The protagonist, Miss Seeton, is in the early stages of dementia, and so, apparently, is the plot. I kept stumbling through the book, trying in vain to make sense of her incoherent ramblings, vainly hoping that the loose strings would come together, that a clear plot would emerge. Alas, (and finally!), I came to the end, aware of several unrelated mysteries, some of which didn't have solutions or explanations.

Miss Seeton apparently solves mysteries by doodling, but of what, the author never really says, nor how this helps to solve the crime.

There were lucid scenes in the book, and even some humorous ones. I kept reading, mainly to see if a plot would emerge, if the effort put into reading the book would pay off. Alas, it didn't. Or, in the words of Miss Seeton herself: "Mementoes of his old ship, one imagines. A spendid display, indeed, though I had always supposed that one brought them down--the Girl Guides, you know--except that I believe the correct term is strike--like tents. Unless the gin pennant doesn't count. At sunset--or gongs, which could be most confusing if one was not careful, though he must be accustomed to them, I imagine, from the war. Sir George, that is, not the admiral. One could hardly use them at sea without considerable difficulty, and the idea that the navy would be unable to find an easier way...Tents, of course. Except that the term is used by members of Her Majesty's Forces to describe medals, is it not? Gongs, I mean, which of course they have, being all most gallant and courageous gentlemen--Sir George, and the admiral, and Colonel Windup, though I confess..." (pgs 183-4)

It's not any better in context.

Ms. Seeton adventures are the best reads that I have come across. I re-read these novels several times a year, I have them all. The unsinkbale Miss Seeton manages to do it again. I have to say that my favorite part of the novel is not the mystery itself per se, but the hysterical villagers. I re-read the books over and over just for them. They could have their own show that would be something like a cross between Keeping up Appearances and Fawlty Towers. They are the limit, esp. the busybodies, the "Nuts". The "Nuts" are in every book and just get crazier and crazier with each book, soemtimes I laugh so hard my sides hurt.