port, apparently) with apologies to brunch & champers lovers everywhere (myself included LOL):
"None of your cheap cocktails or champagne. It’s a low drink, only fit to comfort elderly virgins at wedding breakfasts."
It's at issue primarily because everyone who testified at the inquest sought to keep things that may be and are pertinent to themselves. Her death is judged to be suicide and then a letter she sent to her brother arrives to him that reflects a completely different state of mind than what people said in the inquest. Robert, her brother to whom the letter is addressed is deeply disturbed and enlists the assistance of Macdonald.
From the start, the case is a difficult one because every friend, acquaintance, and family member is so reticent to answer truthfully it was virtually impossible to glean any actual information. This made for many suspects and theories but boy they were a frustrating lot! The main reason to be so difficult seemed to be that now that Ruth was actually dead, what good could come of telling unpretty truths and the family having to confront them or having any of the facts being public knowledge. I tried to understand but I had a difficult time because these are all people who loved her and if she was murdered should want to know who did it and have them answer for it. This disbelief propelled me through this story as Macdonald and his assistant Reeves searched for answers and then there was a line that told me that it wasn't just me:
“I think that you’re all so obsessed with keeping her memory sacrosanct that a small point like discovering who murdered her seems immaterial to you,� retorted Macdonald.
I yelled out "Thank You!" to Macdonald and was glad to know it wasn't just me at the end of my patience with these people. Mind you, it's not just Ruth's murder that happens, one witness is suspiciously injured and unable to give any more information, a fire is set at the Surrey house in the night to cover up something but also risked killing the assembled family and a poisoning event as the culprit is trying to cover and clean up. And some of them still held back! Unreal to me but I guess the fear of scandal can loom thatÌýlarge in the mind. Honestly, the Surrays with the exception of one daughter, Judith, seemed a rather high-strung group. Ruth's high-strung nature was chalked up by some as partly because she had her writing career and didn't have aÌý husband or babies. I wondered If they were comparing her to the serene and sensible Judith, who was married and had a baby or if this was just a general rule held by people of the time & place. No explanation in kind was offered about the over-wrought male members of the family that extended beyond their work.
The death happens before 20% into the book and Macdonald shows up a little after that sp most of the book is about solving the mystery and that was great. The motive and murderer were well done but not something that could have been known earlier in the story. Sometimes that will put me off a story but I didn't at all mind here. This is the third Lorac book I've read and enjoyed and I recommend it (recs to and ). I'm glad the British Library Crime Classics resissues have included her books and I look forward to more.
Favourite passages:
On posthumous publishing by Ruth Surrey, ("Burn it all!" she says!):
"There had been too much of this sort of this thing of recent years, she had written. It was mistaken sentiment to give to the world the experiments and trivial scraps of narrative which the living author would have consigned to the waste-paper basket had he lived to do so. Neither were those who had been nearest to the author during his life, nor those who had loved him the most devotedly, the best judges of what should be published among the mass of work which every author leaves behind him. Literature should be judged on its merits alone, and to believe it to be a pious duty to publish all the trifles which a great writer might leave behind him was a disservice to his memory."
On worthy drinks for toasts (port, apparently) with apologies to brunch & champers lovers everywhere (myself included LOL):
"None of your cheap cocktails or champagne. It’s a low drink, only fit to comfort elderly virgins at wedding breakfasts."
April 5, 2025
Post after Post-Mortem is one of the weak novels of the Robert McDonald series. The mystery plot is good, but its execution is weak. The characters are intellectual snobs and unlikable. The pride of some of the characters soured the story. It's the Inspector McDonald, his subordinates, and their commitment to do justice for the dead what kept me going.
The story was slow. It didn't have the usual action-packed, drive-on mode. It took some willpower to keep going, for the characters irritated me. I was reading this in the midst of my semester assignments for my MA and wasn't in a tolerant mood. :) However, it is absolutely impossible not to like Lorac's writing and our good old Inspector McDonald who admirably demonstrated his humane side.
More of my reviews can be found at
The story was slow. It didn't have the usual action-packed, drive-on mode. It took some willpower to keep going, for the characters irritated me. I was reading this in the midst of my semester assignments for my MA and wasn't in a tolerant mood. :) However, it is absolutely impossible not to like Lorac's writing and our good old Inspector McDonald who admirably demonstrated his humane side.
More of my reviews can be found at
January 28, 2025
Lorac ticks boxes for me I didn't even know I had. The opening chapter in Post after Post-Mortem was worth the price of the book (for English country house vibes)--and then the mystery was wonderfully plotted and paced, as Lorac's always seem to be, mid-book cross-country chase scenes included. I like how she finds ways to involve everyday folk, station workers and pub cooks and the like, and gives Macdonald's keen insight into them. Plus, the title is a winner for me.
November 14, 2022
At an infrequent gathering of the Surray's, a highbrow literary family, Ruth's brother Richard is a bit concerned about her, feeling that she is suffering some kind of nervous tension, and a lack of sleep. The family scatter, but at a later gathering, Ruth is found dead from an overdose. Beside her is an amended will and a note. It all seems to point to suicide, but after the inquest, Richard receives a letter from her that had been delayed in the post; she seems perfectly happy and had been making plans for her future, leading him to question the ruling and call in MacDonald.
It's a fairly quick moving mystery with a surprising (to me), solution, I thought it was headed in a different direction. Of all the Authors that have been brought back the this series, I think E.C.R. Lots has been my favourite find so far so it's nice to see so many more of her titles available, and long may that continue.
