The Return of Captain John Emmett

The years surrounding World War I are fascinating to me for a variety of reasons.  Before the war, particularly in England there was a sense of being in a golden age--the Empire was at its height, it was a period of wealth and abundance.  While this is likely a false perception (depending on which class you were part of anyway), the war was so catastrophic for an entire generation it literally changed the world and helped usher in a new era of modernity.  So much happened and so much changed for so many people, I never tire of reading about the period.  There've been a spate of mysteries set in the years just after the war, and recently Elizabeth Speller has joined their ranks taking a fresh approach to the subject.  She combines not only an interesting perspective but exquisite writing and storytelling abilities making The Return of Captain John Emmett one of my favorite reads so far this year.

The story begins in November 1920 as a train pulls into a station carrying the body of an unknown soldier which will be interred in Westminster Abbey.  The body is to stand for the millions of lives lost on the battlefields of France and Belgium, but John Emmett is a soldier who didn't die in the war but years afterwards.  For the men who survived the war to return home normalcy wasn't something easily acquired, and John Emmett, already somewhat estranged from his family had a difficult time adjusting to life back in England. 

After an apparent suicide John's sister Mary asks Laurence Bartram, and old school buddy, to look into his death.  John had been recuperating in a veteran's hospital, and while seemingly on the mend he left the hospital grounds and shot himself.  Mary is hoping that Laurence will discover something about John's life that will explain what happened.  Before the war he had been living in Germany and was involved with a German woman but as soon as it became obvious war could not be avoided he enlisted.  Mary has only a photograph to give Laurence to go on and the fact that he bequeathed a number of large monetary gifts to individuals whose relationships with John are uncertain.

Laurence Bartram is himself leading a melancholy life after the war and while not exactly a natural detective (though a dogged one he will become over the course of his 'investigations'), the return of John Emmett into his life also will alter it.  The day Laurence went over the top into vicious combat was the day that his wife and child died.  He survived the war only to come home to an empty home.  Now he lives alone in rented rooms and works on a book about London churches.  As he begins asking questions he realizes the photo was taken during the war right before an officer was executed for not following orders on the battlefield.  And now he must suss out how those in the photograph are related to those who were named in John's will.

Uncovering the truth behind the photo leads Laurence on a rather circuitous route and one that becomes increasingly dangerous.  He's joined by his oldest and indefatigable friend Charles who has a deep appreciation for the novels of Mrs. Agatha Christie combined with an unerring sense of direction and a large circle of well-connected friends which makes him indispensible.  John Emmett was involved in the execution of a fellow officer, a man who had risen in the ranks, but everything went off badly.  It was a complete fiasco and John carried the burdon with him.  Was it the guilt that caused him to kill himself or was it a matter of revenge?  As more of the men in the photograph turn up dead, it seems as though the truth Mary is seeking about her brother is linked to something altogether darker and even a little sinister.

The Return of Captain John Emmett is a finely executed mystery with a true puzzle at its heart but also a story about the after effects of the war.  Both Laurence and Charles are likable characters, intelligent but not without flaws.  Laurence was especially well drawn, however.  He seemed very real and earnest in his wish to help Mary.  This is a story that simmers for a while before it comes to a rolling boil.  It's more thoughtful than edge-of-your-seat sort of stuff, but that did not in any way take away from the pleasure I had reading this story. 

I'm not in the least surprised to hear that Elizabeth Speller won the Orange New Writers Prize earlier this year and was shortlisted for the Waverton Good Read Award for her first mystery.  Although my copy The Return of Captain John Emmett came by way of Netgalley as an ebook, I am happy to already have The Strange Fate of Kitty Easton on my reading pile, which I do hope to pick up soon.  It has not actually been published yet in the US, but I see it is listed on Amazon for purchase.  You can check out Elizabeth Speller's website here.  And do take a look at the video I've attached to my post as she speaks about her research and the background of the book.  Fascinating stuff all!  

Comments

[Fay]

Dani, the period between the World Wars has been prominent in my reading stack too. Recently finished _Bright's Passage_ by Josh Ritter about a soldier's return to Appalachia after WWI. Loved it, talking horse and all.

[Susie Vereker]

Just finished it too, an excellent book.

[Jan S.]

I'm on the library waiting list for this one, too. It sounds wonderful! I never tire of that period in time either.

[Caroline]

I was very tempted by this book when I first saw it but then I thought of "The Winter of the World" and if it is anything like that, then thanks but no thanks. Since you have read both and didn't like "The Winter..." all that much ,I assume this one is worth reading.

[Cornflower]

Another 'must read' - a 'really must read', by the sound of it!

[bibliolathas]

I really enjoyed your thoughts on this one. I liked the book a lot (the writing was excellent), but thought there was a little too much of a "simmer"; as though it wasn't quite sure what sort of book it wanted to be. Perhaps I find the need to show one's done one's research of the period a bit tiring. I'm keen to read the next one to see if she gets into her crime-writer stride and things gain a bit more pace.

[carolinareads]

I read a lot about WWII but I've never read abou WWI, I think this book is perfect for me to try.

[sakura]

I've had this on my radar for a while but have sort of forgotten about it. So your timely reminder has me wanting to read this sooner rather than later!

