Mr. Pottermack's Oversight by R. Austin Freeman

 

I’m not going to lie to you. The first thing that attracted me to Mr. Pottermack’s Oversight is it’s gorgeous cover. As I was whizzing through this book, I would occasionally stop to admire the cover, while I contemplated the fate of Mr. Pottermack. Originally published in 1930, the cover artwork of this edition comes from a Metropolitan Railway brochure designed by E.J. Kealey. In my opinion, everything about this cover is perfect, right down to the deep plum colour of the text block. 

The only problem with a book that has as eye-catching a cover as this one is that one’s hopes for enjoyment cannot help but be inflated. Well, I neglected all of my plans last weekend and finished this book in two days, because I was too captivated to put it down, so I would say Mr. Pottermack’s Oversight is well-deserving of an equally captivating cover.

Richard Austin Freeman is credited with creating the “inverted mystery” in 1910 with his short story “The Case of Oskar Brodski” published in Pearson’s Magazine. Also known as a “howcatchem”, the story is structured with the crime at the beginning, and usually reveals the identity of the perpetrator. Freeman uses this construct in Mr. Pottermack’s Oversight.

The novel opens with a man in prison garb running for his life as a sultry July afternoon slips into evening. Luck is on his side as he happens upon a bather’s clothes, and he manages to evade the guards pursing him. When we meet up with a man called Mr. Pottermack admiring a sundial in a mason’s yard in the sleepy village of Borley, Bucks, we know this is that same man in disguise, doing his best to keep a low profile. No wonder the motto on the sundial holds a special meaning for him. Sole orto: spes: decedente pax. “At the rising of the sun, hope: at the going down thereof, peace” (26).

Despite Mr. Pottermack’s efforts to move on with his life, a persistent blackmailer continues to make a nuisance of himself. When the blackmailer inserts himself into Mr. Pottermack’s life one time too many, Mr. Pottermack realizes that no matter how much money he gives the man, he will never be free as long as the blackmailer lives. 

As he sat, two sides of the sun-dial were visible to him, and on them he read the words “decedente pax.” He repeated them to himself, drawing from them a new confidence and encouragement. Why should it not be so? The storms that had scattered the hopes of his youth had surely blown themselves out. His evil genius, who had first betrayed him and then threatened to destroy utterly his hardly earned prosperity and security; who had cast him into the depths and had fastened upon him when he struggled to the surface; the evil genius, the active cause of all his misfortunes, was gone for ever and would certainly trouble him no more.

Then why should the autumn of his life not be an Indian summer of peace and tranquil happiness? Why not? (88-89)

But it is once Mr. Pottermack has gotten rid of the blackmailer for good that his troubles really begin. The case of the missing bank manager is brought to Dr. Thorndyke’s attention and something about it peaks his interest. Mr. Pottermack is a determined and methodical man, but is he clever enough to outwit Dr. Thorndyke, a man who lives for interesting cases and specializes in forensics?

Initially, this book felt a bit overwritten, but either it grew less so as the book went on, or I adjusted to the writing style, as I was soon luxuriating in Freeman’s prose. One might say the conclusion drags on a bit. Freeman could have left more for the reader to piece together for themselves. But I must admit, I did enjoy the telling. I wasn’t annoyed by Dr. Thorndyke for taking his time, while I have been known to get a bit antsy with Agatha Christie’s conclusions, specifically with Hercule Poirot as it often feels like he needlessly spins out the explanation of how he solved the crime. 

Dr. Thorndyke reminded me of a more likeable Sherlock Holmes with his focus on science and forensics. I do wonder if even readers in the 1930s would have been fully on board with how mummified remains are purchased and used in this novel. A modern reader will certainly have to suspend their disbelief, but it did make for entertaining reading, nonetheless.  

I found that Mr. Pottermack reminded me a bit of Tom Ripley, but I’m still not quite sure why. As much as I appreciate Patricia Highsmith’s writing, Ripley tends to make me feel sick to my stomach. Whereas with Freeman’s character, as much as I was interested to see how Dr. Thorndyke solved the mystery, I wanted Mr. Pottermack to get away with his crime. I’m not sure I would describe Mr. Pottermack as a likeable character, but the author does a stellar job making the reader believe this character deserves his freedom. Right to the very end, I kept wondering if Mr. Pottermack was going to get away with his crime.

This book starts in late July, then picks up in the same month fifteen years later, concluding in April. Despite it’s autumnal cover, I think this book would make an enjoyable read at any time of year. While an important scene takes place in early autumn, I think the cover is symbolic of a man who is at a crossroads. For Mr. Pottermack, middle age is complicated with impending imprisonment if he fails to get away with his crime. He dares to hope that instead of facing the autumn of his life, a last Indian summer might remain for him instead of an early winter. You will have to read it to find out if Mr. Pottermack gets his wish. 

Thank you to British Library Publishing for kindly sending me a copy of Mr. Pottermack’s Oversight for review. All opinions on the book are my own.