*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*
It's a fairly quick moving mystery with a surprising (to me), solution, I thought it was headed in a different direction. Of all the Authors that have been brought back the this series, I think E.C.R. Lots has been my favourite find so far so it's nice to see so many more of her titles available, and long may that continue.
*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*
March 30, 2022
The psychology of crime�
The Surrays are a golden family, all highly intelligent and successful in their chosen fields and all happy in each other’s company. But recently the middle sister, Ruth, has been causing a little concern to her older brother, Richard, whose trained eye as a psychiatrist has noted that she seems to be struggling with stress. Her latest book has just been completed and will doubtless meet with the same critical acclaim as her previous work, and Richard suggests to their mother that she might try to tempt Ruth to go away for a holiday with her. But before this can happen, Ruth is found dead in her bedroom at her parents� home, complete with sleeping pills, farewell note and a new will, leaving little doubt that she has taken her own life. Following the inquest which returns the expected verdict Richard returns to his own home, where he finds a letter from Ruth, written on the evening of her death and delayed in the post, in which she seems quite happy and is making plans for the following week. Although he’d rather not cause his family, especially his mother, any further anxiety, Richard feels he must show the letter to an acquaintance of his, Inspector Macdonald of the Yard, who confirms that the letter is reason to investigate Ruth’s death more closely�
Each time I read one of Lorac’s books I find it harder to understand how it is that she became “forgotten� when so many other writers, of equal or less talent, have remained more securely in print and public favour. I wonder if it’s that she tried so many different things, rather than finding a successful formula and sticking to it? As I was reading this one, I was convinced it must be quite a late novel, post-war, probably well into the �50s. It concentrates far more than Golden Age novels usually do on the psychology of the various characters � on the effects of success and expectations, self-discipline and the impact of feeling driven to achieve. In that aspect, it reads more to me like the novels of PD James, Ruth Rendell, Julian Symons and their generation rather than the mystery stalwarts of the between-wars era. I was surprised therefore when I read the foreword (after I’d read the book, of course) to discover that it was published in 1936, when I suspect it must have felt well ahead of its time � perhaps so much so that it didn’t quite fit with the expectations or preferences of mystery readers of the time. Pure speculation, of course, but I do feel you never quite know what you’re going to get with Lorac, in the way you do when you pick up a Freeman Wills Croft, a John Dickson Carr or even an Agatha Christie.
Inspector Macdonald is quickly convinced that Ruth’s death was murder, and he has a variety of suspects to consider. As well as the parents, the family includes Ruth’s two brothers and two sisters, and there was a small house party at the time with three men whom Ruth had invited, each connected to her writing career in one way or another. On the face of it, the members of this happy family could have had no reason to kill a beloved sister, but Macdonald feels that more than one of them is hiding something, perhaps to protect their mother from more hurt but perhaps for darker reasons. The same applies to the three guests � each seems reluctant to share information with Macdonald that he feels may be relevant, but that they feel may simply serve to tarnish the reputation and legacy of Ruth as a writer. Ruth herself was something of a contradiction � a brilliant intellectual with much to say in her novels about the human condition, but in her personal life emotionally naive and even repressed. Her recent infatuation with a man who seemed entirely not her type had appeared out of character to those who knew about it, and his rejection of her had broken through her usual cool reserve.
We get to know Inspector Macdonald quite a bit more deeply in this one, and he comes over as someone with empathy for those affected by crime, but with an over-riding belief that justice for the victim takes precedence over the feelings of the bereaved. We also see him take a personal dislike to one of the suspects, and his own self-awareness of that and determination to ensure he doesn’t let it sway his judgement. While he is looking for clues in the psychological make-up of the suspects, the reader is being given clues to his own psychology, and it’s all interestingly and credibly done. Detective Reeves is in it too, and again we get to know him rather better as an individual this time than in other books where he’s appeared.
I think it is more or less fair-play and I felt a bit smug because I spotted one of the crucial clues, although I couldn’t quite get from it to either the who or why. Perhaps a little darker than some of her other books as stories that go into the psychology of crime often are, I found it absorbing and very well constructed, so that there were no dips in interest level along the way. I say it every time, but Lorac really is the brightest star in the BL’s sparkling firmament and even if the series had done nothing else, bringing her back to her deserved prominence would still have made it well worthwhile. Highly recommended.
The Surrays are a golden family, all highly intelligent and successful in their chosen fields and all happy in each other’s company. But recently the middle sister, Ruth, has been causing a little concern to her older brother, Richard, whose trained eye as a psychiatrist has noted that she seems to be struggling with stress. Her latest book has just been completed and will doubtless meet with the same critical acclaim as her previous work, and Richard suggests to their mother that she might try to tempt Ruth to go away for a holiday with her. But before this can happen, Ruth is found dead in her bedroom at her parents� home, complete with sleeping pills, farewell note and a new will, leaving little doubt that she has taken her own life. Following the inquest which returns the expected verdict Richard returns to his own home, where he finds a letter from Ruth, written on the evening of her death and delayed in the post, in which she seems quite happy and is making plans for the following week. Although he’d rather not cause his family, especially his mother, any further anxiety, Richard feels he must show the letter to an acquaintance of his, Inspector Macdonald of the Yard, who confirms that the letter is reason to investigate Ruth’s death more closely�
Each time I read one of Lorac’s books I find it harder to understand how it is that she became “forgotten� when so many other writers, of equal or less talent, have remained more securely in print and public favour. I wonder if it’s that she tried so many different things, rather than finding a successful formula and sticking to it? As I was reading this one, I was convinced it must be quite a late novel, post-war, probably well into the �50s. It concentrates far more than Golden Age novels usually do on the psychology of the various characters � on the effects of success and expectations, self-discipline and the impact of feeling driven to achieve. In that aspect, it reads more to me like the novels of PD James, Ruth Rendell, Julian Symons and their generation rather than the mystery stalwarts of the between-wars era. I was surprised therefore when I read the foreword (after I’d read the book, of course) to discover that it was published in 1936, when I suspect it must have felt well ahead of its time � perhaps so much so that it didn’t quite fit with the expectations or preferences of mystery readers of the time. Pure speculation, of course, but I do feel you never quite know what you’re going to get with Lorac, in the way you do when you pick up a Freeman Wills Croft, a John Dickson Carr or even an Agatha Christie.
