Elizabeth Daly published the sixteen books in the Henry Gamadge series way back between 1940 and 1951. I have to admit one of the most attractive things about Unexpected Night is the setting that seems to be from a whole other age — and of course, it was. Set in a resort hotel in Maine, and populated by a young heir, his sister, mother, cousin, aunt, and uncle, (among other characters), the air about the characters and the setting is almost British just as you see in old British movies. Of course, old American movies also show this old-time gentility with “dressing for dinner” and other customs that are now long gone. With their formal dress and formal way of speaking, the whole ambiance is very different from the modern Cozy, and yet at its heart, Unexpected Night is, in a lot of ways, a model Cozy.
Set in 1939 Maine, the story begins with the arrival of sickly heir Amberly Cowden and his family at his Aunt and Uncle’s cottage on the outskirts of Ford’s Beach, a small summer resort. Amberly is set to inherit a large amount of money (a million dollars or so) upon his 21st birthday which is only an hour or so away. If he doesn’t survive until he is 21, distant French relatives will get the money. Luckily for his immediate family, Amberly survives long enough, and he and his family check into the local resort hotel just around midnight. Soon, though, there is a murder, and Henry Gamadge, a rare book authority (and amateur detective, as it turns out) helps the police unravel the mystery.
As with Agatha Christie’s books, the plot in Unexpected Night is intricate. I’m tempted to say “convoluted”, but I think that word holds too negative a connotation. There are quite a few characters in the story, and it is very interesting to see how Elizabeth Daly weaves the various plot elements (including several murders) together to create a mystery that is difficult to solve but which has enough clues sprinkled about that I was constantly thinking that I almost had figured it out only to learn that there was one more twist that didn’t quite fit my theory.
Reading this book was just old-fashioned fun! It required some thinking to keep the characters and the plot straight, but putting in the effort was really rewarding. If you are in the mood for something different — an old-fashioned mystery book set in a much different era, I wholeheartedly recommend Elizabeth Daly’s Unexpected Night.
If you’re interested in seeing other most recommended or popular Cozy Mystery authors/series, please visit the Most Popular & Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on my site.
Grace Koshida says
Hope you like the Gamadge books.
I read them 40 years ago and own the entire series.
I did not know Daly was Agatha Christie’s favourite American mystery author.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Grace, I’ve certainly been enjoying them so far!
Andie says
Thank you for the suggestion. There are not many copies around, but I found one.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Andie, you’re welcome! I’m glad you found a copy.
Hanna says
I discovered Daly from the most recommended list on this site and read and loved all the books. Most of the stories take place in the city of New York and as someone – do not remember who – stated: the city of these days was equivalent to the country homes of the British cozies.
It is nice that Gamadge solves the problems through his keen observation and ability to connect different events. This is why often the members of the New York high society often ask for his advice rather than call the police.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hanna, it’s definitely important to establish how a sleuth can get involved in cases (either instead or in addition to the police), and a reputation for observation is a good start!
Susan Hampton says
Thanks for this post! I was not at all familiar with Elizabeth Daly; this book will definitely go on my 2022 reading list.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
PamB says
This sounds like a book I’d enjoy also. I prefer paperback books as can easily find … now who was that, etc … if I can’t quite remember details and it’s harder for me on a kindle. Going to give it a try in kindle format and purchase. Much appreciation for all the work you do on the blog and site!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pam, you’re welcome, and I hope trying out a kindle book works for you!
Gretchen says
I can’t say that I had heard of this series, but it sounds great!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Gretchen, I certainly recommend giving it a try!
Joan Ellis says
I’ve loved those books since I was young. (Old now!)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Joan, I’m glad to hear from people who have been enjoying this series for decades now!
Patricia Moore says
I read all 16 this past year and loved them. I read them on Kindle and now wonder if I should try finding hard copies. Oh, well, less shelf room!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patricia, I’m always trying new books, but I am somehow going to find the time to fit all 16 of these in… I hope everyone enjoys them. (I think they will!)
Alice Murphy says
Looked up on Amazon whee got Kindle book for 99 cents. Good read I am enjoying this book. Allie
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Allie, I loved this book! I kept thinking I was reading a British “Golden Era” mystery.
Barky says
This series sounds like something I would love. Sadly, my library system doesn’t have one single book by Elizabeth Daly. And I’m sorry to say I have to rely on them for my reading now. Unless I can happen to find any at thrift stores etc.
hmsReader says
Hello, please remind your readers about the public library. I have been getting Elizabeth Daley books to reread and, now that I am somewhat crippled, I choose e-books rather that hard copies. I read on my computer in my comfortable desk chair and whenever I wonder, “now, who is this guy?” I merely highlight his name and the program lists his appearances, starting with the first. That first one usually says something like “Mike, George’s brother, . . . . “. I really miss this feature if I read in another way.
There is a series of books written about Clara Gamadge, Henry’s widow, that is written by Eleanor Boylan, who is Elizabeth Daley’s niece. I really like this family connection and that was why I found the books.