Review of Death in the Stocks

Author – Georgette Heyer

Open this book for the title, but stay for the comic dialogue. Death in the Stocks by Georgette Heyer begins with a policeman discovering the exceedingly wealthy and extremely unlikable Arnold Vereker in stocks on a village green. Subsequently, we meet plucky young Antonia, his half-sister. Tony is a principal character, but not the most promising suspect in this tale. Like her brother Kenneth, she has a strong motive and a weak alibi. Both siblings have compelling reasons to do away with their half-brother as they will benefit immensely from his death. They aren’t the only suspects, but they do promote themselves as the most likely.

Not a Who done it? More of a No I did it!

The two somewhat spoiled, self-centered siblings loathed their half-brother; consequently, they adopt a cavalier attitude toward their relative’s murder and revel in discussing why and how they could have done it. Each Vereker takes joy in presenting themselves as the most obvious choice for the crime; but, of course, they assume a jury would never convict them. It’s hard not to imagine their banter originating from Georgette Heyer and her husband’s plot discussions. Ronald devises the murder whilst Ms Heyer fleshes out the characters and provides the witty dialogue.

Their lawyer, Giles, sympathizes with Superintendent Hannasyde. The two become good chums, and the Superintendent confides in him frequently. He tells Giles that he longs for a case where the suspects provide strong alibis that he might be able to disprove. For my part, I would love to be there in Kenneth’s studio sipping cocktails and listening to their absurd conversations. Maybe Juno, Tony’s dog, would permit me to scratch behind its ears.

Golden Age Mysteries and the Perpetuation of Prejudices

Due to the acceptance and perpetuation of ridiculous stereotypes and prejudices, Golden Age mysteries frequently make today’s readers angry or at least uncomfortable. Death in the Stocks is not as bad as some. However, there are a few points worth noting. They involve women, Italians, and dogs.

The treatment of women is perhaps the most prominent difference between today and the 1930s. First of all, compared to her brother, Antonia’s share of Arnold Vereker’s fortune is quite small. To add insult to injury, she isn’t permitted to marry without his approval; as a result, she is eager to secure a husband simply to remove Arnold’s hold over her. Readers will understand Tony’s hatred for Arnold. But Antonia is not the only woman in this story to receive unfair treatment by today’s standards. The women who have socialized with Arnold are spoken of in derogatory terms: ‘“Oh, that kind of female!” said the inspector.’ 

Depreciative comments regarding Italians and vilifying statements about bull terriers are not as prominent throughout the book. But they do crop up. Heyer tosses in a prejudicial attitude towards Italians when Tony’s current fiance’s shortcomings are attributed to his mother being of Italian descent. Lastly, Tony raises bull terriers; Georgette Heyer perpetuates their reputation for being aggressive. In 1935, when this book was published, these attitudes were accepted. It would be surprising – pleasantly – to not find them in a Golden Age mystery. I’ve added this information simply to give today’s reader a heads-up.

Not My Favorite Georgette Heyer Murder Mystery

While this would not be my favorite of Ms Heyer’s Murder Mysteries, it would surely be in the top 5. The disappointment resides in the final third of the plot. When solving the second murder, Giles Carrington’s discovery seems a bit far-fetched. That particular part of the mystery undeniably felt tacked on and poorly thought out.

Death in the Stocks as Light Entertainment

Nevertheless, I enjoy this book more and more each time I read it. Death in the Stocks is highly recommendable as light entertainment that nearly meets the definition of a farce. Provided you find listening in on someone else’s dysfunctional family’s discussions enjoyable, you’ll agree.