It’s been a little while since I featured a British Library Crime Classic on the blog, but I wanted to share my thoughts today on a recent release from the publisher which is a rather special one. The book is “Death of a Bookseller” by Bernard J. Farmer and it’s the 100th release in the series – what a milestone! And it’s an apt choice for a celebratory release, being set as it is in the arcane world of second hand book selling, particularly as the BL have brought back into print so many titles which had disappeared into obscurity and couldn’t even be found to purchase in a used state! So I approached this book with interest, particularly drawn in by the lovely image on the cover.
Originally published in 1956, “Death… has been out of print for decades and has apparently been much sought after by collectors. Author Farmer had a lively life, including a stint in Canada as well as time spent in the police force (which probably informs his strong sense of the kind of way a policeman should behave). He was a book collector himself and wrote a number of mysteries featuring his protagonist, Jack Wigan, who in this book is a Sergeant. As the story begins, Wigan encounters a drunken man on his way home. This is Michael Fisk, a book dealer who is celebrating the discovery of a signed copy of Keats’ “Endymion”. Wigan escorts Fisk home and the two become friends, with Wigan subsequently taking up book collecting in a minor way as a hobby. However, when Fisk is found stabbed in his library, the CID call upon Wigan to help the investigation, as his friendship with the victim and knowledge of books will be of use. A suspect is identified; there is circumstantial evidence against him; and a jury find him guilty, with a hanging scheduled.
However, Wigan is not convinced that the man is guilty. The evidence seems too slight, the man’s motive not quite right and Wigan’s judge of character leaves him to doubt that the condemned prisoner could do such a thing. However, he’s up against a hard-nosed DI who’s convinced the verdict is right and Wigan has no authority whatsoever to investigate. But he’s a persistent man, and employing the help of a ‘runner’, Charlie, he tries to dig deeper. The pair are running out of time, and the case seems no clearer – will they be able to find out the truth and make sure the right man goes to the gallows?
“Death…” is an entertaining and, towards the end, quite gripping story! Wigan is an engaging sleuth, although hide-bound by procedure; however, the action steps up a bit when Wigan gains an ally in Charlie, and even more so when one of the second-hand booksellers also gets involved. Ah, the booksellers! They’re a fascinating lot, and I would love to know if they’re at all based on any real-life individuals or firms! There are the honest dealers, the large auction houses and also the individuals chasing down rare copies to sell on to the rich.
One particularly lively character is Ruth Brent, employed to search out rare editions for an American client (who also makes an appearance); neither of these two is that honest or above breaking the law. Then there’s the wonderfully eccentric Searle Connington who lives with his strange sister and has the imagination to see how the killer may be tracked down. And throughout the narrative are books; rare editions, banned and arcane witchcraft books, the Keats, and a lot of G. A. Henty, the children’s author who was apparently a great favourite of Farmer’s. Having a glimpse into the world of book-dealing over half a century ago is quite fascinating, and I wonder if it’s still like that?
“Death of a Bookseller” was a marvellous choice for the 100th British Library Crime Classic. The plotting is great, the setting wonderfully evoked, the rare books mentioned quite tantalising, and the race against time did have me on the edge of my seat! I enjoyed watching the straightforward Wigan doing his detecting, and the contrast between him and the more sophisticated types in the book collecting world was well done. However, the introduction of Connington as detecting ally was inspired and added much to the narrative – so entertaining!
So I must congratulate British Library Publishing and series consultant Martin Edwards on the success of the Crime Classics; they’ve certainly brought much joy and distraction for me when I needed it, particularly over the difficult last couple of years. “Death of a Bookseller” is a worthy addition to the series and if you love GA crime and books, this is definitely one for you! 😀
May 20, 2022 @ 07:43:13
Oh, even though I’m not a massive crime reader, this one does appeal hugely – I’ll have to look out for a copy! What a fitting 100th edition – very clever of them!
May 20, 2022 @ 13:49:27
It’s a brilliant choice for no. 100 and even if you’re not a crime buff it makes entertaining reading!
May 20, 2022 @ 09:26:17
I’m not a crime reader but as an ex-bookseller, I’ve been so admiring of this series which looked a surefire winner from the start: beautifuly presented, rediscovered novels that are very appealing, and not just to crime readers. I’m so glad it’s been such a sucess for them. And, of course, I’ll have to read this one!
May 20, 2022 @ 13:48:49
It’s a marvellous series which does seem to go from strength to strength and I do think the general reader would get much pleasure from them. As for this one – if you’re a bookish person, I really do think you need to read it! ;D
May 20, 2022 @ 10:40:44
Anyone who discovers a signed copy of Keats ‘Endymion’ is entitled to get drunk. Fascinating review. I’m not much of a crime reader either, but I do like the sound of this one.