Inspector Macdonald is quickly convinced that Ruth’s death was murder, and he has a variety of suspects to consider. As well as the parents, the family includes Ruth’s two brothers and two sisters, and there was a small house party at the time with three men whom Ruth had invited, each connected to her writing career in one way or another. On the face of it, the members of this happy family could have had no reason to kill a beloved sister, but Macdonald feels that more than one of them is hiding something, perhaps to protect their mother from more hurt but perhaps for darker reasons. The same applies to the three guests � each seems reluctant to share information with Macdonald that he feels may be relevant, but that they feel may simply serve to tarnish the reputation and legacy of Ruth as a writer. Ruth herself was something of a contradiction � a brilliant intellectual with much to say in her novels about the human condition, but in her personal life emotionally naive and even repressed. Her recent infatuation with a man who seemed entirely not her type had appeared out of character to those who knew about it, and his rejection of her had broken through her usual cool reserve.
We get to know Inspector Macdonald quite a bit more deeply in this one, and he comes over as someone with empathy for those affected by crime, but with an over-riding belief that justice for the victim takes precedence over the feelings of the bereaved. We also see him take a personal dislike to one of the suspects, and his own self-awareness of that and determination to ensure he doesn’t let it sway his judgement. While he is looking for clues in the psychological make-up of the suspects, the reader is being given clues to his own psychology, and it’s all interestingly and credibly done. Detective Reeves is in it too, and again we get to know him rather better as an individual this time than in other books where he’s appeared.
I think it is more or less fair-play and I felt a bit smug because I spotted one of the crucial clues, although I couldn’t quite get from it to either the who or why. Perhaps a little darker than some of her other books as stories that go into the psychology of crime often are, I found it absorbing and very well constructed, so that there were no dips in interest level along the way. I say it every time, but Lorac really is the brightest star in the BL’s sparkling firmament and even if the series had done nothing else, bringing her back to her deserved prominence would still have made it well worthwhile. Highly recommended.
January 17, 2023
I love Detective Inspector Robert MacDonald, that persistent, attentive Scotland Yard man; I really do. But this was not one of E.C.R. Lorac’s best works. To start with, the insufferable Surray family is at the heart of the novel; such a smug, pretentious group of poseurs! One of the Surray daughters, a writer and renowned critic, is first thought a suicide, but it’s then revealed she’s a murder victim. How dreadful is this family? As MacDonald notes, speaking of the late Ruth Surray: “I think you’re all so obsessed with keeping her memory sacrosanct that a small point like discovering who murdered her seems immaterial to you.� They surround themselves with friends and associates who are just as misguided.
But that’s just part of it. The novel doesn’t really get interesting until Chapter 4, about a fifth of the way through. I love to see MacDonald at work, so that was a pleasure. However, the ending beggars belief. After having to deal with the self-righteous Surrays, I needed a better reward. This novel was just not up to Lorac’s usual high caliber.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.
But that’s just part of it. The novel doesn’t really get interesting until Chapter 4, about a fifth of the way through. I love to see MacDonald at work, so that was a pleasure. However, the ending beggars belief. After having to deal with the self-righteous Surrays, I needed a better reward. This novel was just not up to Lorac’s usual high caliber.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2023
Complex and clever mystery written in 1936!
Ruth Surray comes from a family of intectuals, each in their own way special. Ruth is a “literary novelist� already making a name for herself.
When Ruth suicides, the family is bereft. However, after her death her brother Richard, a psychologist, receives a chatty letter detailing her future plans.
Richard is suspicious and an investigation is re opened into Ruth’s death. That’s when strange and deadly things happen An interesting cast, Inspector MacDonald being one!
I really enjoyed Martin Edwards� introduction discussing Lorac’s writing style and comments on aspects such as the literary world of the time and the further character development of MacDonald.
This crime novel certainly has stood the test of time!
A Poisoned Pen Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Ruth Surray comes from a family of intectuals, each in their own way special. Ruth is a “literary novelist� already making a name for herself.
When Ruth suicides, the family is bereft. However, after her death her brother Richard, a psychologist, receives a chatty letter detailing her future plans.
Richard is suspicious and an investigation is re opened into Ruth’s death. That’s when strange and deadly things happen An interesting cast, Inspector MacDonald being one!
I really enjoyed Martin Edwards� introduction discussing Lorac’s writing style and comments on aspects such as the literary world of the time and the further character development of MacDonald.
This crime novel certainly has stood the test of time!
