Death of an Author by E. C. R. Lorac (1935)

Eleanor Clarke has occasionally, and at the insistence of her employer, the reclusive author Vivian Lestrange, impersonated him in public. So when she reports his possible disappearance to the police, they are somewhat sceptical. Inspector Bond thinks Eleanor is the author, and she’s trying to drum up publicity—and make him look like a mug while …

Rope’s End, Rogue’s End by E. C. R. Lorac

The last time the Mallowoods gathered together was ten years previously, for the reading of their father’s will. To the surprise of all, the family manor, Wulfsthane, was not bequeathed to the eldest son Paul, but to the youngest Mallowoods, Veronica and her twin brother Martin. That did not go down well with Paul, or …

Shroud of Darkness by E. C. R. Lorac (1954)

Five strangers alight from a train compartment and disappear into a Paddington station shrouded in thick fog. Moments later one of them is found seriously injured with his head bashed in, stripped of all identification and left for dead. Chief Inspector Robert MacDonald finds that the young man’s identity is not only the key to …

A Bundle of Reviews #2 Christopher Bush & E. C. R. Lorac at a glance

Cut Throat by Christopher Bush (1932) The hamper delivered to Lord Zyon’s home should have contained evidence of illicit trade activity, sent to him by Sir William Griffith. Instead, it contains Sir William Griffith, with his throat cut from ear to ear. Superintendent Wharton investigates, and brings Ludovic Travers along as a “detached observer.” An …