Behold, Here's Poison
📘 About This Book
Georgette Heyer's brilliant and highly acclaimed series of detective novels When Gregory Matthews, patriarch of the Poplars is found dead one morning, imperious Aunt Harriet blames it on the roast duck he ate for supper. After all, she had warned him about his blood pressure. But a post-mortem determines that the cause of death is much more sinister. Murder. By poison. Suspicion falls immediately amongst his bitter, quarrelsome family. Each has a motive; each, opportunity. It falls to Superintendent Hannasyde to sift through all the secrets and lies and discover just who killed Gregory Matthews, before the killer strikes again...
📖 Summary
Georgette Heyer’s classic detective novel, Behold, Here's Poison, invites readers into a brilliantly constructed traditional murder mystery set within the confines of an intensely quarrelsome household. Published in 2010 across 324 pages, this work showcases Heyer’s signature wit, keen psychological insight, and mastery of the classic whodunit format. The story revolves around the Matthews family, a deeply dysfunctional clan living at an estate known as the Poplars. The fragile peace of the household is shattered when the patriarch, Gregory Matthews, is found dead one fateful morning. Initially, the imperious and opinionated Aunt Harriet dismisses the tragedy, confidently blaming the demise on the roast duck Gregory ate for supper, noting that she had previously warned him about his troublesome blood pressure. However, a formal post-mortem examination reveals a far more sinister reality. Gregory did not die of natural causes; he was murdered by poison. This chilling discovery transforms the household into a pressure cooker of suspicion and paranoia. As the investigation gets underway, it quickly becomes apparent that nearly everyone in the Matthews family harbors a dark secret, a bitter grudge, or a compelling reason to wish the patriarch dead. Every single member of the household possesses both a clear motive and ample opportunity to administer the fatal dose, turning the estate into a web of deceit, frayed nerves, and shifting alliances. Into this toxic environment steps Superintendent Hannasyde, a sharp and methodical investigator tasked with unravelling the complex web of family dynamics. Hannasyde must carefully sift through a mountain of lies, half-truths, and closely guarded secrets to separate the innocent from the guilty. The tension steadily mounts as the detective closes in on the truth, all while racing against the clock to unmask the killer before they decide to strike again. Heyer expertly balances the dark themes of murder and betrayal with sharp social observation and clever dialogue, making the journey through the Matthews family tree an absolute delight. Behold, Here's Poison is a masterclass in classic detective fiction, offering a puzzle that challenges both the characters and the reader until the very last page.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Engaging and clever traditional whodunit plot
Witty and sharp character dialogue
Brilliantly atmospheric family setting
Methodical and satisfying detective work
⚠️ Cons
Pacing can feel slow for readers seeking modern thriller action
Large cast of quarrelsome characters may be difficult to track initially
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Behold, Here's Poison? +
The book was written by Georgette Heyer.
What is the primary cause of death for Gregory Matthews? +
Although initially blamed on bad food, a post-mortem reveals he was murdered by poison.
Who investigates the murder at the Poplars? +
Superintendent Hannasyde is tasked with solving the case.
Why does suspicion fall on the family immediately? +
Each member of the bitter, quarrelsome family has both a motive and the opportunity to commit the crime.
How many pages long is this edition of the book? +
This edition spans 324 pages.