[catharina]

You have done it again: finding an interesting author I mean:)I like the review a lot and am going to request my library to add it to the collection.

[Penny]

Your great review here took me on a happy jaunt around the internet and interlibrary system to happily find this book at a few of our libraries. You have me quite intrigued with your words and with the author interview you included. I'm sure I will be reading this soon.

[Stefanie]

I like how an appreciation fo Agatha Christie is one of Charles' qualifications for helping with the investigation :)

[nomadreader]

I'm really looking forward to this one and hope I enjoy it as much as you did. I plan to get to it as soon as I finish the last two Maisie Dobbs novels!

[Judith]

Danielle,
Oh, I'm so glad you loved this book as much as I did! I am hoping and praying that her next book will be published in the US before too much time has passed.

Judith (Reader in the Wilderness)

[Denise]

I just finished the book, and while I really liked it, I had a hard time connecting with Laurence Bartram. He seemed rather a vague character, but in some ways, I think, his disconnectedness is part of his wartime experience--he's quite numb in many ways. But I think the other aspects of the book carry us through, and I am looking forward to her next novel, too. It was a satisfying book, with Laurence both wise and naive.

[Dorothy W.]

I like mysteries, like the Maisie Dobbs series, that give you a sense of the time period as well as telling a good story, so this book sounds very enjoyable.

[Danielle]

Fay--I'll have to add Josh Ritter's book to my reading list. I tend to read more books told from a British perspective (it just seems there are more of them out there?), so this interests me. I probably should vary my reading more but I find this era so fascinating.
Susie Vereker--I'm glad the book has gotten some very good attention--I've read a lot of very good reviews about it and can't wait to read the next!
Jan S.--You're in for a treat--I do hope you like it. I think I wouldn't mind owning this one in paperback when it comes out eventually--it's one I might well want to reread.
Caroline--Other than the scene where the train pulls into the station at the beginning carrying the unknown soldier the two stories have nothing in common other that WWI. The stories are really very different I think, so if you didn't get on with one I think you might still consider reading this one if it appeals.
Cornflower--I think you would like this one--definitely worth reading! :)
Bibliolathas--This story was definitely more thoughtful than other mysteries I've read--it moved at a slower pace, but for me it suited the story. I know some readers prefer less detail, but it's the detail that draws me to historical fiction--I like all the little minutiae that creates the setting and period. I didn't think it was over the top--just enough to set the tone, but I realize these things may well not be another reader's cup of tea. I'm also curious to see how the storyline develops from here.
Carolinareads--I've been reading a lot of WWI stories, but I also like WWII settings as well. Do let me know what you think if you pick this one up!
Sakura--I was really looking forward to reading this one--had to have it from Netgalley, but I am glad to have a paper copy of her second book!
Catharina--I hope you'll be able to find this in your library--or that they'll order it for the collection--I think it is popular enough that it would appeal to many readers.
Penny--I hope you like it as well. I was very interested in what the author had to say about her research--I had no idea that so few officers had been executed (knew about the troops)--all very sad really.
Stefanie--You'd be surprised at what can be gleaned from an Agatha Christie novel! :) I loved Charles's character and hope he comes back in the next novel!
Nomadreader--I think if you enjoy the Maisie Dobbs stories, you 'll enjoy this book as well. I think I almost like it better....(and I love Maisie Dobbs).
Judith--I thought it very well done indeed! I couldn't wait and had to order the book from the UK when it was published. It's now sitting next to my bed! I am sure it will be published here as well eventually.
Denise--He does seem very much at a loose end, doesn't he? I think in a way that is sort of why I liked him so much. He seems sort of a lost soul. For me he was such a sympathetic character as he wanted to find out what happened for Mary--even though he didn't have quite as light a touch at the detecting business. I'm also really looking forward to reading the next book!
Dorothy--Elizabeth Speller certainly does both in this book. She's a very good writer, too, so it all felt like it came together very well. Someone to keep in mind if you're in the mood for a book about this period.

[JaneGS]

Terrific review of what sounds like a terrific bok. Wish list on Amazon for sure! I also like this time period--so much to think about, learn about.

[Kailana]

I hope my library buys her books. I am very curious about them!

[Danielle]

JaneGS--Yes, so much was happening before and after the war--so many rapid changes. I keep adding more to what little I know. This is definitely one for the wishlist!
Kailana--I hope they do, too. I know this one just came out this summer here in the US, so it should be out in Canada, too--maybe even it was earlier than here! :) Do look for it.

[litlove]

I have so nearly bought this on several occasions. Now I will definitely pick it up the next time I go shopping! Lovely review.

[Danielle]

Litlove--I very much liked Laurence Bartram. If I could snap my fingers and make him appear before me right now, I think I'd do so!

[Karoline]

I'm reading this at the moment and enjoying it hugely. The mere fact that I'm trying to actively carve out time to read it (not easy with two small children) is the biggest endorsement I can currently give any book.

[Danielle]

Karoline--I'm so glad you are enjoying it! It was a book I was always happy to pick up again and again. I can't wait to start her second book and hope she's at work on a third! :)