Having read the previous Anton du Beke book I knew what to expect - immensely readable with good characterisation. But this was a better book as the writing was a bit tighter. The introduction of an Austrian refugee brings European events into the heart of the Buckingham Hotel, played out against the backdrop of 1938. The hotel director, Maynard Charles, is coerced into working for MI5 by Mr Moorcock, an MI5 agent. The interaction between these two I thought was very well done.
Of the other characters there is a great deal of warmth in the writing of Mrs Moffatt, the head of housekeeping. The secret she's kept hidden for many years is revealed in reaction to the trials and tribulations of others. Helene Marchmont's story away from the Hotel was just as well written.
It is a light read but it is well-paced, and the characters are well portrayed. One minor niggle - I wouldn't have had two chambermaids with similar names though as I kept getting the two muddled up.
Of the other characters there is a great deal of warmth in the writing of Mrs Moffatt, the head of housekeeping. The secret she's kept hidden for many years is revealed in reaction to the trials and tribulations of others. Helene Marchmont's story away from the Hotel was just as well written.
It is a light read but it is well-paced, and the characters are well portrayed. One minor niggle - I wouldn't have had two chambermaids with similar names though as I kept getting the two muddled up.