In Spite of Thunder

Detective fiction legend John Dickson Carr presents another Dr. Gideon Fell mystery set between wartime Germany and present-day Geneva. The story centers on film star Eve Eden, whose first fiancé died mysteriously at Hitler's Berchtesgaden retreat in 1939. The investigation focuses on two seemingly impossible deaths from high balconies - one in the past and one in the present - where no one was near the victims at the time they fell. Dr. Gideon Fell must unravel the connection between these parallel tragedies while navigating a web of relationships involving actors, artists, and witnesses from the original incident. This locked-room mystery demonstrates Carr's signature focus on seemingly impossible crimes and their rational solutions. The novel explores themes of past secrets, wartime memories, and the way tragic events can echo through decades.

Readers consider this one of Carr's lesser detective novels, with most finding it falls short of his earlier works. Readers appreciated: - The atmospheric Swiss castle setting - The impossible crime setup - Strong opening chapters - Dr. Fell's character and dialogue - The well-rendered thunderstorm scenes Common criticisms: - Plot relies too heavily on coincidences - Solution feels contrived and unsatisfying - Characters lack depth compared to other Carr novels - Middle section drags with repetitive conversations - Romance subplot feels forced Several readers noted the book shows signs of being written late in Carr's career when his skills had declined. One reviewer called it "a weak retread of better impossibilities from his golden age." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (14 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.4/5 (22 ratings) Most recommend starting with Carr's earlier works rather than this 1960 novel.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie A country manor murder investigation reveals how past events and hidden connections among the suspects led to a seemingly impossible crime.

The Problem of the Green Capsule by John Dickson Carr Dr. Gideon Fell investigates a poison death captured on film where the recorded evidence contradicts all witness accounts.

The Three Coffins by John Dickson Carr A murder in a locked room during a snowstorm presents Dr. Gideon Fell with two impossible scenarios involving sealed spaces.

Death of Jezebel by Christianna Brand The solution to a staged medieval pageant death connects to events from years prior through intricate timing and misdirection.

Nine Times Nine by Anthony Boucher A locked-room murder in 1940s San Francisco links to pre-war events through the investigation of seemingly supernatural circumstances.

🔍 The Geneva setting was likely inspired by Carr's own time living in Switzerland during the 1950s, where he wrote several of his most acclaimed mysteries 🏰 Berchtesgaden, referenced in the novel, was Hitler's mountain retreat known as the "Eagle's Nest" and still stands today as a historical restaurant and tourist destination 👨‍🎤 John Dickson Carr introduced Dr. Gideon Fell in 1933, basing the character's appearance and mannerisms on English writer G.K. Chesterton 🔐 Carr was known as the master of the "locked room mystery," writing over 70 novels in this subgenre and earning the title "The King of the Locked Room Mystery" 🏆 In 1950, Carr became one of the few Americans ever inducted into Britain's prestigious Detection Club, founded by Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers