Cute, fast-paced, old-fashioned cosy mystery from 1938. Asey is hilarious, the milieu is VERY pre-war New England, and the situations are outrageous. There's an elephant named Frederick, hints of wartime espionage, and a gorgeous, mysterious killer blonde. Basically, it's Humphrey Bogart meets Miss Marple meets...an odd fixation on sixteen-cylinder cars.Fun, fast, and a good mindless read. I'll probably read more in the series. ( )