Download or read book The Cursing Stones Murder written by George Bellairs and published by Ipso Books. This book was released on 2017-05-12 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A body surfaces off the Isle of Man in a puzzling mystery by the master of the “pure British detective story” (The New York Times). The Manx Shearwater was scallop dredging—but it dragged up a body from the water instead. Considering that the corpse was tied at the ankles and weighed down with stones, it’s clear this was no accidental drowning—and now the locals are in an uproar. The victim appears to be Cedric Levis, who had an extravagant house and a reputation for philandering. Was Levis murdered for his money—or was this a crime of passion? Under the pretext of a holiday, Chief Inspector Littlejohn is invited by his old friend Archdeacon Kinrade to unofficially assist with the murder investigation—but to separate fact from fiction, he’ll have to sort through accusations, town gossip, and mysterious stories surrounding the ancient Cursing Stones . . .

Download or read book The Night They Killed Joss Varran written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-06-27 with total page 191 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The murder of a convict on the night of his release brings Littlejohn to the silent marshes of the Isle of Man in this thrilling British mystery novel. A deckhand and petty criminal, Joss Varran was set to return home after a year in jail. Instead, he’s found dead in a ditch not far from his sister’s cottage. While Varran was never well liked, it’s a mystery why anyone would bother to kill him . . . Facing a dead end, Inspector Knell of the Manx police calls in his friend from Scotland Yard, Chief Superintendent Littlejohn. Together they find that Varran was up to no good while working on a container ship between Ramsey and Preston. It seems the dockhand may have gotten in over his head . . . so much so that prison would seem like a safe place to hide . . . Now the two investigators chase a trail of clues to find those responsible for Varran’s death . . . and prevent others from meeting the same fate.

Download or read book The Case of the Demented Spiv written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-06-27 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When a petty hoodlum encounters murder most foul, Inspector Littlejohn must uncover the dark secrets of a sleepy English village in this classic mystery. It’s a quiet night at the Oddfellow’s Arms until a stranger walks in. He looks like your average, untrustworthy, street corner spiv. But when he starts ranting to anyone who will listen about a dead body at Fennings’ Mill, he seems more like a raving lunatic. When local police investigate the mad-man’s tale, they find a grimly peculiar corpse: the face is smeared with theatrical makeup and a false mustache is pasted neatly over the lip. Once reporters descend on the tiny village, Scotland Yard sends Inspector Littlejohn to assist the investigation. But he quickly discovers that more than a few residents are telling lies, and the victim’s costume conceals a truly perplexing case.

Download or read book The Tormentors written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-06-27 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When a young hooligan is accused of murdering a prominent resident on the Isle of Man, Inspector Littlejohn must uncover the truth in this classic mystery. In a small town on the Isle of Man, an elderly gentleman is found violently stabbed in an alley, andhis wallet missing. All fingers point to a suspicious Teddy-Boy visiting from Liverpool. The victim was a well-known member of a distinguished family, and his relatives are eager to see justice served. To avoid an unwarranted arrest, the Manx police call in Inspector Littlejohn of Scotland Yard to investigate. While the young man maintains his innocence, Littlejohn’s investigations lead him to the Bishop’s Arm pub. There he meets some of the island’s most dubious characters and begins to uncover surprising secrets about one of the island’s most respected individuals.

Download or read book Death of a Shadow written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-06-27 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Scotland Yard takes on a murder case that may have international implications . . . During a police conference in Geneva, a detective named Alec Cling had been assigned to ensure the personal safety of the British minister of security. But Cling couldn’t even ensure his own safety. He’s been found dead in a car in the middle of a rose garden. And the car in question just happened to be hired by Superintendent Littlejohn. Littlejohn is assigned to the case in London and, for once, finds that he isn’t short of potential motives. The victim was a loner who seemed to hate everyone and everything, aside from children, old people, and dogs. Littlejohn is determined to crack this case before it becomes an international crisis, and sets off on a trail that leads him through a seedy hotel in Geneva, a mental clinic in the mountains, and an airport in London. Will he manage to head off disaster, or is this case simply too big for Littlejohn? This is a superb British mystery from an author acclaimed for the “jolly, civilized way in which he writes a detective story” (The New York Times).

