Monday, June 30, 2025

The Black Cabinet (1925) by Patricia Wentworth #20BooksofSummer2025




⚫ I've just realised, while starting this review, that I should have saved this book for the #1925Club next October! But then I thought, I would have forgotten altogether what the story is about by then, so here it is. I have planned to read it for #20BooksofSummer2025 anyway, and it did not disappoint me. Patricia Wentworth never disappoints me - so far.

⚫ Young, pretty, independent, sensible Chloe Dane worked at a dressmaker. She had been born in a wealthy family in Danesborough, but then the family fell on hard times. She didn't enjoy stitching fine clothes for rich but tasteless women, and was keen on doing something more exciting. It came to her unexpectedly soon after a party. A wealthy man called Mr. Dane, who was distant relative of hers. He had bought Danesborough, and made Chloe his heir - despite of her reluctance. Along with the property, is a black cabinet that had always been a fixture when she was a child.

⚫ Apparently, Mr. Dane's fortune came from blackmailing. He had built a safe inside the black cabinet, with intricate locks. He showed Chloe how to open the safe, and its contents - packet of letters which some people wouldn't hesitate to murder to be in possession of. Mr. Dane also warned Chloe not to trust anyone. Short time later, he died, and Chloe found herself a mistress in Danesborough. But it's not what she had expected. She felt alone among the pack of wolves in sheep's clothing. Mr. Dane was right, she couldn't trust anyone - not even the two suitors who said they loved her. Was one of them worked for the enemy? But which one? Or was it only her illusion? Was she really alone with no one to trust?

⚫ This was a delightful mystery-thriller to read, and I had so much fun reading it! Though sometimes romantically foolish, Chloe is brave and intelligent. Her determination of not letting anyone gets into the letters, and of refusing Mr. Dane's fortune when she'd come of age, was exemplary. Overall, it's a cozy thriller, the hapless heroine fighting alone against the enemies, with great plot, and sweet romance. It's another success for me with Wentworth, and I can't wait to read through her other numerous books!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

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