Brand New British Library Crime Classics: Murder Of A Lady - Fiction - Paperback
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Title:
Murder of a Lady (British Library Crime Classics)
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780712356237
Overview:
Set in Duchlan Castle, a gloomy stronghold in the Scottish Highlands, this standalone mystery opens with a body found in a room that is locked from within and windowed with bars. Mary Gregor, sister to the laird, has been stabbed to death, and the killer seems to vanish into the shadows. The only clue—a silver fish’s scale left on the floor—offers a tantalising hint, nothing more. Inspector Dundas is called in to reveal how a crime could be staged in a room that appears impregnable, turning the castle into a labyrinth of motives and opportunity. The tension grows as old family feuds, long-held secrets, and forged alibis intersect with the relentless logic of deduction. With concise prose that stays faithful to the vintage crime tradition, the story invites readers to weigh every possibility, piece by piece, until a crisp, satisfying pay-off lands at the end. This British Library Crime Classics edition preserves the period atmosphere while presenting a brisk, accessible puzzle that modern readers can enjoy in a single, compelling sitting.
What Makes This Book Stand Out:
This is more than a whodunit; it's a masterclass in puzzle construction and mood. The locked-room premise is sharpened by a single, enigmatic clue—the silver fish-scale—that forces readers to follow a careful trail of deception, motive, and opportunity. The setting matters as much as the suspects: Duchlan Castle looms with damp corridors, tangled family histories, and whispered agendas. The detective, Inspector Dundas, does not shout; he reasons, cross-checks alibis, and models alternative scenarios until the truth crystallizes. The pace is brisk yet precise, a hallmark of classic British crime, and the prose respects the reader's intelligence, offering fair play rather than sensationalism. As part of the British Library Crime Classics lineup, this title sits alongside other enduring mysteries, inviting readers to savour a bygone era of detection while enjoying a crisp, modern reading experience.
Who This Book Is Perfect For:
Ideal for adult readers who relish vintage detective fiction, clever puzzles, and moody, atmospheric settings. Fans of Golden Age whodunits and traditional mysteries will appreciate the precision of the clues and the methodical reveal. It’s a terrific pick for book clubs seeking a compact, self-contained mystery with a satisfying unmasking. Gift buyers will find this standalone tale a thoughtful introduction to the British Library Crime Classics line, offering both historical flavour and a crisp, contemporary read. Perfect for readers who enjoy a brisk, page-turning mystery that still rewards careful attention and thoughtful deduction.
Key Highlights:
- A classic locked-room mystery with a single, intriguing clue
- Atmospheric Scottish Highlands setting that heightens suspense
- Smart, fair-play deduction led by Inspector Dundas
- Brings vintage crime vibes to modern shelves via the British Library Crime Classics
- Standalone tale—perfect for quick immersion and complete in one sitting
- Great gift for crime fiction fans and book club members
Why You’ll Love This Book:
If you adore a tightly plotted mystery where every detail matters, this title delivers. The clever locked-room premise invites readers to test alibis against a carefully laid trail of clues, culminating in a satisfying, well-supported ending. Duchlan Castle’s brooding atmosphere and the period-accurate tone transport you to a bygone era of detective work, where intellect and patience outpace spectacle. The book’s concise storytelling makes it ideal for a weekend dip, a commute escape, or a dedicated evening of puzzle-solving. As part of the British Library Crime Classics, it also offers a collectible edition that’s equally at home on your shelf or as a thoughtful gift for fellow crime lovers.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
