This was a surprisingly good book. I had read one of Cheyney's later "Dark" series, which was pretty atmospheric and not badly written, but it didn't grab me. In this book, however, the first of his Slim Callaghan series, he turns a not too original story of nephews who'll do anything to get their hands on their uncle's money into a fascinating psychological game as Callaghan, in the tradition of Hammett's Continental Op in Red Harvest, plays everyone off against one another to arrive at the eventual truth. This isn't nearly as dark or violent as Hammett's book, but it is quite enjoyable to watch Callaghan as he proceeds with his plan, improvising as necessary. He is not one of literature's most likable characters, but his cleverness and style grow on you, until you have to admire him. His relationship with Scotland Yard is also refreshing. Cheyney keeps the complicated plot together quite well, and doesn't demand full time suspension of disbelief by his reader for it all to work out. I'll definitely read the next book in the series. ( )