I was looking for something
different to follow some fairly dark, intense books when I came across Jones’ The Uninvited Guests. I got different
alright! Expecting an Edwardian comedy/drama, I felt I was reading an episode
from Rod Serling’s Night Gallery.
Emerald Torrington is turning 20 and
there is to be a birthday party for her. She is typical of her class and
upbringing (think of Downton’s Lady Mary) as is her older brother, Clovis.
Their fairly selfish and maternally casual mother, Charlotte, has remarried
after their father’s death to a man they feel is beneath them. The youngest
member of the family is Imogen, aka Smudge, a child basically raising herself
with intermittent notice and kindnesses by family and staff.
Edward, Charlotte’s husband, has
gone to try to save Sterne, their home, from being sold and is out of the
picture. When Clovis and a groom drive to the station to pick up the party
guests, they return with news of a train wreck nearby and that survivors will
have to be housed at Sterne.
As the dazed, dirty crowd appears at
their doors, none of the family or invited guests seems able to grasp what is needed
beyond corralling them in a room and hoping someone will come to take them away
soon. Then appears Charles Traversham-Beechers, another survivor, who is unwilling
to stay with the others and insinuates himself into the birthday celebrations.
Definitely not a gentleman, he manages to mesmerize them all (except Smudge!)
into accepting his presence and following his lead in a bizarre, cruel game.
To say more would tip into spoiler
territory, but rest assured this 24 hour long tale has wonderfully quirky
characters and a truly satisfying conclusion.
CAS
CAS
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