A Poisoned Pen Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
November 10, 2022
3.5 stars
The blurb does a good job of setting up the plot.
Here's a few thoughts:
Oh my--not one of my favorites from this author. The book certainly had pacing issues. The first half is almost all talking--a lot of talking! A lot of self-searching, as it becomes obvious that Ruth's death was murder, not suicide. A lot of worrying about publicity, worrying about whether the family should even have the crime investigated, worrying about talking to the police. Talk, talk, talk. I felt like smacking all of them (except Inspector Macdonald).
Finally, about half-way through the book, the action picks up and we begin to sense the murderer's desperation as the investigation narrows in on the baddie's identity. I had my suspicions from early on, but the author muddied the waters quite well. There's a very dramatic confrontation between Macdonald and the murderer at the end, during which all is revealed. I was right about whodunnit, though that person's motive came as a bit of a surprise.
For readers who are familiar with other books in this series--Young Detective Reeves has a very important role to play in this one. I was happy to see him get a lot of time on the page, as he is one of my favorite secondary characters.
The blurb does a good job of setting up the plot.
Here's a few thoughts:
Oh my--not one of my favorites from this author. The book certainly had pacing issues. The first half is almost all talking--a lot of talking! A lot of self-searching, as it becomes obvious that Ruth's death was murder, not suicide. A lot of worrying about publicity, worrying about whether the family should even have the crime investigated, worrying about talking to the police. Talk, talk, talk. I felt like smacking all of them (except Inspector Macdonald).
Finally, about half-way through the book, the action picks up and we begin to sense the murderer's desperation as the investigation narrows in on the baddie's identity. I had my suspicions from early on, but the author muddied the waters quite well. There's a very dramatic confrontation between Macdonald and the murderer at the end, during which all is revealed. I was right about whodunnit, though that person's motive came as a bit of a surprise.
For readers who are familiar with other books in this series--Young Detective Reeves has a very important role to play in this one. I was happy to see him get a lot of time on the page, as he is one of my favorite secondary characters.
December 23, 2022
This was a slow-paced, somewhat psychological mystery where everyone seems a little on edge and everyone acts like they have something to hide. It went on a little too long for me, but I did appreciate the neatly explained solution. As is the case in the best mysteries, it was left in plain view for the reader to put together if inclined, but so buried under everyone's personalities and personal problems that it's very unlikely you'll catch on.
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this advance review copy!
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this advance review copy!
March 5, 2025
Yet another strong entry in the British Library Crime Classics series, first published in 1936 and reissued by Poisoned Pen Press. This was the author's eleventh book and one in her series featuring Chief Inspector Macdonald, who investigates along with his sidekick, Sergeant Reeves. A family of extremely talented writers, doctors, and thinkers in Oxfordshire find themselves at a loss when the brilliant middle daughter, Ruth Surray, commits suicide - or is it murder? When her older brother Richard realizes that it is next to impossible for her to have killed herself, he invites the Chief Inspector to investigate.
This was a terrific look at the publishing industry and the often high-strung, temperamental writers, editor, and publishers in that insular community. Some of the clues revolve around bookbinding, typewriters, and handwritten, marginal editorial notations. As a bibliophile, I found all of that detail fascinating! I also loved the plethora of plausible suspects and the traditional country-house setting (although there are memorable excursions by Reeves and Macdonald into Edinburgh and London, respectively). I did not guess the killer and was surprised by the big reveal at the end, and I would enthusiastically recommend this to readers of British crime fiction, and police procedurals in particular; I hope to read more Macdonald novels in the future.
I'm surprised that E.C.R. Lorac is not better-known today, along the lines of her contemporaries, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, and Dorothy Sayers. Like those three famous women writers of Golden Age mysteries, she was as member of the Detection Club. This edition includes a fine introduction written by Martin Edwards, who edits many of the volumes in this series. I was pleased to receive an advance reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a terrific look at the publishing industry and the often high-strung, temperamental writers, editor, and publishers in that insular community. Some of the clues revolve around bookbinding, typewriters, and handwritten, marginal editorial notations. As a bibliophile, I found all of that detail fascinating! I also loved the plethora of plausible suspects and the traditional country-house setting (although there are memorable excursions by Reeves and Macdonald into Edinburgh and London, respectively). I did not guess the killer and was surprised by the big reveal at the end, and I would enthusiastically recommend this to readers of British crime fiction, and police procedurals in particular; I hope to read more Macdonald novels in the future.
I'm surprised that E.C.R. Lorac is not better-known today, along the lines of her contemporaries, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, and Dorothy Sayers. Like those three famous women writers of Golden Age mysteries, she was as member of the Detection Club. This edition includes a fine introduction written by Martin Edwards, who edits many of the volumes in this series. I was pleased to receive an advance reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2024
I had to finish this quickly because I was nervous about who the murderer might be. 😂 But all’s well that end’s well, and I can’t wait to talk over the details with my buddy reading friend, Jessica. I think I liked Crook o’Lune more overall in the end even though I think this was the better puzzle/mystery. However, they are equally delightful in terms of Lorac’s writing style, her well drawn and interesting characters, and her detective, Chief Inspective Robert Macdonald. I really really like him as a detective. He’s very logical and yet makes room for intuition. He’s good with people and cares for the afflicted in various ways. There was a fun side plot in this with Macdonald’s sergeant Reeves, too. My library thankfully has more Lorac so I’m sure I’ll pick up another soon.
