Four Days’ Wonder: An Absent-Minded Murder-Mystery
When, on a fine June morning not so long ago, Jenny Windell let herself in with her latch-key at Auburn Lodge… she was surprised to see the body of her Aunt Jane lying on a rug by the open door.
Our scene is set when Jenny Windell – a murder-mystery-obsessed eighteen-year-old – wanders into her childhood home one day and discovers the body of her Aunt Jane on the floor. Armed with a library of knowledge of murders fictitious, she is convinced that discovering the body means she will inevitably be blamed, so she tampers with the evidence and takes flight. What transpires only her favourite authors could imagine, while the clumsy detective tries to make sense of the puzzle.
Beloved for his enchanting children’s stories, Milne was as well known in his lifetime for his novels and plays, suffused with spirit and humour in the vein of his contemporary Wodehouse. A jolly caper and satirical joy, this absent-minded murder mystery is overdue a new inspection.
‘Entirely delightful and brilliant.’ TLS
‘The greatest fun.’ Sunday Times