The Red House Mystery

By A. A. Milne

The Red House, stately mansion home of Mark Ablett, is filled with very proper guests when Mark's most improper brother returns from Australia. When the maid hears an argument in the study it isn't long before the brother dies... of a bullet between the eyes! Strangely, the study has been locked from the inside, and Mark Ablett is missing. Only an investigator with remarkable powers of observation could hope to resolve this mystery, and Antony Gillingham (with cheerful Bill Beverly at his side) is just the man.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sheba Blake Publishing
• Release date: Mar 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781304851826

A. A. Milne

A. A. (Alan Alexander) Milne (1882--1956) was a noted English author primarily known as a poet and playwright before he found huge success with his iconic children’s books about the teddy bear Winnie-the-Pooh. Milne served in both World Wars and was the father of Christopher Robin Milne, upon whom the Pooh character Christopher Robin was based.

Reviews for The Red House Mystery

[bettesbooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A classic mystery of yesteryear. Invoked the Sherlock Holmes/Agatha Christy method of investigation by reasoning, logic and observation. Enjoyable and relaxing read.

[janicseblen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a delightful book to read. Mr. Milne did a wonderful job of introducing you to his characters and time they lived in. Wish he had written another mystery or two.

[jtck121166 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent 'golden age' country house locked-room novel - one would think it a glorious pastiche if it hadn't, in fact, been written in 1922. In his preface, the author seems to regret the eclipse by a certain bear of his crime-writing career. In this, one looks in vain for Milne's distinctive voice; perhaps it would have emerged in future mysteries - or perhaps this single effort will do very nicely, thank you very much.

[iambookish-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A cute little mystery with wisps of Agatha Christie. It was just kind of easy to guess who done it, and I usually can NEVER figure that out!

[christina_e_mitchell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A. A. Milne? Of Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore fame? Yes, it is!

I am very much enjoying these first days of summer. I get to read whatever I choose! I stayed up late last night and woke early this morning to read this little mystery I found in one of my favorite used bookstores in Hillcrest (San Diego, CA). It had been calling to me for weeks; but alas, final term papers required my attention. At the earliest moment of freedom, I snatched it out of my stacks of unread books and plunged in like Pooh breaking into his crock of honey. (Ok, that was a bit cheesy but I think you would expect some sort of Pooh-ish simile somewhere in here.)

You will enjoy this book if you answer in the affirmative this one question: Do you adore P. G. Wodehouse? Seriously, that's it. If you love the humor of Wodehouse with his endless teasing of British upper-crust society you'll eat up every second of this little volume. And, don't skip the introduction wherein Mr. Milne gives you his prerequisites for a good mystery, including:

On the great Love question opinions may be divided, but for myself I will have none of it. A reader, all agog to know whether the white substance on the muffins was arsenic or face-powder, cannot be held up while Roland clasps Angela's hand "a moment longer than the customary usages of society dictate." Much might have happened in that moment, properly spent; footprints made or discovered; cigarette-ends picked up and put in envelopes. By all means let Roland have a book to himself in which to clasp anything he likes, but in a detective story he must attend strictly to business. (p. x)

I've no idea who Mr. Milne was quoting - that is, the author who dared have the detective hold a hand (a stare, an ass cheek...) a moment longer than customary. I did a quotation search and citations led back to Mr. Milne's The Red House Mystery. Thus, we've a mystery within a mystery concerning who insulted Mr. Milne's sensitivities so completely as to be called out in print for their misdeed.

The misdeeds of other mystery writers aside, Mr. Milne's little book is a gem. It's perfect for a light, bright, summer afternoon of reading accompanied by a pitcher of martinis.

[jeffome · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very fun murder mystery with lots of unexpected little twists and turns. Ultimately solved by an unexpected passer-by that had the misfortune of showing up just as the ghastly event took place, our sleuth has the blessing of absolutely no prior knowledge of anyone or anything, and is thus freed of the preconceived notions of the rest. A remarkable casualness to the entire official investigation allows our hero free reign to ultimately figure it out. Slightly quirky, but a very fun, quick read.

