"The Ultimate in Uniqueness"

THE DAFFODIL AFFAIR.
By Michael Innes.
Dodd, Mead.
1942. $2.00

A review of Michael Innes's novel is on Steve Lewis's MYSTERY*FILE weblog:

I have never read a mystery or detective story that is ANYTHING like this one. In terms of being unique, this one's the ultimate in uniqueness.

Other views:

Utterly bizarre, yet quintessential Innes . . . the plot is solid and complex enough, rendering what would otherwise be very silly, believable. — Nick Fuller

Although there is some detection of a sort, it's probably more accurate to classify this as an Edgar Wallace style thriller, possibly the best such ever written. — Curt Evans

A contemporary review (THE SATURDAY REVIEW, September 26, 1942):

Girl, horse and house disappear from London and York. Inspector Appleby traces them all. - Amazing goings on in England and South America. Breaks all the rules, but is good writing and swell fun. - Verdict: For initiates.

Category: Detective fiction