SOUNDTRACK: hiatus
[READ: June 6, 2023] Jumping Jenny
I tend to receive unexpected books at work. The most recent shipment included a couple of “Classic” mysteries.
This book is from a collection called British Library Crime Classics. I enjoyed the book and thought I’d look for more from this series although I see that there are at least 100 books in the series, so that’s gonna take awhile.
The book opens at a costume party. The fascinating theme is “famous murderers and their victims.” Honestly I had to wonder how anyone knew what any of these people looked like. Can you dress like a murderer?
In celebration of this party, the host, Ronald Stratton, has erected three gallows on the roof of his house. He has put stuffed dummies in each one. And if you are wondering about the title:
“In times gone by, a hanged man was sometimes colloquially referred to as a ‘Jumping Jack'” -Martin Edwards in the introduction.
And as such, a hanged woman might be called a Jumping Jenny. (more…)
I Just Read About That... 