[overthemoon_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A nice edition of A.A.Milne's one and only detective story, set in a country house belonging to a wealthy man who extends his hospitality to friends who come to stay for a weekend (to play golf, bowls etc.) or longer. As in Cluedo and many Christie novels there is a murder - behind a locked door. Brothers, cousins, girlfriends, hangers-on, who dunnit? There is a great deal of cogitation, a secret passage, missing keys, and detailed description of the layout of the Red House which has led the editors of this edition to include a map as the endpapers. On p. xix (introduction) the reader is told that the map proved more difficult than expected, and this is hardly surprising as the bowling green moves from west to east halfway through the book. I read it all very carefully, with constant references to the map, and came up with quite a few discrepancies which I feel tempted to list below, but maybe I won't as I'm not fond of spoilers.Apart from some little weaknesses in the plot, it was an enjoyable read and led me to think about the bygone times of maids, housekeepers and houseguests.Incidentally, I did guess what happened quite early on, but not the whys and the wherefores.

[chazzifrazz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A.A. Milne is known for Winnie the Pooh. This was a great surprise.

With a taste of Sherlock Holmes and Peter Whimsey, this mystery took place at a strange Red House. One brother murdered the other, but who murdered who?

As you read along and come upon the clues you may think you have it, but then things veer off in another direction. Quite the mind game.

[antiquary_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A classic-style English mystery by the author of Winnie-the-Pooh. This edition includes a delightful introduction in which he sets out his experience with his agent and publisher (first they were against his writing it, then they wanted him to go on writing it instead of moving on to nursery rhymes --he could quite possibly have become a rival of Christie and Sayers instead of the creator of Christopher Robin. He also explains his own criteria for a good mystery, which very much match the "golden age" image. According to the tradition, a long-absent brother comes home to an English country home and is promptly murdered.

[reneh-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The only detective novel written by A.A.Milne, and a very good one. Many surprises and a very acceptable plot. I hugely enjoyed it.

[eyejaybee · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Well I fell for this one hook line and sinker! If it hadn't been for the fact that I was on a train and had nothing else to read I wouldn't have been able to summon the strength of spirit to finish this. I still think it proved to be in a waste of shame, though.

[pennsylady · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Red House Mystery (1922)by A A Milne (Winnie The Pooh)Guests at an English country estate become amateur sleuths....in the tradition of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes storiesE Reader147pgF2F Mystery Lovers Book Club (Feb selection)(2013)

[vivienner_3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A mystery from the golden age, featuring amateur detective Antony Gillingham. Although not a bad story I found it a bit repetitive in parts. In 1922 when this was written the plot may have been unique, but the solution was pretty obvious to a reader of mystery stories nowadays. Still, it was a fun read.Favourite quote: "There was indeed a frightful lot of books. The four walls of the library were plastered with them from floor to ceiling, save only where the door and the two windows insisted on living their own life, even though an illiterate one."

[chrisriesbeck · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

IMO more a mystery pastiche than a true mystery. In his preface Milne lays out the criteria for what is for him a perfect mystery, including all the usual bits for "cosy" English mysteries, plus the necessity that the sleuth be an amateur. Unfortunately in this case the sleuth is way too self-conscious of his role as Holmes, and spends much time commenting on that circumstance. There are very few other characters in this short novel. The bulk of the usual suspects are dismissed in just a few chapters, leaving just the hero and his Watson. The chief suspect and the inspector are brought in as little as possible. All this leads to a fairly uninteresting but quick read. Recommended only to fans of both Milne and locked room mysteries (which this isn't but might as well be).While not quite a locked room mystery, this short novel shares many of the qualities of those carefully constructed puzzles.

[mysterymax_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An exacting use of words makes this short, solid mystery by Milne very charming. Written in 1922, it provides the reader with all the facts needed to solve the crime. Antony Gillingham is enjoying a relaxing weekend at a country mansion. One of the guests turns up dead. Antony and his friend, Bill, solve the crime in a manner that would make Holmes and Watson proud.

[octoberdad · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Milne is better taken in smaller doses. His short stories (both for kids and adults) are great, but this novel suffers from a lack of direction in the middle and a rushed conclusion. Still, given his writing style it was enjoyable enough to download from Project Gutenberg and read in short snippets while I was otherwise indisposed.

[wdwilson3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Revisiting the Golden Age of Mystery, this novel by Winnie the Pooh's creator has so many of the tropes common in English mysteries between the wars – manor house, troops of house party guests of various sorts, scads of servants, slow witted police, secret passage ways and general upper class behavior. It also has a nifty plot, slowly revealed. I enjoyed it, though on reflection some of the plot turns seem forced.

[amphipodgirl · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a pleasant diversion -- a likable detective working his way through a decently- constructed mystery -- without being brilliant.

[janerawoof · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Surprised that I liked this locked room mystery better than I thought I would when I first started. Dated but clever in putting forth motivation for the murder of the owner's brother. Two guests play Holmes and Watson and try to figure out the solution. Christie fans may be interested. Milne shows here that he is more than his famous children's' books.

