Torrey Chanslor was the pen name of Marjorie Torrey (1899-195?), a well-known illustrator of children’s books in the mid-1900s. Torrey received two Caldecott Honors for her work in 1946 and 1947. She also wrote a few books for children and two adult mysteries, the latter reprinted by Rue Morgue Press.
Both mysteries feature the Beagle sisters who have inherited their brother’s New York City detective agency. The oldest sister Amanda runs the agency, her younger sister Lutie employs a razor-sharp investigative mind behind her fluffy exterior. They are assisted by their cousin Martha Meacham, who serves as narrator of the books, and Jeff Mahoney, their general Man Friday. Their second adventure is Our Second Murder (Frederick A. Stokes Co., 1941; Rue Morgue Press, 2004).
Alexandro Karkoff is celebrating the opening of his new store with a lavish party. High society beauties will wear pieces of Karkoff’s spectacular jewelry. He engages the Beagle Detective Agency to ensure none of the jewelry disappears during the evening.
The Beagle sisters are present when the body of the most well-known glamor girl is found, strangled by the fabulous diamond necklace she was wearing. Heir to her father’s fortune, her death enriches her sister and her stepmother. Her brand-new husband will also benefit by her death. Inspector Moore, whom the sisters met on their first case, is on the job and looks to Lutie to help him find a killer.
A strong plot wrapped in a wonderful 1930s setting. Amanda and Lutie are delightful characters. The descriptive bits are written by someone with an artistic eye; Torrey captured line and color and style in exquisite detail. Described as a fair-play mystery, it does indeed offer enough clues for the reader to work out the solution, although misdirection abounds. A list of characters in the beginning and a nicely drawn map of the crime scene provide assistance to the reader.
While the story is said to be set in April 1940, it feels as if it were written somewhat earlier. Six months into World War II, and the only mention of it is an allusion to “the European situation.” While the United States was firmly isolationist at this point, a low-key attitude to the invasion of Norway and the occupation of Denmark seems off. Also, a couple of references to Elkton, Maryland, a famous East Coast marriage mill, indicate that weddings could take place there without notice. In fact, Elkton passed a law in 1938 requiring a 48-hour waiting period. Either someone did not check the facts or the book was written before 1938.
A deceptively frothy story with a solid mystery at its heart. A satisfying read. Recommended.