Friday, February 20, 2009

The First Casualty by Ben Elton

The First Casualty by Ben Elton murder mystery set during the First World War. An officer is killed in a recovery home for shellshock cases. A conscientious objector police officer is sent to look into the case. The whole thing is rather ridiculous mainly because Elton works in every WWI stereotype he can think of. We have war poetry, incompetent officers, conscientious objectors, trench raids, communists, yellow journalism and even homosexuality and suffragettes. I understand that Elton is thought to be a comic writer but if this is trying to be funny it's not. The solution although satisfying is rushed.

Not recommended.

No comments: