on the back cover:
‘Returning to the darker themes that made Tiger in the Smoke such a success, Allingham introduces a serial killer who is haunting London’s “Theatreland”. The sparring between Sergeant Luke (who thinks he’s got the case sewn up) and Albert Campion (who wonders what might have been seen by the old couple on the bus) is as sparkling as ever, but canny readers will note that Miss Allingham was shifting toward the psychological themes that put her in the company of Ruth Rendell and Patricia Highsmith, both of whom would soon begin to follow her lead.’
This was my first Albert Campion. I was surprised at how little he actually showed up in the book. Not what I expected at all really. I think I expected more of a cozy type mystery. This one was quite dark, actually. And sad. It took me a lot longer to read it than should have. I had to sit myself down after a week and make myself just read until I finished so I could move on. I did end up liking it after I finished it. Does that ever happen to you? My copy is a lovely Felony & Mayhem reprint.
It is about a psychopath serial killer and the old woman who loves him like a son. The end is quite chilling when they confront each other with all the pretense pulled away and pure honesty between them. I’m glad I finished it, I almost didn’t! It truly was a good book. I have Tiger in the Smoke on my shelf too!
Peggy Ann
Vintage Mystery Bingo 2014, Mount TBR 2014
Peggy's Porch 
Oh yes Peggy Ann – I think Hide My Eyes may well be Allingham's greatest achievement. I'm her biographer and know what a terrible strruggle she had to write it whilst recovering from the effects of insensitively applied ECT (Electro-convulsive therapy) SO GLAD you stuck with it
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I plan to read some Margery Allingham for the Vintage Mystery challenge so am glad you liked this eventually. It was interesting to read your comments as I too have no idea what to expect as I've not read any of her books before.
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I adore Margery Allingham and love how mysterious a character Campion himself is throughout the whole series. I've got Julia's biography on my list of books I absolutely MUST read.
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Wow!
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I haven't read this one. The earlier Allingham books are less psychological than this one sounds. I've read The Tiger in Smoke, but it's been a very long time.
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How interesting, Julia! Thanks for stopping by and for the comment. I'll be looking up your book on her!
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It may have been more my distracted mind than the book, Cath. But It was good.
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I am very interested in reading it now also!
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I've watched the PBS Campion series. Sometimes I think these shows make me lazy and I don't read the books then. Hmmmm…
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