A grand and entertaining mystery tale, perfect for a winter's evening. Fun wordplay, interesting characters, and very well paced. ( )

Although the plot of an heir returning after being considered dead has been done before, Symons adds his own mischievous humour and literary style to the mystery. And the conclusion was both unexpected and satisfying. I enjoyed this a lot.

Although the book was published in 1965 many regard it as a Golden Age mystery. There is no doubt that the setting of England mid-century as well as Symons' writing style certainly evokes the nostalgia of Golden Age atmosphere but it is also apparent that the permissive age is about to begin.

As usual, the British Library Crime Classics cover is beautiful. ( )

Lady Wainwright is mourning the death of her two eldest sons, Hugh and David, both killed in the war. In the meantime her two youngest sons still live at Belting with a great-nephew Christopher Barrington. Then ten years later, as Lady Wainwright is dying, a man contacts her saying that he is David Wainwright. Not long after he arrives a body is found.
The story is told from the viewpoint of Christopher (aged 18 years) and is set in the early 1950's (written in 1965) as he tries to discern the truth. Complicated by a death from ten years earlier. The writing style is certainly reflective of that time but I did enjoy the story. Though I don't think there were any likeable characters as far as the Wainwrights are concerned.
A NetGalley Book ( )

Christopher Barrington has lived at Belting, the sprawling country house belonging to his maternal great-aunt, ever since the age of twelve, when he lost his parents in an air crash. The family is a strange one: the widowed old Lady Wainwright and her two sons, hapless Miles and uptight Stephen, along with Stephen’s wife Clarissa. Two other sons, Hugh and David, were lost in the Second World War and Lady Wainwright has never come to terms with her loss, especially that of David, her bright and charming favourite. In the summer of Christopher’s eighteenth year, we watch through his eyes as the old order at Belting comes under attack. As Lady Wainwright lies dying of cancer, a letter arrives, closely followed by a stranger, who claims that he is the long-lost David Wainwright. Inspired by the famous Tichborne case, this is a highly entertaining – albeit hugely convoluted – story.

For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2021/04/30/the-belting-inheritance-1965-julian-symons/ ( )