Golden Age Crime: A Review of E.C.R. Lorac’s Post After Post-Mortem
At a Glance: Premise & Initial Thoughts
The Surray family is an intellectual one, and everyone has achieved success in their career. One of the daughters, Ruth, is found dead shortly after her brother raises concerns about her mental health. A suicide note, a new will, and testimony about her depressive mood all point to an apparent suicide. However, a delayed letter prompts Chief Inspector Macdonald to reopen the investigation.
| Book Title | Post After Post-Mortem |
| Author | E.C.R. Lorac (Edith Caroline Rivett) |
| Series | Chief Inspector Macdonald (#11) |
| Original Pub Date | 1936 (Reissued 2023 by British Library Crime Classics) |
| Genre / Tropes | Golden Age Whodunit, Closed-Circle Mystery, Family Drama |
| Setting | Oxfordshire & London, England |
| Pacing | Slow-burn / Character & Psychology-driven |
| My Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) |
| Verdict | A clever, atmospheric Golden Age whodunit that balances a classic suicide-or-murder puzzle with sharp observations on family dynamics and intellectual ego. |
What Makes E.C.R. Lorac’s Post After Post-Mortem Stand Out
The Family Dynamics: It might be a sign of the times, but the entire Surray family appeared fairly cool-headed, even when dealing with a family members death; even the mother stayed calm, wanting only to grieve in peace. Being intellectual and academic, they were able to provide their accounts and perspectives without much bias—except for Richard, the psychologist. It was interesting that the parents and other siblings seemed to accept Ruth’s suicide so easily, making Richard’s doubts a rather unwelcome disruption. In a way, this works well for a mystery because readers aren’t bogged down by overly subjective views, even if it feels a bit unlikely in real life.
Psychological Edge vs. Classic Whodunit: Again, whether or not it was a sign of the times, Ruth’s friends and family seemed to prioritize reputation far more than ‘”pursuing the truth” for their loved one. As a reader, you get the thrill of watching people cover up or obscure what they know to serve their own motives. It was fun maneuvering through their statements to spot the clues and enjoy that classic ‘solve the whodunit’ excitement. I’d say the psychological element plays a much bigger role in Golden Age mysteries compared to modern police procedurals or forensic investigations, which often leave less room for suspense.
Pacing & Vibe: It can feel a little slow at the beginning, especially if you’re used to action-filled detective stories. However, the storyline steadily unfolds, rewarding readers with new information over time—which I consider a must for a good mystery. The characters, reflecting the societal standards of the 1930s rather than modern times, do get a bit repetitive in their efforts to hide Ruth’s affairs. It becomes frustrating that they would rather let a potential murderer walk free than bring scandal to a deceased friend. Still, I suppose that in itself is realistic, because whenever people are involved, things get complicated. Overall, while it’s not fast-paced, it never drags. It’s a solid, engaging read that holds my interest until the end.
Who Should Add This to Their Reading List
Who it’s for: Perfect for fans of Golden Age mysteries, Agatha Christie, vintage British settings, or British Library Crime Classics completionists.
