Stanley Casson (1889–1944)

Written in 1938, this remarkable book manages to evoke the atmosphere of the times in a manner that smoothly fits in to the murder mystery plot. The principal characters are familiar: well-meaning amateur antiquarian canon; acerbic but wise old lady; with beautiful sassy young niece; misguided ex-army engineer with visions of grandeur; brilliant unassuming archaeology expert; as indeed are the stock characters: solid, apparently plodding (though far from dim) police sergeant; taciturn detective inspector with vast reserves of common sense. There are plot elements that would fit nicely into a much more modern era, in particular the secret arms cache, the misguided political movement, and the distinct differences in urban and rural societies. Even the class distinctions that are endemic to that time and place could have contemporary relevance. An excellent story.… (mere)