The Old Contemptibles

Richard Jury Mysteries, Book 11

By: Martha Grimes

Narrated by: Steve West

Following a passionate and troubled love affair with a pretty widow named Jane Holdsworth, Jury finds himself, unaccountably, a suspect in a murder investigation. Detained in London, Jury sends his friend Melrose Plant, former Earl of Caverness, to the Holdsworth family's Lake District home to pose as an eccentric librarian. Plant discovers that his catalogue cards contain less data on Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Southey than they do on tantalizing questions about the Holdsworths: What happened to Crabbe Holdsworth's first wife? What happened to his son, Graham? What happened to the cook Annie? And what might happen to the two children, favorites of rich old Adam Holdworth, who prefers the ambience of a swank retirement home, Castle Howe, where he and the elegant Lady Cray can drive the staff crazy? Jury and Sergeant Wiggins finally join Melrose at the Old Contemptibles pub, where they arrive at a solution that Jury detests, for no matter what he does, innocence will suffer.

©1991 Martha Grimes (P)2014 Simon & Schuster

Terrific story

I have listened to this story several times. I love it every time. Steve West does an excellent performance. He is Richard Jury to me. Bravo.

entertain ing

it was nice to see some new characters in this book. as usual,inserting children into the story adds humor and perseverance into the story.

The introduction of fascinating new characters!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Old Contemptibles to be better than the print version?

Absolutely! Due to the vocally dexterous narrator, Steve West. He brings the characters life and his rendition of Aunt Agatha has me falling out of my chair laughing!

Who was your favorite character and why?

They are all colorful and engaging; although, if I must pick one...it would be Melrose Plant ( former Earl of Caverness). He is a good-natured and intelligent chap who is quick to lend a hand and not very quick to take the credit. Plus, he exhibits amazing grace in putting-up with his detestable Aunt Agatha.

Which scene was your favorite?

I love the scene where the interesting cleptomaniac transfers the letters to Melrose.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

All of the books in this series evoke the gamete of emotions: I cried a little and laughed often.

Any additional comments?

It is best to start at the beginning of the series; one can't help but develope a crush on the regular characters. This is a particularly moving book in the series.

Fascinating!

Agnosco vestigia flamea, from the Aeneid, I perceive the vestiges of an old flame. Jury goes brain dead over a seriously troubled woman and winds up in deep grief and on suspect list! Melrose Plant goes undercover and finds a weird family with too many suicides in recent memory. Great tale!
This is also narrated ably by Steve West.

Martha has the goods

These are delightful and the third novel and this one are the best yet - Jury and Plant are irresistible! Well narrated.

Intriguing. another best! now on to the next

This one makes you think, and I mean that in more ways than one....excellent read

Another gem by Martha Grimes

Where does The Old Contemptibles rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I cannot rank as I listen to literary novels, mysteries, memoirs, etc. It ranks high in that Martha Grimes is a stellar writer.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Melrose plant because of his wit and eccentricity. Millie also captured my attention. I have read this book years ago, when I could read a print book. It was nice to revisit this mystery.

What does Steve West bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is okay, but I would dearly love if the Martha Grimes series could get a reader along the lines of Simon Vance. While the reader does not take away from the story, he does not add much either.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ending.

Any additional comments?

I wish all of the Richard Jury series would be available on Audible.

Great ending

My favorite book in this series so far. I think it has a great ending.

Good listening!

Next to Deer’s Leap this is my favorite R. Jury Supt. It’s is a really good listen. The storyline is wonderfully intricate & worth a second go through.
Thanks Martha Grimes. We met in Washington & I miss you very much.

Great book

Great characters and love the ending. I'm often disappointed in the endings but this was perfect.