Review by fmd1821 -- Arsenic and Old Men by Glenn Ickler

[fmd1821]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Arsenic and Old Men" by Glenn Ickler.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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When I read the title of this novel, I immediately realized we were made for each other. Arsenic and Old Men echoes the title of my favorite movie, Arsenic and Old Lace. I expected to find in the book the same paradoxes and irony that made the movie great. Even if this is just the beginning of my review, I can state that Arsenic and Old Men did not disappoint me.

Arsenic and Old Men is part of a series written by Glenn Ickler and featuring the same two characters, photographer Alan Jeffrey and reporter Warren “Mitch” Mitchell. In the present volume, Al and Mitch, together with cartoonist Dave Jerome and their wives, visit Martha’s Vineyard for a short stay. The aim is to settle the affairs of a recently dead relative, Uncle Walt, and leave quickly. However, the trip does not go as smoothly as the group hope because an autopsy reveals that Uncle Walt has been poisoned. Mitch, Al, and Dave remain in Martha’s Vineyard to investigate, but the situation worsens after another man, who calls himself Teddy Roosevelt or Teddy Kennedy, dies from poisoning. Who killed the two men?

Arsenic and Old Men is the right book for every reader who enjoys mystery stories but dislikes violence or gloomy atmospheres. It has a surprisingly light tone, although this does not mean it is not good as a mystery book. Ickler knows what he is doing and keeps the reader’s interest and attention right to the end. The story is fast-paced, but nothing is left to chance. Its development is logical, and the characters are so agreeable that they invite the reader to follow them in their adventures.

Even though the primary aim of Arsenic and Old Men is to discover who the murderer is, it is also humorous and enthralling. As not many mystery novels are praiseworthy for their humor, this is one of the most valuable features of this book. The characters joke with one another, and their remarks are delightful to read. Sketches and wisecracks lighten things up so that the narrative flows irresistibly.

As I have mentioned Arsenic and Old Lace at the beginning, I have to add that the references to the movie are not so marked. Arsenic and Old Men tells a different story, although there are still some small similarities. They include the characters’ names (Martha and Teddy) and, of course, the use of arsenic to kill people. It was necessary for me to point this out to avoid confusion, but I have to add that the book is delightful by its own right.

I rate Arsenic and Old Men 4 out of 4 stars with no second thoughts. It is well written and edited, and I have found only minor errors in the text. As I have written above, this is the right read for every reader who likes mysteries and has a sense of humor. Few other books are as lively and entertaining as this one.

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Arsenic and Old Men
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