Mystery Mile

Margery Allingham

Judge Lobbitt has left the United States for London to avoid Sinister, the overlord of a worldwide gangster ring. He has a clue to finally identify Sinister, yet still has to find the meaning of it. His life has been threatened in New York, with other people dying in his stead. His daughter and son take him on a ship across the atlantic.

He meets young Albert Campion on ship. Campion saves the judge's life by keeping the judge from being electrocuted. When they land, Marlowe Lobbitt, the judge's son, convinces Albert to take on protecting the judge. Campion applies to his friends in the country and moves the Lobbitt family to the stately home at Mystery Mile. His friends Giles and Biddie welcome the Lobbitts into their homes and into their hearts.

This novel is my introduction to Albert Campion. My sister has been recommending these novels for years. I just never quite got that far. But this book was sitting there on the shelf when I needed a new book on tape. Now I understand the appeal. I noticed that one website has termed this series as "Cozy" - an apt description. Campion's life is in serious danger before done, yet the tone of the novel is friendly and fun.

If you haven't discovered Albert Campion yet, you'll like Mystery Mile.

The Black Dudley Murder
Mystery Mile
Look to the Lady
Police at the Funeral
The Fear Sign
Death of a Ghost
Flowers for the Judge
The Case of the Late Pig
Mr. Campion, Criminologist
Dancers in Mourning
The Fashion in Shrouds
Mr. Campion and Others
Traitor's Purse
Coroner's Pidgin
Wanted: Someone Innocent
The Casebook of Mr Campion
More Work for the Undertaker
The Tiger in the Smoke
The Beckoning Lady
Hide My Eyes
The China Governess
The Mysterious Mr. Campion
The Mind Readers
Mr. Campion's Lady
Cargo of Eagles
The Allingham Casebook
The Allingham Minibus
The Return of Mr. Campion