LA141 Classic Mysteries: "The Red House Mystery," by A.A. Milne

The Red House Mystery, by A. A. Milne, is a classic Golden Age detective novel that blends ingenious plotting with wit and charm. Set in an English country house, the story begins when a wealthy recluse is found shot dead under puzzling circumstances, with doors locked, timelines muddled, and suspects behaving suspiciously. The investigation is taken up not by a professional detective but by Antony Gillingham, an observant and affable amateur sleuth, aided by his skeptical friend Bill Beverley.

As clues accumulate and alibis unravel, Milne leads the reader through a tightly constructed mystery that pays affectionate homage to Sherlock Holmes while gently parodying the conventions of detective fiction. The novel is less concerned with grim realism than with intellectual play, inviting readers to match wits with the author as the solution slowly comes into focus. Light on violence and rich in clever dialogue, The Red House Mystery offers a satisfying puzzle and a glimpse into the early development of the country-house whodunit, revealing a different side of Milne best known today as the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh.

Two spaces are reserved for new WICE members. If no new WICE members have registered before 09 April, those two spaces will become available to the general WICE membership.

Registration opens on Wednesday, 11 March.