Book Review: Oscar Wilde and a Game Called Murder

Reviewed By: Webspinner - RAM

Oscar Wilde and a Game Called Murder     Amazon US TPB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada TPB Amazon Canada HC
Gyles Brandreth
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Oscar Wilde Mysteries # 2
Touchstone, 2008

It's 1892 and Oscar Wilde is the toast of London. Once a month, there is a special, secret, "club" dinner party. And at each dinner party, Wilde starts a new game . This month, it is: "Who would you most like to kill?" Among the guests are Bram Stoker and Arthur Conan Doyle. The answers are written on slips of paper and handed in. As the answers are pulled from a hat, and some of them are disquieting - they are guests at the party . . . and the last names are that of Wilde and his wife!

"Narrated" by Robert Sherard, from the pages of his journal, "Oscar Wilde and a Game Called Murder" is written in the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes' stories from that time period, with Wilde as the 'great detective'. Peppered with Wilde quotes, witticisms, and historical figures, the story conveys a caustic, probably realistic view of Wilde and London of the 1890s.

What it doesn't do as good a job of is crafting a mystery. I've been a mystery reader for over 50 years. And I count Sherlock Holmes as one of my favorites. Subplots abound. Characters and atmosphere are relatively well drawn. Unfortunately, the author tries too hard to be Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and tries too hard to be 'cute' and 'funny' and portray Wilde in a positive light. I don't want give the ending away. Read it and judge for yourself!

Webspinner - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Webspinner - RAM