****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
To come across an old English mystery is a real joy. A friend who finds the most unusual books recommended this book to me. Written originally in 1944 by Edith Caroline Rivett ,who used the name E.C.R. Lorac, as an author, this book was reissued in 2019. This is one of those wonderfully layered mysteries, with exceptional characters.In the Lake District, is an old large farm, owned by the Garth family.. Old man Garth was a belligerent old fellow who was verbally abusive to his family and farm workers. His daughter Marion was the main farmer. She was the best, ran the farm well, and her farm tasking ability was above all others. Others of the family who lived there, Charles, who hated farm life, but was penniless after a time in the Far East, just biding his time. Malcolm, another son,who was doing poorly physically. The oldest son, Richard, had left 25 years prior after a heated argument with his father. The farm was successful, Marion who kept the books and wanted more for the farm, but father did not agree.And, on a particular day, Richard Garth was seen hiking near the area. He was only passing through, however. And, then, suddenly the old man was dead, murdered by a gunshot to his head. The local police looked into it, but the decision was made to bring in the CID from London. Chief Inspector McDonald arrived, and he roamed the hills and dales on a bike, garnering the respect of the locals. He did his job, and did it well. A lot of potential witnesses, and then came the surprises.Recommended. prisrob 01-20-2020
