Gaslight Article

Lord Francis Powerscourt is called in to investigate the puzzling theft of paintings from the manors of the landed gentry of Ireland. What's puzzling is that only some families are being targeted and the paintings are family portraits, while valuable Old Masters are being ignored. Powercourt is well placed since his family were of the same Protestant Anglo-Irish gentry but even he feels he is being cold-shouldered by the victims.

Antagonism is bubbling under the peaceful surface of rural society as many of the poor resent the ingrained sense of superiority of the aristocrats, this antagonism being demonstrated by sporadic religious violence and Powerscourt, along with his partner Johnny Fitzgerald, wonder if the theft of these paintings are a new phase of symbolic rebellion against the sometimes arrogant Anglo-Irish landowners. Then other, equally bizarre incidents leads him to suspect a deeper, more violent action by the Irish rebels. With some of the gentry taking inflammatory action, Lord Francis realises this case must be solved or very real violence might ignite full-blown rebellion.

Exceedingly well-written, this novel is a good read. Lord Powerscourt is a highly sympathetic character but (alas) quite unusual in society of the period - an aristocrat with an active conscience. Thus he allows the modern reader to appreciate the sleuths difficulties when dealing with generations of landowners who, while born in Ireland, remain outside the common feeling and secure in their superiority. One or two of the victims you can feel sympathy for but the others appear oblivious for

the need for change. However, this can be considered to be thoughtful, accurate realism.

There is some humour, plenty of action and more than a little mystery to keep the reader entertained. The settings are described with loving clarity, the dialogue sharp, the situations realistic. The solution is somewhat disappointing in that it becomes if not obvious but easy to assume: half-way through, the reader can point the finger at the culprit(s), even without clues and evidence. The conclusion to the story, though, is quite compelling to read.

Death On The Holy Mountain by David Dickinson
Published by Constable & Robinson, 2009
ISBN: 1-8452-9876-0
Verdict: An entertaining read, if not actually puzzling.