It was a real treat to discover this dark and whimsical tale, Let's Kill Uncle written in 1963 by Rohan O'Grady - a pseudonym for the Vancouver writer June Margaret O'Grady. Over the years it has developed quite a following, and has recently been republished with its original Edward Gorey drawings.
In an idyllic, peaceful island setting two charming children on summer holiday conspire to execute the perfect murder - and get away with it.
Recently orphaned Barnaby has been sent off to live with his (step) Uncle on a secluded Canadian west coast island, arriving on the same ferry as young Christie (who's a year or two older) who fights with and teases him - she doesn't care that he's the heir to the family fortune. The Uncle away on business, he stays with a couple who have lost their child in the war. In fact, the only young man from the island to return from the war is the local Mountie, and it's a thorn in his side. The kids raise hell, disrupting the island with pranks and hijinks that they wiggle their way out of, as everyone awaits the governing hand of the returning Uncle. Except of course, Barnaby, who insists to Christie his Uncle intends to kill him for his inheritance. Uncle is such a sour character, Christie believes him, and they set out to stop him - by killing his Uncle first.
Told in a playfully sinister way, planning his murder seems the natural thing to do, especially when it is true. He does want to kill Barnaby! The Edward Gorey drawings are a perfect accompaniment for their devious schemes which includes blaming a local slow-wit for the accident. It's an entertaining read as the mischievous kids use the island as their personal playground. In 1966, William Castle directed the film version, changing the story quite a bit.
Really worth seeking out for fans of ghoulish good fun.
Oddly, I read my thrift store copy, on a ferry travelling from a small Canadian west coast island, going to the funeral service of my late Uncle.
1963 / Tradeback / 279 pages
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