*This book is the March pick for the Close Reads podcast monthly mystery episode, which is a subscriber-only benefit. I can’t wait to hear what David, Sean, and Heidi will say about it!
*This book is the March pick for the Close Reads podcast monthly mystery episode, which is a subscriber-only benefit. I can’t wait to hear what David, Sean, and Heidi will say about it!
June 10, 2024
Did she fall or was she pushed? Did she overdose or was she poisoned? Given the prevalence of deaths during week-end parties in British mysteries of the inter-war period I'm afraid it must've had something to do with the decline of the Empire. This is why I rarely attend social functions on the week-end.
May 6, 2022
An excellent book. I cannot understand why this author does not appear in the Oxford Companion to English literature. Either in or own name or any of her pseudonyms.
March 26, 2024
An early Robert Macdonald mystery that isn't quite as good as it could be -- but shows the potential that Lorac would develop.
British Library Crimes Classics editor Martin Edwards describes this as "one of E.C.R Lorac's finest crime novels," and I can understand why. Lorac would go from strength to strength in developing puzzles that allowed her to highlight the real feelings of real people, and the impact that places have on a person's psychology and their behaviour. Lorac's novels set in London during World War II are, imho, staggering in the way that they confront murder in wartime -- as bombs are falling all around you, killing thousands wholesale, how and why would someone go to the trouble of bespoke murder?
And she's playing with some of those ideas here -- but she's not quite there, yet. Lorac opens her novel with a couple of brave choices. We are forced to care deeply about the murder victim -- not because she's a particularly nice person (she isn't, really), but because she is someone's daughter, and someone's sister, and the opening, slightly cloying family scenes just double down on the grief that her family feels when it appears that she has committed suicide. Often, the murder victim is the least important, least well-developed person in a murder mystery -- they have little to say, they exist only to be murdered so that the exciting business of solving the crime can begin, and once it does, we don't really miss them.
Not so here: we are never allowed to forget that every revelation, every clue, every brilliant deduction by the sleuth represents a painful reopening of the wounds her family have suffered. Which leads to brave choice #2 -- what if those who are closest to the victim aren't that thrilled to have her murder investigated (if murder it was)? What if the investigation only unearths things about her that tarnishes her reputation, or reveals her at their worst, lowest moments? What good is it if her death is revealed to be murder, not suicide, and her murderer is brought to justice because, as more than one character says, it won't bring her back again, will it?
Decent, professional, dogged Detective Robert Macdonald has a shocking moment when he realizes that the family hate him, and wishes he had never become involved.
Perhaps that was too good to last, because I found that gradually the insights into how grief would affect the investigation slip away, and we are left with a much more cliched third act -- clues, clues, clues, red herrings, further murder attempts (I ask myself, does the murderer plan to kill off half of the chattering classes of Oxfordshire?) and finally -- solution, on a silver platter.
BUT it's E.C.R. Lorac, and Robert Macdonald is just wonderful, so more like 3&1/2 stars, really
British Library Crimes Classics editor Martin Edwards describes this as "one of E.C.R Lorac's finest crime novels," and I can understand why. Lorac would go from strength to strength in developing puzzles that allowed her to highlight the real feelings of real people, and the impact that places have on a person's psychology and their behaviour. Lorac's novels set in London during World War II are, imho, staggering in the way that they confront murder in wartime -- as bombs are falling all around you, killing thousands wholesale, how and why would someone go to the trouble of bespoke murder?
And she's playing with some of those ideas here -- but she's not quite there, yet. Lorac opens her novel with a couple of brave choices. We are forced to care deeply about the murder victim -- not because she's a particularly nice person (she isn't, really), but because she is someone's daughter, and someone's sister, and the opening, slightly cloying family scenes just double down on the grief that her family feels when it appears that she has committed suicide. Often, the murder victim is the least important, least well-developed person in a murder mystery -- they have little to say, they exist only to be murdered so that the exciting business of solving the crime can begin, and once it does, we don't really miss them.
Not so here: we are never allowed to forget that every revelation, every clue, every brilliant deduction by the sleuth represents a painful reopening of the wounds her family have suffered. Which leads to brave choice #2 -- what if those who are closest to the victim aren't that thrilled to have her murder investigated (if murder it was)? What if the investigation only unearths things about her that tarnishes her reputation, or reveals her at their worst, lowest moments? What good is it if her death is revealed to be murder, not suicide, and her murderer is brought to justice because, as more than one character says, it won't bring her back again, will it?
Decent, professional, dogged Detective Robert Macdonald has a shocking moment when he realizes that the family hate him, and wishes he had never become involved.
Perhaps that was too good to last, because I found that gradually the insights into how grief would affect the investigation slip away, and we are left with a much more cliched third act -- clues, clues, clues, red herrings, further murder attempts (I ask myself, does the murderer plan to kill off half of the chattering classes of Oxfordshire?) and finally -- solution, on a silver platter.
BUT it's E.C.R. Lorac, and Robert Macdonald is just wonderful, so more like 3&1/2 stars, really
February 18, 2022
The many fans of ECR Lorac owe a deep debt of gratitude to the publishers and editor for making this rare detective novel widely available. One of the joys of reading it has been to confirm my opinion that CI Robert MacDonald is not the colourless and dour Scot he is often made out to be.
I would add, however, that my enjoyment of the story was curtailed, and my overall assessment coloured, because half of a sentence in the otherwise completely praiseworthy Introduction so stuck in my mind that, almost as soon as a particular character appeared, and two small pieces of information were given about them, I had murderee, murderer and motive worked out.
