Something Nasty in the Woodshed

Arthur Crook investigates a suspicious marriage arrangement after Agatha Forbes responds to a matrimonial advertisement from a man seeking a wealthy wife. The story takes place in rural England, where Forbes moves in with her new husband at his remote cottage. This 1942 mystery novel represents the tenth installment in Anthony Gilbert's Arthur Crook series, following the exploits of an unconventional London solicitor-detective. The novel was published in the United States under the title "Mystery in the Woodshed" and later adapted into a Broadway play called "The Haven." The narrative explores themes of deception, isolation, and the dangers that can lurk beneath charming facades. The story draws parallels to the Bluebeard fairy tale, examining how vulnerability and trust can be weaponized in intimate relationships.

Most online reader reviews characterize this as a lesser entry in Gilbert's Arthur Crook mystery series. Several reviewers found the pace slow and the writing style dated compared to modern mystery novels. Readers praised: - The atmosphere and setting details of 1940s England - The final reveal and resolution - Gilbert's portrayal of the village dynamics Common criticisms: - Long stretches without the detective Crook appearing - Too much focus on trivial domestic details - Dated attitudes toward women and marriage - Plot takes too long to develop Review Stats: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 3.5/5 (12 ratings) One Goodreads reviewer noted: "The mystery itself is solid but getting there requires patience." Several Amazon reviewers mentioned struggling to connect with the characters. A recurring comment across platforms was that other books in the series were more engaging and faster-paced.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier A woman marries a wealthy widower and moves to his isolated estate where secrets about his first wife threaten her safety.

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins Two sisters become entangled in a plot involving switched identities and inheritance when a mysterious figure appears near their country estate.

Gaslight by Patrick Hamilton A woman in Victorian London faces psychological manipulation from her husband in their townhouse while questioning her own sanity.

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier A man investigates the circumstances of his guardian's death after his enigmatic widow arrives at the family estate in Cornwall.

Before the Fact by Francis Iles A wealthy woman discovers disturbing evidence about her new husband's past after marrying him and moving to his country home.

🔍 Anthony Gilbert was actually the pen name of Lucy Beatrice Malleson, who wrote over 70 crime novels between 1925 and 1973. 📖 The book's title "Something Nasty in the Woodshed" comes from the 1932 novel "Cold Comfort Farm" by Stella Gibbons, where it became a famous catchphrase. 🏰 The Bluebeard fairy tale, which influenced this novel, was first published in 1697 by Charles Perrault and tells of a wealthy man who murders his wives. ⚖️ Arthur Crook, the lawyer-detective in this novel, appeared in over 50 of Gilbert's books and was known for his unorthodox methods and working-class background. 🎭 The novel was published during WWII when matrimonial advertisements were common in British newspapers, as many women sought companionship during wartime upheaval.