Black as He's Painted

Detective Roderick Alleyn investigates a series of murders connected to the London embassy of Ng'ombwana, a newly independent African nation. The case holds personal significance for Alleyn, as the president of Ng'ombwana is his former schoolmate. The story takes place in London's embassy quarter, centered around Capricorn Mews and Palace Park Gardens. The investigation involves Foreign Office retiree Sam Whipplestone and the staff of the Ng'ombwanan embassy, set against the backdrop of 1970s international relations. The novel contains authentic details from Marsh's life, including a cat named Lucy Lockett and insights into diplomatic circles in London. Published in 1974, the book became a bestseller in both the UK and USA. The narrative explores themes of post-colonial politics, cultural misunderstandings, and the complex relationship between Britain and its former territories.

Readers consider this an average Roderick Alleyn mystery, with most reviews noting it falls in the middle range of Marsh's works. Readers appreciated: - The cultural history and social commentary about race relations in 1970s London - The depiction of the fictional African nation and its politics - The return of recurring character Samuel Whipplestone - Marsh's detailed descriptions and atmosphere Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third - Dated racial attitudes and terminology - Too many side plots that don't advance the main mystery - Less engaging than other Alleyn books Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (987 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (89 reviews) LibraryThing: 3.7/5 (211 ratings) Several readers specifically noted that while the book attempts to address racism, some passages feel uncomfortable by modern standards. As one Goodreads reviewer stated: "An interesting time capsule of changing social attitudes, but requires historical context to appreciate."

Murder at the Foreign Office by Margaret Truman A murder mystery set in diplomatic Washington D.C. combines international politics with criminal investigation through the corridors of power.

A Coffin from Hong Kong by James Hadley Chase A private detective becomes entangled in international intrigue when investigating a murder connected to the Chinese diplomatic community in London.

The Honorary Consul by Graham Greene A British consul becomes the center of a kidnapping plot in South America, mixing diplomatic tensions with criminal investigation.

Diplomatic Death by Charles Forsyte The investigation of a diplomat's murder at an embassy in London reveals layers of international intrigue and political complications.

Death of an Expert Witness by P. D. James Commander Adam Dalgliesh investigates a murder in a forensic laboratory with connections to government officials and diplomatic circles.

🔍 Ngaio Marsh wrote this book in 1974, during a period when many African nations were gaining independence from colonial rule, making the fictional Ng'ombwana nation particularly relevant to contemporary readers. 🏛️ The novel's Embassy Quarter setting was inspired by London's real-life Belgravia and Knightsbridge areas, which have historically housed many diplomatic missions and remain prestigious diplomatic addresses today. 👥 The character of Inspector Alleyn appears in 32 novels by Marsh, and this book marks one of the rare instances where his past personal connections directly influence the investigation. ✍️ Dame Ngaio Marsh was one of the "Queens of Crime" alongside Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Margery Allingham, and was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1966. 🎭 Before becoming a crime writer, Marsh was a theater director, and her theatrical background often influenced her writing style and scene-setting, particularly evident in this novel's dramatic diplomatic encounters.