I have come across a few academic families whose arrogantly self-conscious, but flawed, brilliance could match that of the Surrays so nicely skewered here. Lorac is deft in her characterisation, ironic in her depiction, for instance, of a brother who, while stating categorically that women's overstrained brains break contact with reality more easily than those of men, is, himself, quite clearly suffering from a breakdown and a loss of contact with real life through overwork.
The plot is reasonably good, but there is a lot of deliberate and wilful withholding of information and one character is despatched to the Outer Hebrides, and indeed onto a fishing boat, so that interviewing them is rendered impossible.
Overall there is much to enjoy and puzzle over. Just do not read the Introduction first!
Solidly 4 stars.
I would add, however, that my enjoyment of the story was curtailed, and my overall assessment coloured, because half of a sentence in the otherwise completely praiseworthy Introduction so stuck in my mind that, almost as soon as a particular character appeared, and two small pieces of information were given about them, I had murderee, murderer and motive worked out.
I have come across a few academic families whose arrogantly self-conscious, but flawed, brilliance could match that of the Surrays so nicely skewered here. Lorac is deft in her characterisation, ironic in her depiction, for instance, of a brother who, while stating categorically that women's overstrained brains break contact with reality more easily than those of men, is, himself, quite clearly suffering from a breakdown and a loss of contact with real life through overwork.
The plot is reasonably good, but there is a lot of deliberate and wilful withholding of information and one character is despatched to the Outer Hebrides, and indeed onto a fishing boat, so that interviewing them is rendered impossible.
Overall there is much to enjoy and puzzle over. Just do not read the Introduction first!
Solidly 4 stars.
May 31, 2022
URGH SO MUCH FUN. I think this is my thing now. I haven’t read an actual mystery or thriller for SOO long so I really enjoyed that.
Not a classic classic but maybe just a classic. Really good fun, and nicely written for the most part.
86/100 for enjoyment !
Not a classic classic but maybe just a classic. Really good fun, and nicely written for the most part.
86/100 for enjoyment !
November 16, 2022
Over the past few years, the British Library has been doing a splendid job in reissuing various vintage mysteries by the English writer Edith Caroline Rivett � mostly under her main pen name E. C. R. Lorac, but also the excellent Crossed Skis, which Rivett wrote as Carol Carnac. First published in 1936, Post After Post-Mortem is another very enjoyable addition to the list � an intriguing, complex mystery with a psychological edge. (My thanks to the publishers for kindly providing a review copy.)
Central to this novel are the Surrays, a highly successful family of intellectuals from Oxfordshire. Each of the five Surray children is a high achiever in their chosen field, from the eldest, Richard, the brilliant psychiatrist, to the youngest, Naomi, who has just been awarded a First in Classics. The middle daughter, Ruth � a critically-acclaimed writer � is as prolific as the other Surrays, with several books under her belt. Having just completed her latest manuscript, Ruth is thinking of taking a little break from the stresses and strains of a literary life. So, when a family birthday prompts the Surray clan to gather at their Oxfordshire home of Upwood, Ruth decides to stay with her parents once the gathering is over.
Richard, however, is a little worried about Ruth’s mental well-being, having spotted the signs of potential trouble ahead. As such, he is hoping that Ruth will accompany their mother, Mrs Surray, on a walking holiday in Europe. However, before their plans can be finalised, there is a literary gathering at Upwood � an event that turns to tragedy when Ruth is found dead in her bed the following morning.
At first, the cause of death appears to be a clear case of suicide. A box of sleeping tablets is found on Ruth’s bedside table, along with a suicide note and a newly altered will (signed but not witnessed). It seems that Ruth had been under significant strain before her death, and Richard is especially keen to avoid any additional distress for the family through undue speculation about the circumstances. After all, what’s the point in delving into Ruth’s past history or her state of mind in the weeks leading up to the tragedy when the cause of death seems so unequivocal?
Richard Surray’s one desire at that moment was the instinct of a physician to prevent the spread of a deadly disease. He feared desperately that other lives might be involved in this web of emotional confusion, as he foresaw fresh misery—for his mother and father and sister—if certain possibilities were made public, were dragged into the searchlight of popular curiosity� (p. 58)
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
Central to this novel are the Surrays, a highly successful family of intellectuals from Oxfordshire. Each of the five Surray children is a high achiever in their chosen field, from the eldest, Richard, the brilliant psychiatrist, to the youngest, Naomi, who has just been awarded a First in Classics. The middle daughter, Ruth � a critically-acclaimed writer � is as prolific as the other Surrays, with several books under her belt. Having just completed her latest manuscript, Ruth is thinking of taking a little break from the stresses and strains of a literary life. So, when a family birthday prompts the Surray clan to gather at their Oxfordshire home of Upwood, Ruth decides to stay with her parents once the gathering is over.
Richard, however, is a little worried about Ruth’s mental well-being, having spotted the signs of potential trouble ahead. As such, he is hoping that Ruth will accompany their mother, Mrs Surray, on a walking holiday in Europe. However, before their plans can be finalised, there is a literary gathering at Upwood � an event that turns to tragedy when Ruth is found dead in her bed the following morning.
At first, the cause of death appears to be a clear case of suicide. A box of sleeping tablets is found on Ruth’s bedside table, along with a suicide note and a newly altered will (signed but not witnessed). It seems that Ruth had been under significant strain before her death, and Richard is especially keen to avoid any additional distress for the family through undue speculation about the circumstances. After all, what’s the point in delving into Ruth’s past history or her state of mind in the weeks leading up to the tragedy when the cause of death seems so unequivocal?
