Ngaio Marsh novel praised
NZPA London The last book by the New Zealand novelist. Dame Ngaio Marsh, who died earlier this year, has received a glowing review in the "Standard'’ newspaper. The manuscript of “Light Thickens" reached Dame Ngaio's publisher. Collins, only days before her death. the story revolves round Dam Ngaio's great love, the theatre, and a production of the myth-ridden "Macbeth," with a murder on stage. "What a farewell performance." said Andrew Hope, crime reviewer for the “Standard." "It reads like the work of a writer at her very peak." Dame Ngaio was 82 when she died and had written her first novel. "A Man Lay
Dead." in 1934. "Light Thickens" also brings back Dame Ngaio’s suave hero. Chief Superintendent Roderick Alleyn. “With her favourite detective. Alleyn, in the audience, you would think finding the villain would be as straightforward as the porter’s knocking in the play." Hope said. "Motives for the crime embrace most of the cast. The dialogue is true to the stage. "The solution is deft and apt. If the curtain had to fall, it does so on a masterpiece," he said. “Light Thickens" was on the “Standard's" list of books to buy for Christmas. It was released in New Zealand in September.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19821213.2.65
Bibliographic details
Press, 13 December 1982, Page 11
Word Count
208Ngaio Marsh novel praised Press, 13 December 1982, Page 11
Using This Item
Stuff Ltd is the copyright owner for the Press. You can reproduce in-copyright material from this newspaper for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 New Zealand licence. This newspaper is not available for commercial use without the consent of Stuff Ltd. For advice on reproduction of out-of-copyright material from this newspaper, please refer to the Copyright guide.
Copyright in all Footrot Flats cartoons is owned by Diogenes Designs Ltd. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise these cartoons and make them available online as part of this digitised version of the Press. You can search, browse, and print Footrot Flats cartoons for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Diogenes Designs Ltd for any other use.
Acknowledgements
This newspaper was digitised in partnership with Christchurch City Libraries.