Ngaio Marsh novel praised

Press, 13 December 1982, Page 11

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.