Review of The Case is Closed

By Patricia Wentworth

The second Miss Silver mystery delivers a broad range of fascinating characters and far more action than you’d expect for a 1938 mystery containing a drab little woman with indeterminate features as the detective. In The Case is Closed by Patricia Wentworth, a chance meeting on a train leads young, spirited Hilary Carew to reopen James Everton’s murder case. Geoffrey Grey has been convicted of murdering his uncle and sentenced to life in prison. Geoff is the husband of Hilary’s cousin, Marion. The case against him seems irrefutable to everyone, including Marian, until Hilary meets Louisa Mercer.

When Hilary Takes the Wrong Train, She’s Put on the Right Track

Hilary dashes onto the wrong train when she spots her former fiance on the platform. She dumped Captain Henry Cunningham when he tried to dictate who she could socialize with and what she was allowed to do. While on the train, the highly distraught Mrs. Mercer asks after Hilary’s cousin. Through anguished sobs, Louisa explains to Hilary that, during the trial, she wanted to let Marion know something. But Mrs Mercer’s fear that her husband will hear her prevents her from giving more details. At this point, Hillary begins to suspect Geoffrey’s innocence, and our wild ride begins.

Introducing Captain Henry Cunningham and Alfred Mercer

When our young heroine explains her suspicions regarding Grey’s case to Henry, he employs a detective to provide the information he needs to bring Hilary to her senses. Henry hesitates to hire a female detective but quickly develops confidence in Miss Silver’s skills. Henry’s saving grace is that he acquiesces when given reasonable proof, even if a woman presents the evidence. In this way, Patricia Wentworth presents comparisons and clear contrasts between Henry Cunningham and Alfred Mercer. Mercer was James Everton’s attractive and well-respected butler; however, when we meet him, he seems to be nothing more than a gaslighting bully.

In Search of the Truth, Hilary Runs Towards Danger

Hilary’s passionate determination leads her to several near-fatal encounters as she tries to draw crucial information from Louisa and unravel the complex, seemingly airtight alibis of potential suspects. Her often impulsive actions help make this an exciting read.

An Imperfect Novel That Is Perfectly Enjoyable

Although highly enjoyable, Patricia Wentworth’s second Miss Silver novel contains imperfections. Most notably, readers will probably find the culprit obvious and the solution fairly easy to guess. Secondly, we have some thankfully outdated notions that raise their ugly heads.  First, it is insinuated that Mrs. Mercer has asked for her ill-treatment by not being as confident and outspoken as Hilary. No one deserves the treatment Louisa Mercer received. Secondly, disliking cousin Bertie because he has a mincing manner, wears his hair a bit long, and has never married is unacceptable.

Miss Silver’s second case is Worth Investigating

The Case is Closed by Patricia Wentworth offers readers a convincing plot filled with memorable characters and lively twists. Consequently, it is well worth a read.