Why Shoot a Butler? by Georgette Heyer

Frank Amberley is on his way to dinner at his Uncle and Aunt's estate, when he comes across a young woman, Shirley Brown, standing in the road next to a car with a dead man in the driver's seat.

Mr. Amberley is asked by the local police force to lend a hand as he was instrumental in closing a prior case. Between directing the bungling constabulary and keeping the inept inspector busy with wild goose chases, Mr. Amberley solves not only this crime, but several others that occur as a result.

While I didn't think much of Shirley, I found Aunt Marion a hoot and cousin Felicity a joyful little minx. The police sergeant was such a good natured buffoon, you couldn't help but like him (and sympathize when he was so often the target of Frank's "attention"). Frank Amberley was laugh out loud funny with his very (did I mention VERY?) dry, sarcastic humor. In addition, he was extremely clever when putting together all the clues.

A criticism would be that there were some clues that the reader wasn't privy to until the big reveal (a la Columbo), but the majority you could get as they emerged or realize after the fact that it had been presented (but missed/overlooked).

Overall, a very enjoyable read that I would recommend.

Rating: 4 Stars