Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Mystery Mile, the second book in the Albert Campion series, continues the saga of the enigmatic Campion we met in The Crime at Black Dudley. He is now a more believable detective spy, hired to protect an American judge who has spent his entire career busting the notorious Simister gang.

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Plot Synopsis

Mystery Mile opens with a thrilling scene aboard a transatlantic ocean liner. Judge Crowdy Lobbett, an American judge, narrowly escapes an attempt on his life, marking the beginning of a series of dangerous events. The judge is fleeing from a criminal syndicate known as Simister, who is determined to silence him before he can reveal who heads this crime syndicate.

Recognizing the imminent threat, Judge Lobbett seeks refuge in England, bringing his son Marlowe and daughter Isobel (affectionately called Belle). The family is advised by their friend and detective, Albert Campion, to hide in the secluded countryside village of Mystery Mile. With his characteristic blend of wit, charm, and eccentricity, Campion promises to uncover the truth and protect the judge.

As the story progresses, Campion uncovers several clues that suggest Simister’s reach extends even into the seemingly peaceful Mystery Mile. The novel maintains it’s suspense, with Allingham weaving together subplots and red herrings to keep readers on edge.

The Review

One of the standout features of Mystery Mile is its richly atmospheric setting. The village of Mystery Mile, with its picturesque charm and hidden dangers, serves as a captivating backdrop for the unfolding mystery. Allingham’s descriptive writing brings the setting to life, immersing readers in a world where nothing is quite as it seems. This duality is a recurring theme throughout the novel, with the peaceful facade of the village concealing a darker underbelly of deceit and betrayal. As Campion navigates this intricate landscape, the reader is drawn into a narrative that skillfully balances suspense and intrigue.

Albert Campion is a standout character, and his presence elevates the novel beyond a typical whodunit. Unlike many traditional detectives of the time, Campion possesses a unique blend of charm, humor, and brilliance. He is a detective who doesn’t rely on brute force but on his ability to outthink his adversaries. This is a refreshing departure from classic mysteries’ stoic detectives. Campion’s interactions with the Lobbett family and the villagers showcase his empathy and determination, adding depth to his character and making him an endearing protagonist.

While Mystery Mile excels in its characterization of Campion and its captivating plot, it is not without its flaws. The secondary characters are woefully underwritten and are instead typecast in a rather uninspired love story- which sheds Campion off any emotional attachments and leaves him with only his rather lonely profession. There’s a sense of loss and shedding of his silly personae in the book, so the moment is bittersweet for Campion but leads the reader to ponder what’s next for Campion.

Campion’s adversary, who has been running the Simister organization, is somewhat hamstrung by his woefully incompetent British operatives, which he admits are well below the caliber of his usual American ones. I wonder why Simister and his gang had to be American; the story could have been mostly the same if Campion had been charged with protecting a British titan of the law. This could have something to do with how judges work within the British law-making system. It would have led to a more substantial novel if Campion had outwitted the Simister gang at the height of their powers and then, in one final coup de grat, unmasked the mysterious head— which I’ll be honest was pretty easy to spot before Campion has his thrilling showdown on the marshes of England.

Despite a few minor hiccups, Mystery Mile delivers an entertaining and more even reading experience than The Crime at Black Dudley. The climactic showdown with the mysterious figure behind Simister is both thrilling and satisfying, providing a fitting conclusion to a story that keeps readers on their toes. The final revelations are cleverly executed, rewarding those following Campion’s journey from a comic figure to a fully realized government agent.

Mystery Mile is a classic detective novel that holds its own among the great works of the genre. Margery Allingham’s ability to blend suspense, humor, and intricate plotting results in a fresh and engaging story, even nearly a century after its original publication. Albert Campion’s second outing is a testament to Allingham’s writing skill and her contribution to the world of mystery fiction. With its intriguing characters, atmospheric setting, and well-crafted mystery.

Mystery Mile is a gem in the long-running Campion series, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of classic mysteries and those looking to explore the works of a true literary pioneer.

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Albert Campion Mystery Series Reviews