Richard Surray’s one desire at that moment was the instinct of a physician to prevent the spread of a deadly disease. He feared desperately that other lives might be involved in this web of emotional confusion, as he foresaw fresh misery—for his mother and father and sister—if certain possibilities were made public, were dragged into the searchlight of popular curiosity� (p. 58)
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
January 13, 2024
One of my favorite types of British mysteries, written in the 1930s, very Agatha Christie in atmosphere although the detective, Robert Macdonald is not at all an eccentric but a methodical, intelligent police officer--I liked him a lot, in a quiet, ordinary way.
The Surrays are a gifted family and one of their most gifted members is daughter Ruth, a highly acclaimed author and intellectual. Everyone is devastated, naturally, when she commits suicide but things get worse when her brother finds reason to think it might have been murder.
I loved Lurac's writing--I want to read more--but I did find myself losing interest somewhere after the first third of the book for a while (50 pages? something like that, maybe a little more) and then getting drawn in again. But I did especially love the opening chapter with its introduction of the Surray family. I was very drawn to the mother who dominates the beginning of the book.
The end was satisfying and, as I said, I very much enjoyed Lorac's writing so I'm on to reading more of her work. I love finding new (to me, that is) writers to obsess over!
The Surrays are a gifted family and one of their most gifted members is daughter Ruth, a highly acclaimed author and intellectual. Everyone is devastated, naturally, when she commits suicide but things get worse when her brother finds reason to think it might have been murder.
I loved Lurac's writing--I want to read more--but I did find myself losing interest somewhere after the first third of the book for a while (50 pages? something like that, maybe a little more) and then getting drawn in again. But I did especially love the opening chapter with its introduction of the Surray family. I was very drawn to the mother who dominates the beginning of the book.
The end was satisfying and, as I said, I very much enjoyed Lorac's writing so I'm on to reading more of her work. I love finding new (to me, that is) writers to obsess over!
September 7, 2023
3.5 stars. Exactly what it says on the tin: a writer from a super-intellectual family of intellectuals is found dead of apparent suicide - until a delayed letter comes through the post and sheds doubt on this conclusion. The dead woman is hardly the saint she's made out to be, which only complicates matters.
It was nice to see Det Reeves again (he seems to disappear, the deeper into the series we go; this is a fairly early book, so he's here in all his glory), and Macdonald moved through his investigation in his own, thorough way, but geez louise were the lot of these people batty! So concerned with shielding a dead person's reputation that they constantly refused to tell the bald facts of their whereabouts time and time again. One person obfuscating, fine; but ten?? It wears on one's nerves after a while.
I knocked off half a star because the motive for the murder makes no sense, and it was only introduced in the last chapter. The string of crimes afterwards were similarly explained, and not really to my satisfaction. As for all the other suspects in the case, they are left as dangling loose threads. Others had better reasons and opportunity to do this, so it feels like the author chose the killer Just Because. Disappointing.
It was nice to see Det Reeves again (he seems to disappear, the deeper into the series we go; this is a fairly early book, so he's here in all his glory), and Macdonald moved through his investigation in his own, thorough way, but geez louise were the lot of these people batty! So concerned with shielding a dead person's reputation that they constantly refused to tell the bald facts of their whereabouts time and time again. One person obfuscating, fine; but ten?? It wears on one's nerves after a while.
I knocked off half a star because the motive for the murder makes no sense, and it was only introduced in the last chapter. The string of crimes afterwards were similarly explained, and not really to my satisfaction. As for all the other suspects in the case, they are left as dangling loose threads. Others had better reasons and opportunity to do this, so it feels like the author chose the killer Just Because. Disappointing.
April 7, 2022
Inspector MacDonald investigates a Suicide that may not have been a suicide. This is ECR near her very best. A tightly plotted story, driven by some very strong characters, where the clues slowly unwind.
Read
December 26, 2024I bailed out after reading half of this book. I just didn't care about the characters and there was no sense of place. I wanted Oxfordshire and distinct personalities. I probably missed important clues to the mystery while I was trying to figure out who was who and why they mattered.
November 11, 2023
I truly enjoyed this Golden Age mystery by R.C.R. Lorac. I only read it because it was one of the Martin Edwards' recommendations. I would love to take a course taught by him.
The book starts off slowly, with an evening spent with a British family that is too good to be true, wealthy, educated contented, successful, pleased with their own company. How could a family like this be involved in death and destruction? Who would murder one of them? Or how could one of them murder anyone else? Scandal even remotely touch the Surray family? Impossible.
But it does. Murder and attempted murder, and even more attempted murder, and then even more!
The reader finds herself transported to a world where intellectuals harbor secrets and passion we mere mortals would be amazed at. They just express them in higher sounding words and phrases and used more sophisticated means of killing, that is, when they work.
But the best thing about this mystery is summed up in this sentence from just near the end:
“My brain wasn’t working normally either.� “Nobody’s was,� said Macdonald dryly.
The whole conundrum was a case of everyone looking at a dozen eggs and seeing omelets.
I had fun writing this review. Have fun reading "Post After Post-Mortem."
The book starts off slowly, with an evening spent with a British family that is too good to be true, wealthy, educated contented, successful, pleased with their own company. How could a family like this be involved in death and destruction? Who would murder one of them? Or how could one of them murder anyone else? Scandal even remotely touch the Surray family? Impossible.
