Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Seven Dead was on my 20 books of summer list for 2023, but I didn’t get around to reading it, so it’s back for #20booksofsummer24. If you’re enjoying my #20booksofsummer24 reviews and want to see who else is participating and what books they are reviewing, make sure to check out the master list over @746books.

Plot Synopsis

A burglar, intending to steal from an empty cottage whose owners recently left to go on an impromptu trip, is horrified to find seven dead bodies locked inside a room of the house. The bodies, emaciated and dressed in tattered clothing, are not known to anyone in the village or the owners of the house.

Inspector Kendall leads the official police investigation, but local reporter Thomas Hazeldean, intrigued by the case, conducts her own research in parallel, hoping to break the scoop on this sensational news story. Between them, they travel England and France, piecing together the bizarre tale of which seven dead bodies are just the tip of the iceberg.

The Review

Farjeon’s writing blends suspense and descriptive richness. His ability to create vivid settings immerses readers in the story, making them feel the chill of the coastal winds and the tension in the air. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, reflecting the personalities of the characters and the era in which the story is set.

Farjeon’s mastery of building suspense is a standout feature. He skillfully unravels the mystery, keeping the intrigue alive. The plot twists are cleverly executed, ensuring that readers remain engaged and eager to uncover the truth.

Each victim has a story, and as their pasts are uncovered, layers of the mystery are peeled away, revealing motives and connections that complicate the investigation. Farjeon masterfully intertwines their histories, creating a tapestry of intrigue that keeps readers going through the detail-laden story. While the intricacies are beautifully written, Farjeon’s attention to detail does lead to some discursions that instead run away from the plot of the mystery.

The two-fold investigation is an engaging narrative choice. Inspector Kendall, a compassionate man, plods through the rather convoluted and difficult-to-detangle forensic investigation. He’s a kindly retrospective soul whose natural wonder really kept the book on an even keel compared to Hazeldean’s passionate and rough investigation.

Hazeldean, a heady young man, upon seeing a portrait of a young girl involved in the case, Doris Fenner, who might have a vital clue as to what happened, spends an excessive amount of time tracking her down, winning her trust and having an excellent old victorian love story. This subplot, while it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, adds a human element to the story, showing the characters’ personal lives amidst the intense investigation.

When Inspector Kendall reappears in chapter sixteen, the mystery takes a unique and thrilling turn. I don’t want to give too much away, but the ending, reminiscent of Lord of the Flies, is truly surprising. It shows that Farjeon is capable of crafting truly one-of-a-kind mysteries that leave the reader pondering their own nature in extreme circumstances.

While Seven Dead may at times feel like two distinct books crammed together, it’s an incredible journey. The ending, which I won’t spoil, ties up the various threads of the story in a satisfying and thought-provoking way. It’s a journey that will definitely engage, delight, and awe in equal measure.

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J. Jefferson Farjeon Book Reviews

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