A detective novel by this Oxford academic who wrote his literate and witty mysteries under the Innes pen name. "A conducted tour of a splendid mansion, a beautifully articulated plot and Sir John in a playfully relaxed mood."
"Tytherton was shot dead around eleven o'clock last night. And now, next morning, (Chief Constable) Pride is taking (Sir John) Appleby over to Elvedon in the hope of interesting him in the curious affair of some stolen pictures. Appleby is not responding with any eagerness: he wants to maintain his retired status. But murder is another matter. Especially with such a varied assortment of possible suspects: Tytherton's young wife, who is having an affair with an eminent surgeon, a house guest; his mistress, Cynthia Graves, whom only yesterday he found in bed with his ne'er-do-well nephew Archie; his son Mark, who has just returned from several years in Argentina, and without announcing his arrival in the vicinity; his secretary, Ramsden, who is almost too efficient to be true; and a couple more house guests - the shady art dealer, Egon Raffaello, and the puzzling Miss Kentwell, who claims to be a promoter for charities. They all have secrets to hide, and speedily but imperturbably Appleby gets to the bottom of most of them. However, the solution of the murder remains obstinately a problem - until he hits upon the crucial clue."
*Synopsis from the blurb.
Hard Cover. Red buckram boards with gilt titling on spine. In Fine condition, minimal shelf wear, corners intact. Spine ends Fine but slightly discoloured and bumped. Condition: Fine for a book this age.
Dust Jacket in Fine Condition, somewhat scuffed. Bright yellow paper. Unclipped. Covered with protective Brodart book cover.
Contents are clean and bright.
Published by Victor Gollancz, Ltd., London, 1974.
Binding Condition: Fine.
Overall Condition: Fine.
Size: Crown Octavo (8vo) (12mo), 203 mm X 132 mm X 21 mm.
192 pages.
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