Reading the Detectives discussion

Welcome to our June/July 22 buddy read of A Case of Murder in Mayfair the second book in the Freddy Pilkington-Soames series first published in 2016.

When Hollywood star Dorothy Dacres plummets six floors from her hotel terrace on the night of her greatest triumph, it initially looks like a tragic accident. But her death is so very convenient to her many enemies that press-man Freddy Pilkington-Soames, who was there on the night she died, begins to suspect foul play. And when cocaine is found in her room, it only complicates matters further. Soon Freddy is chasing across London on the trail of drug dealers, in reluctant company with his deadly rival Corky Beckwith, the most unscrupulous reporter in Fleet Street, who will do anything for a story. With the future of a film studio at stake, can Freddy find the culprit—and get one up on Corky—before he becomes the killer's next victim?

Please feel free to post spoilers in this thread.

I didn't like this quite as much as the first, but it was entertaining. I did find the rooms in the building were pretty confusing, also there was a huge cast, and it took a while to identify the characters. Freddie gets himself into a few scrapes and there is a lot of talk of drug taking, but luckily Freddie is involved, but not to closely. The competition with Corky Beckwith is an added entertainment.

I actually enjoyed this one more than the first, Freddy gets into more scrapes and has to deal with some interesting different types - American movie and business types. Also has to hold his own with the unscrupulous Corky - I feel like Freddy is finally growing up a bit, not hiding behind his mother the society columnist. He’s diving in and trying to make a name for himself - and it’s an entertaining ride, too!

I liked this one more than the first too, as I feel Freddy is becoming a bit more responsible and more of a determined detective, though he still has his outrageous side!

I also felt the rooms in the building got a bit confusing though, as you say, Jill - we could possibly have done with a Golden Age-style map.

I've enjoyed all of the Freddy books, including this one. The audiobook narrator brings a lot to the entertainment. Looking forward to the next one.

Quick question: what makes Cora so certain that Penk won't rat her out? I can't think of any advantage to him in doing so, mind, but still...

Doris wrote: "Quick question: what makes Cora so certain that Penk won't rat her out? I can't think of any advantage to him in doing so, mind, but still..."

And as far as that goes, why didn't Freddy rat Corey out to the police about being the source of the cocaine in Dorothy's room?

Good question about why Freddy doesn't tell the police about Corky - I know he has cocaine sprinkled on him at one point, but once that has cleared he could surely tell them. I'm wondering if Corky is going to turn up again as a sort-of sidekick in future books - if so, that could be the reason!

I'm not sure about Cora and Penk either - maybe she is just sure that she could deny it convincingly if he did claim she was involved with him?

Susan in NC wrote: "I actually enjoyed this one more than the first, Freddy gets into more scrapes and has to deal with some interesting different types - American movie and business types. Also has to hold his own wi..."

My thoughts exactly.
Freddy comes across as the voice of reason surrounded by a cast of intriguing characters and their secrets and schemes.