Singing in the Shrouds by Ngaio Marsh

Description

“Singing in the Shrouds” is a mystery novel written by New Zealand author Ngaio Marsh. It was first published in 1958 and is part of the author’s series featuring her detective character, Inspector Roderick Alleyn. Ngaio Marsh is known for her skillful crafting of traditional British-style detective novels, and this book is no exception.

In “Singing in the Shrouds,” Inspector Alleyn is called to investigate a murder that occurs on board the Cape Farewell, a cruise ship that is sailing from London to Sydney. The victim is a young woman named Tone Stacey, who is found strangled with a shroud (a type of rope) in her cabin. As Alleyn begins his investigation, he finds that the ship is carrying an eclectic group of passengers, each with their own secrets and motivations.

The novel unfolds as Alleyn interrogates the passengers and crew, piecing together the events leading up to the murder and uncovering hidden connections among the characters. The ship’s isolated environment and limited suspects add to the suspense as Alleyn tries to solve the case before the voyage ends.

Ngaio Marsh’s writing is characterized by her attention to detail, well-drawn characters, and the classic whodunit structure. She creates an atmosphere of intrigue and tension as the reader navigates through the twists and turns of the investigation. The title, “Singing in the Shrouds,” alludes to a sailor’s superstition that predicts death if shrouds are heard singing (creaking) on a ship.

The novel is praised for its intricate plotting, engaging dialogue, and the way Marsh captures the atmosphere of the ship and its passengers. It exemplifies the Golden Age of detective fiction, a period when mystery novels were popularized and characterized by their puzzle-like plots, careful clues, and logical resolution.

Overall, “Singing in the Shrouds” stands as a representative example of Ngaio Marsh’s contributions to the mystery genre and her ability to create an absorbing and intellectually satisfying mystery for readers to solve alongside Inspector Alleyn.