The Foundling (1948)

The Foundling. Georgette Heyer. 1948/2009. Sourcebooks. 439 pages.

I remember struggling through The Foundling when I first read it in 2010, but this time I enjoyed it much more. The romance isn't strong in this one. It is a 'coming of age' story in a way. Gilly (our hero) is in his twenties but so inexperienced in the real world that he's got a lot to learn before he becomes a "real man." This book is about his adventure into manhood, how he learned how capable he really is in interacting with the world. How he doesn't have to rely on his servants and staff for every single little thing.

Gilly's adventure starts when he decides to "help" his cousin, Matthew, deal with blackmailers. He will go in his cousin's place and handle the situation himself. It worked surprisingly well, but, it wasn't without consequences! For in his journey he picks up TWO unpredictable charges. A young man who is running away from his tutor, and, a young woman who is without any sense whatsoever. He also makes a very determined enemy.

If you're looking for romance and only for romance, The Foundling may prove quite disappointing. This is about his journey: the places he goes, the places he stays, the people he meets, the dangers he meets, the dangers he overcomes. Readers meet several interesting characters: some good guys, some not-so-good guys.

There are better Heyer novels that I would recommend first, but this one is enjoyable enough.

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The Case of the Late Pig (1948)

The Case of the Late Pig. Margery Allingham. 1948. 144 pages.

I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Margery Allingham's The Case of the Late Pig. This was my first introduction to Albert Campion, and I just have to say that I love him! I do! I love him. This mystery had me hooked from the very beginning. The first sentence reads, "The main thing to remember in autobiography, I have always thought, is not to let any damned modesty creep in to spoil the story. This adventure is mine, Albert Campion's, and I am fairly certain that I was pretty nearly brilliant in it in spite of the fact that I so nearly got myself and old Lugg killed that I hear a harp quintet whenever I consider it. It begins with me eating in bed." Isn't that a WONDERFUL way to start a book, a mystery?! Old Lugg, by the way, is his valet.

The book begins with Lugg reading aloud the deaths in the Times to his master as he's eating in bed. Albert isn't exactly thrilled at this 'new' behavior of his valet which he picked up from keeping company with another valet. Albert is glancing through his own letters as well. Suddenly he makes a connection: one of his old school mates has died. A man with the nickname of Pig Peters. (R.I. Peters is his real name.) Pig Peters was a bit of a bully--almost always a bully. But. Campion did promise himself (and Peters, I believe) that he would attend his funeral. So off to the funeral they go. It's a very strange funeral--little attended. And all would be well, except that Pig Peter's funeral was in January...and his body turns up again in June! And it's obvious to Campion that the death is only a few hours old...

This mystery delights cover to cover. I absolutely LOVED the writing, the dialogue, the characterization. IT was just a joy to read this one!!!

Read The Case of the Late Pig

• If you want to read a really GREAT mystery
• If you enjoy British mysteries
• If you enjoy vintage mysteries
• If you enjoy Margery Allingham
• If you enjoy cozy mysteries

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