James Hay

Published in 1919 and set in a small Southern American town, it is written with the attitudes, mores and style of speaking and vocabulary. A way not acceptable in today's world. This is something to keep in mind when reading. Words and definitions were different and allowed then.

Lawrence Bristow considers himself an amateur detective. When he hears a woman's scream come from his neighbour's home and finds Enid Withers dead, he takes on the challenge of solving the mystery of the murder. He seems to run into dead ends, but keeps trying.

Meanwhile, Samuel Braceway, a professional investigator, is brought in by the woman's husband to find the solution. Both men have opposite opinions of who the murder is and compete to find the clue that will solve the mystery. Meanwhile they appear to work together to solve it, believing the other is in the wrong.

Who is the killer. George Withers, the murdered woman's husband? Henry Morley, the sister's fiancé? Perry Carpenter, the Negro servant? (Remember what I stated in the first paragraph about the period of when this was written? Hence this character description.) What about a mysterious bearded man that was seen about?

The characters seem well developed in their actions. Bristow is earnest in his investigating, but there are times when he seems to ignore possible clues that seem in conflict with his point of view. He is determined that his solution is the right one and that is it. Meanwhile Braceway doesn't always seem the sharpest, or may be just plodding.

I will give it that the ending is a wild twist and comes to a fast close. Sort of leaves you breathless.… (mehr)