A classic mystery, in the fair play tradition of the Golden Age. Dr. Willing gives a list of hints to clues before the solution is revealed, for those who want to stop and try to figure it out. Lots of psychology, both in Amos Cottle’s medical history and in correctly identfying the murderer. ( )

This is my first Helen McCloy/Basil Willing mystery, but I hope it won't be my last.

A reclusive author, Amos Cottle, is poisoned at a party given by his publisher. Who did it - his grasping actress wife, the critic who disparages his books, the critic who lauds his books, the publisher's wife with whom he was having an affair, the small-time agent who depends on Cottle's bestsellers for most of his income? The mystery becomes even deeper when it is discovered that 'Amos Cottle' was not the victim's real name. So who was he really?

Plenty of suspects in this very well-written classic mystery, with the added bonus of an inside look into the world of authors, agents and publishers.

If you are a fan of the Frances and Richard Lockridge 'Mr. and Mrs. North' mysteries, you will like this book. Highly recommended. ( )