Delano Ames

Delano Ames (1906-1987) was a British mystery writer best known for his series featuring amateur sleuths Jane and Dagobert Brown, which spanned eleven novels published between 1948 and 1959. His most successful works combined elements of traditional detective fiction with a light, humorous touch and vivid European settings, particularly in France and Spain where many of his stories take place. The Jane and Dagobert Brown novels, beginning with "She Shall Have Murder," established his signature style of witty dialogue and intricate plotting. Beyond the Brown series, Ames wrote several standalone mysteries and created another detective duo, Juan Llorca and Pedro Maffiotte, who appeared in "No Mourning for the Matador" and "The Man in the Tricorn Hat." His work often incorporated his extensive knowledge of Continental Europe, gained from his years living abroad. Ames served in British Intelligence during World War II, an experience that likely influenced the international flavor of his fiction. Despite achieving considerable popularity during the 1950s, his works gradually fell out of print, though they have occasionally been rediscovered by new generations of mystery readers.

Delano Ames has a small but devoted following among vintage mystery readers who seek out his Jane and Dagobert Brown series from the 1940s-50s. Readers praise: - Light, witty dialogue between the main characters - Sophisticated humor that doesn't feel dated - Complex puzzles and plots that play fair with clues - Atmospheric settings in France and England Common criticisms: - Books can be difficult to find as many are out of print - Some plots move slowly in the middle sections - Character relationships can be hard to track - Writing style takes time to adjust to Online ratings average 3.9/5 on Goodreads across his titles, with individual books ranging from 3.7-4.1. Amazon reviews are limited due to scarcity of editions but trend positive (4.2/5 average from ~30 total reviews). One reader noted: "Like Nick and Nora Charles but with more realism and less cocktail-swilling." Another wrote: "The banter carries you through even when the mystery stalls."

She Shall Have Murder - The first Dagobert and Jane Brown mystery, following an amateur detective duo who investigate a murder at a London law office.

Murder Begins at Home - Dagobert and Jane investigate suspicious events surrounding their landlady's death in their London boarding house.

Corpse Diplomatique - The detective couple travels to France where they become involved in a murder case among diplomatic circles.

Death of a Fellow Traveller - Dagobert and Jane encounter murder while on a driving holiday through France.

The Man in the Tricorn Hat - Set in Spain, the Browns investigate a killing connected to smuggling operations.

Crime out of Mind - Jane and Dagobert solve a murder while vacationing in the French Riviera.

No Mourning for the Matador - The detective duo works to solve a murder case in a Spanish village during bullfighting season.

Murder, Maestro, Please - Dagobert and Jane investigate suspicious deaths connected to a music festival in France.

The Man With Three Passports - The Browns become entangled in international intrigue while traveling in Switzerland.

The Body on Page One - A mystery involving a murder at a publishing house in London.