The Red House Mystery

Summary

In the book «The Red House Mystery», amateur detective Anthony Gillingham and his friend Bill Beverley investigate a murder at a country house called the Red House. The owner, Mark Ablett, disappears, while his brother Robert is found dead. Anthony and Bill take on the investigation, using their deductive skills to unravel the mystery and find the real killer. Throughout their inquiry, they encounter numerous puzzles and suspects, but ultimately manage to solve the crime and restore justice.

Main Ideas

• A detective story set in a country house
• The main character, Anthony Gillingham, investigates a murder
• Use of logic and deduction to solve the crime
• Theme of friendship and collaboration between the characters
• Classic detective structure with unexpected plot twists
• Exploration of human nature and motives behind the crime

Main Characters and Their Development

• Anthony Gillingham: the main character who arrives at the Red House and becomes involved in the murder investigation. He is intelligent, observant, and possesses an analytical mind, which aids him in solving the crime.
• Bill Beverley: Anthony's friend who assists him in the investigation. He is loyal and always ready to support Anthony in his endeavors.
• Mark Ablett: the owner of the Red House, who becomes central to the events following the murder. His character and actions arouse Anthony's suspicions.
• Robert Ablett: Mark's brother, who becomes the murder victim. His past and relationships with other characters play a significant role in the plot's development.
• Cayley: Mark's secretary, who also falls under suspicion. His behavior and motives intrigue Anthony and Bill.

Style and Technique

«The Red House Mystery» by A.A. Milne is written in the classic detective genre. The author's style is characterized by its lightness and ease, making it an engaging and accessible read. Milne employs clear and precise language, avoiding unnecessary complexity and verbosity. Literary techniques include elements of irony and humor, adding a special charm to the narrative. The story's structure is traditional for the detective genre: introduction, development, climax, and resolution. The author skillfully creates intrigue, gradually revealing details of the crime and the characters' motives. The dialogues are lively and dynamic, contributing to character development and maintaining the reader's interest. Attention to detail is also a crucial element, playing a key role in solving the mystery.

Interesting Facts

• This is the author's only detective novel, as he is better known for his children's books.
• The book was published in 1922 and received positive reviews from critics.
• The main character, Anthony Gillingham, is an amateur detective, reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes.
• The plot unfolds in an English country estate, giving the story the atmosphere of a classic English detective tale.
• The novel was written during a time when the detective genre was at its peak, and Milne wanted to try his hand at it.
• The book was dedicated to the author's father, John Vine Milne.
• Despite the book's success, Milne did not write any more detective stories, focusing instead on children's literature.

Book Review

«The Red House Mystery» by A.A. Milne is a classic detective novel that received positive reviews for its captivating intrigue and masterfully constructed plot. Critics note that Milne, best known as the author of children's books about Winnie-the-Pooh, succeeded in creating an engaging story for an adult audience. The main characters, Anthony Gillingham and his friend Bill Beverley, captivate with their charisma and ability to solve complex puzzles. Critics also highlight the book's subtle humor and witty dialogues, which make it an even more enjoyable read. While some reviewers point out a somewhat predictable ending, it does not detract from the overall impression of the book. Overall, «The Red House Mystery» is considered a successful example of the genre and is recommended for fans of classic detective stories.