A review of The Murder of Caroline Bundy by Alice Campbell – 240130

Alice Campbell’s sixth novel, The Murder of Caroline Bundy, was originally published in 1932 and has been reissued by Dean Street Press. It is somewhat melodramatic, a tad overlong tale of the manipulation, exploitation and ultimately the killing of a woman who has all her life been under the thrall of her father, Theodore Bundy, whom she regards as a genius. Set near Glastonbury, it inevitably involves a hunt for the Holy Grail, said to be buried in the area.

The book has three distinct parts. In the first part we are introduced to Caroline Bundy and her niece, Natasha Anderyev, whom she has taken under her wind. Their domestic relationship is unsettled by the arrival of the Tilburys, Alfred and Connie, whom Caroline first invites to reside in her lodge and then into the house as caretakers while she goes on a trip to Rome. The Tilburys, with their ingratiating and somewhat uncouth manners, seem odd bedfellows.

Another arrival to the household is Neil Starkey, an American who has been commissioned to write a biography of Theodore Bundy and has access to his papers. Bundy was a scientist but in his later years had become fascinated with spiritualism and had become convinced that a series of tunnels near the property led to the hiding place of the Holy Grail. He is shocked by the change in appearance of Caroline who has lost weight dramatically and is erratic in her behaviour and moods. Family friend, Emily Braselton, is also concerned and decides to take Caroline away on holiday.

The pace of the book starts to rise as Caroline is found dead, her head caved in, in a deserted spot off the main road near Bath. What was she doing there when she was driven to London by Natasha? Why was she so concerned about an alligator bag she had left in Natasha’s car? Why was Natasha acting so suspiciously and who was the mystery man she was meeting, much to Neil’s chagrin as he was developing feelings for her? Did Caroline really give Natasha the pearls which she promptly sold and why did she need the money? After trying to flee the country, Natasha is arrested and charged with Caroline’s murder, although the evidence against is circumstantial.

The second part of the book concerns her trial in which the similarities between a Giesling and a Getz motor car and the distinctive nature of Natasha’s handbag lead to a surprising verdict. The third section, the most dramatic part of the book, details Neil’s attempts to clear Natasha’s name. It is another story where the behaviour of dogs, this time Alsatians, is crucial, leading to the discovery of Natasha’s imprisonment, the incriminating papers that were contained in Constance’s alligator bag are recovered and the dastardly plot against Caroline is revealed. Just to add spice to the tale, there is a shoot-out, Neil gets the chance to play the all-action hero and receives his just rewards.

From an investigative point of view, the oddity of the story is the role of the police. They are far from proactive, leaving Neil to do all the hard work, content to make up the numbers and give an air of authority as the culprit is ensnared in his lair. Their identity is easy to spot, although the plot against Caroline is convoluted and reveals the working of a clever if fiendish mind.     

I enjoyed Campbell’s earlier novels and found that this book did not quite meet their standard. Still, it is entertaining enough and a pleasant enough way to spend a couple of evenings in front of a roaring fire.