Colin
Crampton of the Brighton Chronicle is on the case again – but this time without
having an official reporter’s job.
A
local theatrical agent has been found in his office, stabbed to death with a
sword. The Chronicle’s theater critic is found there, too – with his hand on
the sword and crying hysterically. The police see an open-and-shut case. Crampton
isn’t so sure and begins investigating. When the Chronicle fires the critic,
Crampton tells his editor that he quits.
The
reporter learns that a lot of people are thrilled to see the agent dead,
including most of his clients. The case becomes more complicated when Crampton,
leaving a comedy club whose performers vastly outnumber the audience, is set
upon by two American goon-types, wielding a baseball bat and looking to use
Crampton’s head for a ball. They’re only stopped when Crampton’s girlfriend,
Shirley Goldsmith, arrives on the scene, brandishing a fire extinguisher. Who
would hire American mobster types over the death of a British theatrical agent?
You’d
be surprised.
 |
| Peter Barttram |
The
Comedy Club Mystery by Peter Bartram is the newest
installment in the Colin Crampton of the Chronicle mysteries, and it’s just as
funny and fast-paced as its predecessors. Set in 1965, in rings with
authenticity of newspapers of the time, and for good reason. Bartram has had a long career in
journalism, including being a reporter on a weekly newspaper, an editor for
newspapers and magazines in London, and freelance journalism – all of which
have been utilized in creating the character of Colin Crampton. Bartram is also
a member of the Society of Authors and the Crime Writers’ Association.
Bartram fills the story with vivid characters. Frank
Figges is the balding, chain-smoking editor who is constantly running
interference between his staff and his publisher. Crampton’s landlady pounces
faster than a vulture on roadkill. The police captain is a recognizable type,
more than ready to lock the theater critic away because of a bad review the
critic gave his wife. And Crampton himself is the cynical, wisecracking
reporter who barely keeps himself out of the law’s reach.
The Comedy Club Mystery is a fun, entertaining story, and something of
an indulgence for those of us who remember what newspapers and reporters used
to be like.
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