Inspector Appleby #32

When half of the guests at a charity masquerade fete held at Drool Court turn up dressed as sheiks, it must be more than pure coincidence. One of them is the real thing, however, and Sir John Appleby, Scotland Yard Inspector, discovers that he is in grave danger. When one of the pseudo-sheiks is murdered, Appleby finds himself in the midst of an international political crisis.

This was a quick, fun read. A well-written, slightly satirical, country house, fancy-dress party. There's no room for padding & ,despite its size, I still got to know the characters rapidly from the action & dialogue. I haven't read the previous 38 books in this series but I feel like I know Sir John & Lady Judith Appleby even after such a short time. It does end abruptly, & we don't find out exactly who did the dirty work, but I don't feel like I missed much. I'd like to try some of the early books in the series.

Left in the street library.