But it does. Murder and attempted murder, and even more attempted murder, and then even more!
The reader finds herself transported to a world where intellectuals harbor secrets and passion we mere mortals would be amazed at. They just express them in higher sounding words and phrases and used more sophisticated means of killing, that is, when they work.
But the best thing about this mystery is summed up in this sentence from just near the end:
“My brain wasn’t working normally either.� “Nobody’s was,� said Macdonald dryly.
The whole conundrum was a case of everyone looking at a dozen eggs and seeing omelets.
I had fun writing this review. Have fun reading "Post After Post-Mortem."
May 9, 2023
The Surrays seem successful at everything. That's why it's such a shock when famous novelist Ruth commits suicide. Her brother, doctor Richard, is sure it's suicide and wants to make sure nothing is brought out at the inquest to mar her reputation. But after the inquest, he gets a misdirected letter she wrote just before her death--and it's obvious suicide is out of the question. He consults Inspector MacDonald, who takes over the investigation, to the family's unhappiness. There are other literary friends involved, weekending with the Surrays, and further crimes that leave the Surrays, and even MacDonald himself, shattered. A good choice if you want a country house mystery.
March 15, 2024
This is really a 3.5 for me, but I’m not sure I’ll actually come back to it, so it can’t be a 4. Once it got going I really enjoyed it and whizzed right along, but it lacks the crisp, deft psychology you get in the best mystery books, and a couple places it was really hard to suspend my disbelief. Still, I would read more Lorac mysteries for sure.
March 21, 2024
This is the most engrossing mystery I have read in awhile. I don't usually read mysteries for the mystery, per se. More for the atmosphere? The Britishness? But this puzzle was genuinely intriguing and the plot had plenty of action. Thoroughly enjoyable.
March 9, 2025
A well known writer's death is judged suicide, until her brother receives a letter that she posted on the evening she died. After a good start with a lovely description of house and garden, I found this a little dry and couldn't invest in any of the characters, but it was okay as a plot.
July 11, 2023
I liked this one, and had no idea who did it.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
March 20, 2024Realized that, while the cover is pretty, it's not keeping my interest.
February 23, 2023
Post After Post-Mortem suggests sometimes it is best to let sleeping suicides lie. When the successful writer Ruth Surray is found dead at a family gathering that included some of her publishing friends, a verdict is quickly decided and the family is spared a lot of unwelcome and intrusive publicity. But then her brother receives a letter from her, mailed the night she died and it’s clear that suicide was not on her mind. So he seeks out the help of CID Robert Macdonald, asking him to investigate as discreetly as possible.
The family is surprisingly unwelcoming. It confused me that her mother would prefer a verdict of suicide over murder. Suicide is not more genteel. But then her mother begins the book by congratulating herself on getting her house just-so and having the youngest of her children graduate with honors. She’s afraid life will be boring now that everything is perfect. But her perfect world starts cracking with Ruth’s death and continues to crack under the pressure of the investigation. After all, the suspect pool is limited to her own family and a couple visitors.
I liked Post After Post-Mortem and thought the mystery was fair. There were no hidden clues or surprises and all the suspects and the villain were introduced in the beginning. However, I thought it truly weird that a family would not jump at the chance of their family member being murdered rather than committing suicide. It is painful to think of family in such despair. I know the aftermath of suicide and cannot imagine preferring that. I also think the motive for the murder is bizarre. I guess someone could think that way, but it is not a very credible motive. However, I liked the successful sense of place, the slow comfort of the country home and the hustle of the city, for example. The characters were well-drawn and distinct. In all, it’s a successful book with a few creaky hinges.
I received an e-galley of Post After Post-Mortem from the publisher through NetGalley.
Post After Post-Mortem at Poisoned Pen Press | Sourcebooks
E. C. R. Lorac at Wikipedia and Books In Order
Fell Murder by E.C.R. Lorac
Murder in the Mill-Race by E. C. R. Lorac
Murder by Matchlight by E. C. R. Lorac
The family is surprisingly unwelcoming. It confused me that her mother would prefer a verdict of suicide over murder. Suicide is not more genteel. But then her mother begins the book by congratulating herself on getting her house just-so and having the youngest of her children graduate with honors. She’s afraid life will be boring now that everything is perfect. But her perfect world starts cracking with Ruth’s death and continues to crack under the pressure of the investigation. After all, the suspect pool is limited to her own family and a couple visitors.
I liked Post After Post-Mortem and thought the mystery was fair. There were no hidden clues or surprises and all the suspects and the villain were introduced in the beginning. However, I thought it truly weird that a family would not jump at the chance of their family member being murdered rather than committing suicide. It is painful to think of family in such despair. I know the aftermath of suicide and cannot imagine preferring that. I also think the motive for the murder is bizarre. I guess someone could think that way, but it is not a very credible motive. However, I liked the successful sense of place, the slow comfort of the country home and the hustle of the city, for example. The characters were well-drawn and distinct. In all, it’s a successful book with a few creaky hinges.
I received an e-galley of Post After Post-Mortem from the publisher through NetGalley.
Post After Post-Mortem at Poisoned Pen Press | Sourcebooks
E. C. R. Lorac at Wikipedia and Books In Order
Fell Murder by E.C.R. Lorac
Murder in the Mill-Race by E. C. R. Lorac
Murder by Matchlight by E. C. R. Lorac
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