The Murder of My Aunt by Richard Hull ~ 1934. This edition: Pocket Books, 1946. Paperback. 184 pages.
My rating: 8.5/10
Absolute piffle, but great fun. If I might be so bold, I propose this as a “must read” for lovers of vintage crime fiction and Wodehousian-style humour alike. A deliciously nasty little tale which defies fitting neatly into its possible genres in much the same way as its narrator dodges attempts to save him from himself.
Edward Powell has been raised by his aunt since the unfortunate (and apparently scandalous) double demise of his parents when he was but a wee tot. Childless Aunt Mildred is happily established at the family estate in rural Wales, but Richard has a hankering for a more sophisticated lifestyle, and is increasingly impatient with his aunt’s attitude that he should find an occupation and become self-supporting, rather than relying on her support.
Now, as spinster Aunt Mildred has no other heirs, Edward can one day expect to inherit her estate, which he fully intends to dispose of as quickly as possible, to facilitate departure for some place more appealing to his sensibilities. Perhaps the Riviera…
But pesky Aunt Mildred looks to be good for quite a few more years. What if her nephew were to hasten her inevitable demise, combining it with a spot of revenge for all of her patronizing comments regarding his dilettante leanings?
As Edward attempts to bring about the “accidental” demise of his sole relative, he confides all in great detail to his private journal, which he keeps locked up between episodes of writing in a small safe in his bedroom. A safe which his aunt has given him. (Hint: Richard isn’t as bright as he thinks himself.)
And never doubt that Aunt Mildred may have a few tricks up her own sleeve…
A nice fast read, and a fine vintage diversion for a quiet evening or a blustery day.
Here’s a sample. (Click the image to enlarge in a new window.)
Leaves & Pages 
This sounds something I would really enjoy. May try to find an ebook edition 🙂
I really have to read this one. I love the quirky hum our and my mom’s name is Mildred!
Okay, the excerpt sold me on it…This one’s definitely going on my “to read” list! I’m about to attempt a huge book and this short one could be a good follow-up.
Your description sold me, and then the excerpt too. This is going on my “To-read” list as well. And now I’m off to see what you think of ESG!
I think you will all enjoy this one, and it shouldn’t be too hard to find. It’s rather silly, but so short that it serves as a fun diversion from “deeper” things. 🙂
I found this at a used book store! Yea! thanks for turning me on to it!