May 20, 2022 @ 13:48:04
Yes, I certainly would…. As for the book, it’s a good, old fashioned crime story (which I love) and the bookish setting makes it a real treat!
May 20, 2022 @ 11:39:04
Honestly inexplicable that I haven’t got and read this one yet!
May 20, 2022 @ 13:47:24
I’m shocked Simon – as a bookish person I’m sure you’d love it! 😉
May 20, 2022 @ 11:53:12
You’re now the third person I trust who’s recommended this one. It does sound like an interesting mystery plot, and you can’t go far wrong with that bookshop setting and context. I’m very glad the BL has re-released this one. I think it’s great that they’re finding some of these lesser-known authors and sharing them.
May 20, 2022 @ 13:46:58
It’s great fun, Margot – perhaps not the best written of the series, but certainly most entertaining with plenty of tension towards the end and some wonderfully eccentric characters!
May 20, 2022 @ 12:16:16
SEcond-hand booksellers are eccentric. One 1o knew maintained that the only reason he became one is that he liked books and he couldn’t find anyone else who’d employ him! He used to interrogate purchasers before he’d sell a book, but he’d – literally – give them away sometimes and was heart-broken if spme books sold.
Another book-dealer/ novelist was John Blackburn. Most of hos novels are occult/horror, but Blue Octavo is a about a book which inspures murder.
May 20, 2022 @ 13:46:11
LOL! I suspect I would have been a dreadful bookshop owner, because I would hate to part with them too! And thanks for the hint about Blue Octavo – I’m sure Mr. Kaggsy has a copy of that somewhere so I shall need to check it out!!
May 20, 2022 @ 13:26:55
I love the idea of the book collectors/sellers background in this one, and the mystery sounds rather intetesting as well. What fun that Henty is in it; I’ve read and enjoyed a couple of his titles.
May 20, 2022 @ 13:45:10
It’s a really clever setting, and definitely fun to read as a booklover!
May 20, 2022 @ 17:09:35
I just received this one! Can’t wait to read it!
May 20, 2022 @ 20:47:27
It’s great fun, and the bookish background is marvellous!!
May 20, 2022 @ 21:50:19
Oh good!
May 20, 2022 @ 22:11:35
😊😊
May 20, 2022 @ 17:39:25
Sometimes these are just what you need aren’t they and this sounds a particularly good one!
May 20, 2022 @ 20:47:14
They are – the Crime Classics have been such a joy at difficult times, and this one was excellent!
May 21, 2022 @ 09:32:57
It’s great to see a positive review of this from you as I’d noticed some mixed feedback from other readers and it’s been languishing on my BLCC pile ever since. Good to hear about the compelling nature of the plot – it does sound like catnip for book lovers!
May 21, 2022 @ 14:07:14
Oh, that’s interesting about the mixed response! It’s certainly not the best-written of the BL books, tbh, but it’s very enjoyable and the plot really takes off in the second half of the book, especially with the race against time element. I hope you enjoy it! 😀
May 21, 2022 @ 10:18:37
I have a copy of this, it does look great. The books and bookseller appeals greatly. I have too many BLCC books unread, but this is definitely one I will get to eventually.
May 21, 2022 @ 14:06:21
It’s great fun, Ali, and the bookish elements do make it very enjoyable.
May 21, 2022 @ 13:49:08
Martin Edwards and BL have outdone themselves with this book as the 100th! Can’t wait for it to make its slow way over the pond via carrier pigeon or whatever is being used these days!
May 21, 2022 @ 14:06:00
It’s a brilliant series, and a great choice for the 100th book. Hope it makes it to you soon!
May 22, 2022 @ 08:50:54
I have already ordered it and your review made me even more eager to read it. I hope it will arrive soon…
May 22, 2022 @ 12:51:58
Excellent! I do hope you enjoy it!
May 22, 2022 @ 11:45:04
This sounds such a joy – the perfect 100th edition! I would love to know who those booksellers are based on 😀 (Do you follow Sotherans on twitter? Such a witty account and antiquarian books too!)
May 22, 2022 @ 12:51:30
It’s great fun Madame B and it would be wonderful to know more about the originals of the booksellers. I’m not sure if I follow Sotherans but will go and check – sounds like I need to!!
May 28, 2022 @ 16:58:14
This sounds an excellent choice for the 100th title. Whoever came up with the idea for this series is clearly a person with a great sense of what will appeal to readers.
May 28, 2022 @ 17:08:41
Definitely! It’s a really enjoyable mystery and the bookish background is just perfect!