Slanderley

Slanderley is a Cornwall estate with a twisted past, in part due to the tainted blood of the de Loverly family. Butler Eddie Quirk grew up there and imagined a quiet life. Then deaths fall like spiders, and he falls into the web. He gets no help from co-workers Sloth or Mrs. Anvil.

Slanderley is a refreshing riff on a classic. The haunted ancestral mansion, scheming firebug housekeeper, skulking servants, chinless aristocrats and naïve bride get a delightful re-vamp in this briskly-paced, hilarious spoof on the “woman in jeopardy” genre. The story is told by Quirk, intent upon correcting a best-selling book about crimes at the house.

Alert readers will recognize Rebecca as the inspiration, yet it stands alone as a twisted romp for those unfamiliar with du Maurier's story. Adding to the pleasure are details relating to the time 1900-1935, whether styles in dress and automobiles, or the events that impact the characters. The humor has a British bent as well, with silly names and places, puns, and outrageous turns of plot.  The plot turns repeatedly yet resolves in an unexpected conclusion.