Miss Drugget Takes the Train, or the Artless Heiress

The Innocents at Large Mysteries

By: Clarence Budington Kelland

Narrated by: Virginia Ferguson

Columbine Pepper Drugget's background wasn't one that equipped a young woman to manage a motel worth a million dollars, or cope with rude guests, jewel thieves, an unscrupulous competitor - or even the attentions of a brassy but oddly attractive lawyer. She had spent her life so far as an assistant to her aunt at Miss Cordwainer’s School for Girls from 5-to-10. What she knew about the world was limited to the novels of Jane Austen and such bits of knowledge as the pupils possessed. None of this prepared her to assume the proprietorship of a luxury motor court in Phoenix, Arizona, left to her by her estranged father - or, indeed, for what ensued when she set off alone to claim it.

Her adventures began on the train, where she met a strange trio of passengers who, unbeknownst to Miss Drugget, would soon become more intimately involved in her life. They included a suspicious-looking clergyman known only as Martinus, Professor Artemus Thumb (who was a fanatic about his thesis, “The Place of Primitive Magic in the Development of Pastoral Peoples”), and Mrs. Roxy Thistlebun, a rich Texas oil widow. As it happens, that was also the night one of her suitcases became switched with one containing thousands of dollars in stolen jewels.

Miss Drugget’s life became even more complicated when she arrived in Phoenix to assume her new duties as the owner-operator of The Grove of Daphne Motor Court. In addition to discovering the jewels - and a very businesslike gun - in her suitcase, she needed to discover which of her employees was stealing the motel blind. She also needed to head off an attempt by a local real estate magnate, Lucius Quentin, to acquire ownership of her motel. What perturbed Miss Drugget most, however, was that somehow she seemed to have become a magnet for murder...

Here is a true-to-form, zany Kelland tale featuring a strong and brilliant heroine, fast-paced adventure, humor and homicide - and even a touch of romance.

©2017 Clarence Budington Kelland (P)2022 Wordwooze Publishing

Different

This book was quirky with interesting characters. The main character Columbine was twenty-one years old but talked, dressed and acted twice her age. She was very intelligent. The storyline deskt with thief, a pastor who isn't really a pastor and a scary dude into black magic. Columbine inherited a motel from her father. Someone wants her to sell for nothing. It was difficult to understand the dialog at times. The narrator did a great job.

Good story

Good story by story was too drawn out and felt like author was challenged to throw in big words. Not my favorite book.

highly entertaining

I liked how Columbine garnered loyal supporters to her cause, and I admired her strength and tenacity. It was funny to see what an uncanny business woman she became when the chips were down. . Kudos Columbine!!! There is no honor among thieves. lol. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a great job bringing the characters and story to life.

Delightful Story for People Who ♡ Words

The super creative use of semi modern slang and hyper proper English (in delightful counterpoint) embroider a light mystery to create an delight of entertainment. The story follows a 21 year old miss, raised in an upper class girls boarding school, as she inherits a small resort in Arizona subject to unfriendly take-over attempts, in a unclearly defined time in the recent past.

Thoroughly Entertaining!

Miss Columbine Pepper Drugget is a very unsophisticated woman whose only real education past age 10 was her voracious reading of books and teaching 5 to 10 year olds. She inherits a hotel and must deal with an unscrupulous competitor and scam artists, which she does with aplomb. Loved how her mind worked. The narration was perfect.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wonderfully zany!

Listening to Miss Drugget Takes the Train, or the Artless Heiress by Clarence Budington Kelland is a delightful way to spend the afternoon. Columbine Pepper Drugget leaves the shelter of the Girls School in the Northeast, where she has spent most of her life, to claim her inheritance of a luxury motor court in Phoenix, Arizona. In her travels, she meets various eccentric, corrupt and otherwise suspicious characters. Just because of some misplaced luggage she gets pulled into some very shady dealings. As the book proceeds, Columbine transforms from a dowdy bookish spinster into a lovely and savvy businesswoman and maybe a grandmother some day. The narration by Virginia Ferguson is wonderful as well. She gives unique voices to the characters and brings the story to life. Highly recommended.

Great Narration.

Its a good story but not my favorite.

The narration was excellent. A job well done. Easy to listen to.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.