Murder mysteries are so popular that creative authors are always looking for new ways to appeal to their readers. Anthony Horowitz is probably the most successful with his Susan Ryland mysteries (also a PBS series), with innovative plots. The newest in this category – dubbed meta murder mysteries – Louise Hegarty’s Fair Play is sure to delight this sophisticated and growing audience. So put on your deerstalker caps and enjoy the ride!
Abigail has booked an Airbnb for a New Year’s Eve party that will also celebrate her brother Benjamin’s birthday. She arrives early and meets the hosts, Dorothy and Brian, who show her around the mansion situated on a hill. Abigail puts away the food and the cake and gets ready to greet the guests. They include: her brother, Benjamin; Margaret, his ex-fiancée; Declan, one of Benjamin’s childhood friends who is always broke; Barbara, Benjamin’s secretary; Stephen, perhaps Benjamin’s best friend; and Cormac, along with and his fiancée, Olivia. Except for newcomers, Barbara and Olivia, this is a close knit group of friends who have grown up together.
Although the evening should be a celebration, there’s a tense atmosphere that can’t be quelled with hors d’oeuvres, Champagne, and fireworks. It’s a late night, and by 3 a.m. everyone has retired to their assigned rooms, except for Declan who sacks out on a couch. The next morning, the smell of coffee draws everyone downstairs, except for Benjamin. Stephen volunteers to wake his friend but finds the bedroom door locked. When it’s finally opened, Benjamin’s body is found.
The police are called and the obvious conclusion is that someone in the house killed Benjamin. But the police admit that a group of jewelry thieves has been operating in the neighborhood. But since nothing is missing, focus returns to those who were at the party.
Then there’s a shift. Rather than an Airbnb, Abigail threw the party in the home where she and Benjamin grew up. And also on the scene are a maid, a butler, and a gardener. Could one of them have murdered Benjamin? Not satisfied with the police investigation, Abigail hires a consulting detective, and not just anyone, but the world’s most famous one, Auguste Bell, along with his Watson, Sacker. Bell operates like a Hercule Poirot, questioning each guest and slowly gathering clues.
Midway into the book, the reader is apprised of the “Fair Play Rules,” along with other guidelines provided from famous detective stories. We realize that we will be along for this ride, serving as an assistant to Bell as he reveals Benjamin’s killer. Between Bell’s activities, we learn more about Abigail and Benjamin and how they relate to the party guests. Was Margaret really OK with Benjamin calling off the engagement? If so, why does she wear the diamond ring on a chain around her neck? Is Barbara really Benjamin’s secretary, or are they having an affair? How much money has Benjamin given to Declan, and with that source cut off, is that a motive for murder? And how much does anyone know about Olivia? Did Cormac bring her to the party as cover for his real intention?
Just when we think Bell has figured it all out, we’re thrown a curve ball. I won’t reveal all of what Hegarty reveals – or doesn’t reveal. That would take all the fun out of this murder mystery.
Fair Play would be a terrific selection for a book club or just to discuss with friends over a few glasses of wine.
Fair Play
Louise Hegarty
Top photo: Bigstock
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