British Library Crime Classics have done it again! The discovery of a locked room mystery set in a closed community written by an authentic witness to the time, place and setting is a real gift. This novel, set in an Italian Prisoner of War camp in Italy at the time of the British invasion, was written by a man who had been there, as outlined in Martin Edwards’ excellent and informative introduction. This “Second World War Mystery” manages to catch the atmosphere and reality of a large group of men in difficult if not impossible circumstances. Groups and subgroups of the captive British officers make for strange alliances, while the behaviour of the Italian guards and officers is complicated and unpredictable. The urge to escape is one of the overwhelming themes of the book, but not everyone is agreed on the best way, or time, to achieve such an aim. There are times when this does not seem to be a murder mystery, but this is because the authentic details and plot are written in such depth. The question of “whodunnit” is maintained right until the end, though there is much to distract with red herrings, plots and plans. I recommend this book to all those who appeciate a murder mystery in a terrific historical setting, written at the end of the Golden Age and was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and reveiw this excellent novel. The novel opens with a discussion between the camp’s officer in charge and the senior British officer, as the situation in Italy becomes more uncertain. There are warnings about escape attempts, that the men should stay in their huts during the evenings. The various activities are shown, as well as the punishment block. It emerges that there is a man widely supposed to be a traitor in their midst, a man who is possibly supplying the Italians with information about the escape attempts which are always taking place. Coutoules is generally disliked and many are suspicious of him. The scene changes to Hut C, where the most substantial tunnel is being worked on, in the most secret way possible. As the diggers get further along the tunnel they discover something that is deeply shocking, the body of Coutoules. As the soldiers try to conceal what is presumed to be a murder, the Italians become increasingly suspicious. When the body is surrendered, the Italians begin to take action. An officer called Goyles is asked to investigate among the captive men, and turns amateur detective, trying to weigh up all the available information. This is made nearly impossible as escape attempts are still happening, and the Italians are inflicting their own brand of justice. The mystery remains even when circumstances dramatically change, and this carefully plotted book maintains the tension. I found this book a gripping read, with a military humour throughout. It is certainly a great wartime novel of men in challenging circumstances, but it is also a classic murder mystery which will tax the most dedicated reader in a different way from most books in the genre. Not that this is a cosy book, as there are other deaths and grave danger throughout, but it reads naturally as coming from a writer whose background research must have largely come from experience. This book well deserves its classic status both as a murder mystery novel and a wartime story, and will appear as one of my favourites in this excellent series.

I have now read a large chunk of the British Crime Classics and after finishing this book a few weeks back, i can say that it was one of the best i have picked up so far. The setting of an italian prisoner of war camp is woven into the story in such a way that it does not oppress the 'whodunit' story. The characters are captivating and the rivalry between them takes the reader on a journey illuminating not only the crime scene that the book focuses on, but also one that highlights the complex relations between different nationalities in the heart of war. If trying to read a british crime classic for the first time i would highly recommend this book as it reads much like an old war film, and can be picked up and put down with ease.

Two chapters into this book I remembered seeing the film version years ago. The film stuck with me so discovering I'd accidentally stumbled onto the original novel was a joy. Engagingly written this tale of wartime murder is both a fascinating mystery and a great prisoner of war story. All the usual elements are there, stiff upper lips, traitors, quirky characters and all wrapped up in an easy to read novel from an author I've been impressed with. I enjoyed this book and will certainly read it again. Here's hoping British library crime release more from this author.