[vesper1931 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Entering into Mark Ablett's well planned life, living in the Red House, is his wastrel of a brother Robert. But then Robert is found shot, in a locked room. Who and why was he killed. Into this situation comes Anthony Gillingham, visiting his friend Bill Beverley who is staying at the House.
An interesting mystery written in 1922.

[jjmcgaffey · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Interesting, not fabulous. Good version of a locked room murder and an amateur detective, with some nice twists - the professional amateur, for one. I did figure it out well ahead of the story - though not the why, or not all of the why, just the what. Fun read, though I doubt I'll bother to re-read.

[janesteen_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Where I got the book: free public domain download on the Kindle.A rather coy little country-house murder mystery set just after World War I, and yet the war is never mentioned. Which sets the tone: a little bit of escapist fantasy, Winnie-the-Pooh's creator's try at a genre that took off like a rocket in the between-wars period, providing an intellectual puzzle to distract the reader from the fact that their world was up sh*t creek without a paddle.And a very self-conscious stab at the genre at that: Antony, the detective, makes it clear that we're moving around inside a novel with pronouncements such as "I oughtn't to explain till the last chapter." He sees himself as Holmes and his pal Bill as Watson; hilariously the two are always walking around arm-in-arm, which makes the modern reader put an unintended slant on their relationship. Those were simpler times.I found the story quite entertaining but ground my teeth when Milne fell back on the murderer's confession in the form of a letter. That. Is. Cheating. No wonder Antony found the exercise so delightfully easy. He didn't actually do the work. And there were other ways in which Milne made things too easy, such as eliminating most of the possible suspects (including all the women, so that there wouldn't be any love interest) by sending them away early in the story. I don't suppose I'm the only reader who figured out whodunnit very early on.But still, it's worth reading as a fun snapshot of a time and a genre. The novel was a success and Milne's agent wanted him to write more but he refused, preferring to exploit his only child write the famous Pooh novels. Perhaps even a mystery novel came too close to real life for a man who'd had a "debilitating illness" during the War, for which I read shell shock or what would now be called PTSD. I'm sure it's way more complicated than that, but writers lay themselves open to analysis by amateurs and I stand on my rights.

[pauntley · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Too small a cast of characters for a Whodunnit - it’s a Whydiddydoit, resolved in the end by the murderer’s epistolary confession. Country house mystery. Period charm and engaging prose with a pair of jolly pipe smoking chaps, guests of the murdered host, playing at Holmes and Watson.

[rainpebble_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne; (4*)Such a fun mystery! Considered to be a 'locked room mystery', I enjoyed every aspect of this little book. Milne's father loved mysteries and that is said to be the reason behind the writing of this one. Sweet, that. But aside........I truly wish that he had written more of the genre. However I guess the genre was not dear to HIS heart. So it will have to be back to the children's lit for me to get more of Milne. No great sacrifice there.

[dtw42 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great fun, in a very 1920s sort of way – amateur sleuths lighting pipes all the time and declaring "rather!" to each other. Clearly written with a great affection for the genre.

[setnahkt · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Read mostly because Raymond Chandler hammered it in his essay The Simple Art of Murder. Chandler’s correct, or course – I love this quote (describing the amateur detective and hero Antony Gillingham):“He is not making any money on the assignment, but is always available when the local gendarmerie loses its notebook. The English police seem to endure him with their customary stoicism; but I shudder to think of what the boys down at the Homicide Bureau in my city would do to him.”You really don’t have to read The Red House Mystery; you can get all you need to know from Chandler’s essay. It is a typical English-country-house murder; I’m amazed that anyone ever ventures even close to an English country house given the likelihood of being murdered in one. Chandler, of course, protests too much in his insistence on realism. The English-country-house-murder is a genre, like poor-but-feisty-heroine marries rich-but-bored duke, or great-evil-crazy must be defeated by band-of-rag-tag-adventurers, etc. Those books stay on print because people like them; it doesn’t matter that Hercule Poirot is no more realistic than Aragorn son of Arathorn. Fun if you like this sort of thing; dull if you don’t.

