The Brading Collection - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads: The Brading Collection by Patricia Wentworth

Rating: Really Liked It!
Source:   Purchased

Description: Lewis Brading loves only one thing – his collection of jewels. Not only are the gems extremely valuable but also every piece has a fascinating and bloody history attached to it.

However Lewis is a frightened and difficult man who sees thieves around every corner. When he asks Miss Silver for help, she gives him some sound advice and turns him away. A few days later, she receives a letter from him, again asking for help. But it is too late. In the morning paper is the news of his murder.
Lewis Brading loves only one thing – his collection of jewels. Not only are the gems extremely valuable but also every piece has a fascinating and bloody history attached to it. However Lewis is a frightened and difficult man who sees thieves around every corner. When he asks Miss Silver for help, she gives him some sound advice and turns him away. A few days later, she receives a letter from him, again asking for help. But it is too late. In the morning paper is the news of his murder.

Genre: Mystery - Classic

My Impression: I love the premise of this one - especially the actual Brading Collection which consists of jewels with notorious histories.  Lewis Brading is not the nicest of individuals.  He has no issues with blackmail, manipulation, and just general ruthlessness.  When he meets Miss Silver she refuses to take his case because of his behavior and recommends he change his ways.  I loved that she refused him and told him so as succinctly as she could.  As well I really enjoyed the concept of the collection and thought the setting was perfect for a murder mystery.  

Let me say first that I did enjoy this one and it was a fast entertaining read.  That said I felt like this was a bit undeveloped.  The collection was barely mentioned and was basically window dressing which was too bad as it could have been so interesting.  As well there are several characters who have sinister motives for various actions and while these were touched on I really wish there could have been more development across the board.  I feel a bit like Wentworth had a few plots that weren't completely finished and she had an approaching deadline so she just kind of shoved them all together.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Well of course!  I'll probably reread this one though it won't be top of my list.

Would I Recommend this Book?  Without a doubt I would recommend this author and while there are some issues this is a fun book though I think many of her other books are better.