Download or read book A Knife for Harry Dodd written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-10-17 with total page 316 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This night at the pub will be his last . . . A classic whodunit starring the “affable Scotland Yarder” (Publishers Weekly). Harry Dodd needs a ride home from the pub—but it’s not because he’s schnockered. He’s actually been stabbed. Unfortunately, no one realizes it until it’s too late. Who would want to kill such a well-liked fellow? Inspector Littlejohn is called in, and his investigation reveals a recent woeful turn in Dodd’s life, the ambitious family that cast him out, and a cesspit of jealousy, greed, and tawdry secrets. Then another body turns up, and another . . . Praise for the Inspector Littlejohn mysteries “Solid and ingenious.” —The New York Times “Littlejohn achieves his goal spectacularly and successfully.” —Kirkus Reviews “When you get a George Bellairs story you get something worth reading.” —Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch

Download or read book Dead March for Penelope Blow written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-10-17 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Slow and steady wins the case” as a dedicated London policeman puzzles through a fatal fall, a financial mystery, and an eccentric family’s many secrets (Kirkus Reviews). Miss Penelope Blow’s fatal fall from her bedroom window would seem like a tragic accident, if it weren’t for Penelope’s multiple visits to Scotland Yard before her death, trying to get in touch with Inspector Littlejohn. Now, before he ever had a chance to talk to the woman, he’s driven to look deeper into a case that may very well be murder—with no cooperation from Penelope’s wealthy, secretive, and thoroughly odd family . . . “As is often the case in Bellairs’ novels, his prose is often very wryly amusing. . . . One of his most readable tales, offering an interesting mix of characters and a satisfying puzzle to solve.” —Mysteries Ahoy

Download or read book Twentieth Century Crime Mystery Writers written by NA NA and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-12-25 with total page 1585 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Death in the Fearful Night written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-06-27 with total page 251 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When a serial killer stalks a sleepy English village, a Scotland Yard detective must search for clues among terrified townsfolk in this classic mystery. Samuel Bracknell is found dead in his home with a knife in his back. It’s the third murder of its kind in as many weeks, and the residents of Carleton Unthank are left shaken. When Superintendent Littlejohn learns that all three crimes were committed with the same knife, a disturbing question arises: why, then, was the knife left in Bracknell’s body? When a fourth body turns up, this one an apparent suicide, Littlejohn is baffled. This once quaint village is gaining a ghoulish reputation. As the threat of murder looms each time the sun sets, Littlejohn must face sleep-deprived residents, no clues, and a race against the clock to prevent the body count from rising any further.

Download or read book Death in the Wasteland written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-06-27 with total page 218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A murder and a missing body interrupt a getaway in the south of France . . . Waldo and Averil Keelagher were looking forward to a holiday in the south of France in their new caravan. But delight turned to dismay when they discovered that Waldo’s unbearable stockbroking uncle would be joining them. Not long after their arrival on the Riviera, however, they’re relieved of their unwelcome guest when Waldo finds Uncle George dead in the wasteland of the Estérel. Panicking, Waldo and Averil pack the body into the back of their car and rush to the nearest police station in Cannes. But things really take a turn for the peculiar when, after reporting the crime, the couple heads back to the car to find it has been stolen—with George’s body still inside. Now, Superintendent Littlejohn, who happens to be on holiday nearby, finds himself caught up in one of his most complicated and unorthodox cases yet . . .

Download or read book Death Stops the Frolic written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-10-17 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A church elder is the life of the party—but not for long—in this English village mystery by the author of the Inspector Littlejohn mysteries. Zion Chapel’s annual anniversary tea party is an opportunity for the typically stuffy and sanctimo-nious Alderman Harbuttle to loosen up, and this year he’s unexpectedly rowdy. After a lot of laughter and loud singing, he starts to lead the parishioners in a conga line through the winding corridors. But the festivities turn fatal, and Superintendent Nankivell of the local police is soon stir-ring up some sinful secrets. . . . Previously published as Turmoil in Zion Praise for George Bellairs’s mysteries “Excellent characterization.” —The New York Times “Wit [that] shines from the very first page.” —Kirkus Reviews “When you get a George Bellairs story you get something worth reading.” —Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch

Download or read book Death Sends for the Doctor written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-06-27 with total page 279 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When a doctor is found murdered in a secret room of his mansion, a Scotland Yard detective uncovers a host of deadly secrets in this classic mystery. As the last stronghold of snobbery in the dying little city of Caldicott, Upper Square is home to the last remnants of old family dynasties. Doctor Beharrell, a prominent physician, is found murdered in a secret room in his home there. And Superintendent Littlejohn is already on the case—because someone warned him of the crime before it was discovered. Before he solves the case, Littlejohn must bring to light the strange history of the upper ten of Caldicott: a twisting tale of repressions, inbreeding, hatred, and madness. Littlejohn, whom David Holloway, of the News Chronicle, called “the most courteous of all fictional detectives,” finds all his good manners are needed to navigate this rarified world of eccentric characters.