[bcquinnsmom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My copy of this book is so old it's not even listed here; it's published by Methuen, the 14th edition that I found in a little antique/book store near my house and paid a dollar for. The Red House Mystery is not a bad read -- neither is it, as Milne says in his introduction, "very nearly the ideal detective story." It's a country-house, locked-room sort of story, with lots of red herrings, two amateurs playing at Holmes and Watson and an ending that I sort of guessed but not really. It's also one of those books where you have to make yourself get through the first few chapters, but after that you'll encounter pretty smooth sailing the rest of the way.Antony (Tony) Gillingham, the less important son of a privileged family, came into an inheritance at 21, and decided to see the world -- through its people. Now at age 30, he has decided to go and visit a friend, Bill Beverley, whom he met earlier while working at a tobacconist's shop. Bill, it seems, is a guest at a house party at Mark Ablett's Red House, and Antony decides to go and see him. As it turns out, he arrives just in time for a murder -- that of Robert Ablett, Mark's "wastrel" brother from Australia who had just recently arrived. Everyone else is asked to leave; Bill and Antony stay on at the house until the inquest with Mark's cousin and protégé Matthew Cayley. Having time on his hands, and "wanting a new profession," Antony decides that becoming a "private sleuthhound," and "being Sherlocky" are just the ticket, and tags Bill as his ever-faithful Watson. Anthony's already got the murderer pegged, but how he/she did it is another question altogether. While Bill sees it as a Sherlockian lark, Tony sometimes finds the going tough:"Of course, it's very hampering being a detective, when you don't know anything about detecting, and when nobody knows that you're doing detection, and you can't have people up to cross-examine them, and you have neither the energy nor the means to make proper inquiries; and, in short, when you're doing the whole thing in a thoroughly amateur, haphazard way."Now here, refreshingly, is a character who understands his limitations -- and the possibility that he could be wrong about some things actually occurs to him from time to time. Nevertheless, the two do a proper bit of sleuthing here, even if at times it seems as though they're playing at silly buggers.The amateur approach to crime solving here is interesting and I'm sure the author meant well, given his "passion for detective stories," but when it comes right down to it, there are several PPIs (problematic plot issues) that are really noticeable, especially for avid crime-reading junkies. Still, it's a fun little mystery novel, and I have a secret fondness for stately English-manor mysteries, so I found it quite enjoyable -- more so for the two main characters and how they go about pretending to partake in a Sherlockian adventure than for the plot itself. I also loved the introduction to this book, where Milne (yes, the Winnie-the-Pooh guy) talks about his love of detective stories and his ideas about the elements of the perfect detective story. I have to agree with him on most points.Some readers may find the language a little stilted -- one reader noted it as being "tedious," but fans of crime writing during this era are used to it so it's not really that big of a deal. And there's nothing at all tedious about it. If you're looking beyond Agatha Christie for a 1920s-period novel, you might enjoy this one.

[bookconcierge · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5***

Mark Ablett inherited a stately manor – The Red House – and an income to maintain it. He enjoys the life of a gentleman and patron of the arts, filling his home with guests who enjoy fine dining and the various sports an estate offers. When his prodigal brother, Robert, suddenly returns from his exile in Australia things quickly go awry. Enter the charming Antony Gillingham, who is a friend of one of Mark’s guests, Bill Beverly. Antony happens to be in the area and decides to pay his friend a quick visit when he stumbles upon a chaotic scene and quickly becomes involved in the murder investigation.

The author of the beloved children’s books starring “Winnie the Pooh” and his friends turns his attention to a mystery for adults. In the vein of Agatha Christie, this is a typical “locked-room” conundrum, featuring an amateur sleuth and a cast of colorful characters. I liked his parallel to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. There isn’t a great deal of action – typical for books written in the early 20th century – but there is enough intrigue to keep me turning pages, and enough red herrings to keep me guessing. Like Christie’s And Then There Were None the final reveal comes in the form of a confession – a device that irritates me a little. Still, it’s a quick, enjoyable cozy.

[paradiseporch · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Red House Mystery is A.A. Milne’s only mystery novel; he is better known for his humorous writing, children’s stories (including the timeless Winnie the Pooh), and poems.A ‘locked-room whodunit’ with an amateur detective, this book followed Agatha Christie’s Mysterious Affair at Styles by only two years (and predates her other work). It’s an elegant and witty, and it’s a perfect time capsule of early 1920s English country manor life. AND it has a solid mystery that’s fairly clued.I wish Milne had written 50 more like this. I haven’t enjoyed a book so much in a long time – and I read it on my Kindle! 4½ starsRead this if: you’d like a stylish vintage English murder mystery. 4½ stars

[leslie398 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this mystery, despite the fact that I figured it out fairly early. The main character, Anthony Gillingham, was particularly well-written and a good believable amateur detective.