Download or read book Half mast for the Deemster written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-06-27 with total page 317 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Inspector Littlejohn is drawn into a perplexing case when a judge is murdered on the Isle of Man in this classic British mystery. The small community of Castletown has plenty of odd customs—one being the office of Deemster, who serves as every sort of judge rolled into one. When Inspector Littlejohn arrives on the island for a sporting holiday, this particular custom is brought to his attention with the utmost urgency . . . because Deemster Quantrell has just been killed. The local police are glad to have the hotshot from Scotland Yard take the lead on such a perplexing case. Though the deemster was beloved by all, someone went to great lengths to poison him with cyanide in his private lunch room. As the investigation uncovers dark secrets and hidden crimes, other victims meet their end. And Littlejohn must act fast before a ruthless killer strikes again.

Download or read book Death Spins the Wheel written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-06-13 with total page 219 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When a lady gambler’s luck runs out, Detective Littlejohn follows a trail of deception and danger across Europe in this classic mystery. When professional gambler Sylvia Garnier arrives at the casino on the Isle of Man, everyone is intrigued to see what drama unfolds. Knowing all the tricks and betting on all the right numbers, she seems to be enjoying a solid winning streak. That is until she’s found dead on the beach. As theories about her murder run wild, Inspector Littlejohn is called in to get to the bottom of her mysterious demise. Dredging through years of family secrets and wartime betrayal, Littlejohn must untangle a conspiracy that takes him to France and Switzerland and leads all the way back to the French Resistance, if he is to solve this perplexing case.

Download or read book Death Drops the Pilot written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-10-17 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Things get murky when a ferry captain is found dead in the water in this mystery starring Inspector Littlejohn, “the model of a calm, rational policeman” (Publishers Weekly). After a ferry to Falbright carrying forty people runs aground, the skipper is nowhere to be found. When the ferry pilot is discovered under a pier with a knife in his back, Inspector Littlejohn is called in. But he and Sergeant Cromwell are struggling to find clues. Some of the villagers seem to be going out of their way to mislead the police, and there are secrets dating back to the war that need to be unearthed or the entire investigation could be sunk . . . “When you get a George Bellairs story you get something worth reading.” —Norfolk Ledger-Dispatch

Download or read book He d Rather Be Dead written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-10-17 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The mayor of a seaside town is murdered, and a London police detective must sort through motives both political and personal . . . Thanks to its mayor, Sir Gideon Ware, the quiet harbor town of Westcombe has turned into a crowded and rather garish seaside destination where visitors can come to escape the stress of wartime. When Ware collapses at a lavish luncheon, felled by strychnine, Inspector Littlejohn must travel from London to solve the seemingly inexplicable murder. Ware was surrounded by local bigwigs at his table—but that’s just the beginning of the suspect list, as Littlejohn untangles the rivalries, resentments, and corrupt dealings that permeate this picturesque but troubled community . . . Praise for the Inspector Littlejohn mysteries “Assured prose, well-drawn characters, and the atmosphere of 1940s wartime England . . . well worth the reader’s time.” —Publishers Weekly “Everything is quite comparable in tone to a really good Simenon.” —The New York Times “Dryly ceremonious wit [that] shines from the very first page.” —Kirkus Reviews

Download or read book Bones in the Wilderness written by George Bellairs and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2023-06-27 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The case of a missing antiques dealer brings Scotland Yard to France . . . When Samuel Cheever, a shady dealer, goes to France to buy antiques and never returns, people begin to ask questions, and Superintendent Littlejohn is sent to uncover the mystery. Then, when Cheever’s bones are discovered in the wilderness of the Camargue, Littlejohn finds himself having to navigate the company of the French police. While working the case, Littlejohn and his partner, Sergeant Cromwell, throw themselves into la vie française with gusto: the sunshine, the food and, of course, the wine. But Cheever’s trail leads to many strange places, and even stranger people, from travelers to bullfighters to cowboys—and when one of the cowboys turns up dead and Cheever’s possessions are found in his home, the investigation takes a dark turn . . .