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The Mystery of the Missing Pages
A short story from the casebook of Atticus Priest.
When famed literary agent Lydia Marchant invites a select group of authors to her manor house for a festive weekend, she promises a celebration of creativity, camaraderie, and Christmas cheer. But the glittering gathering takes a dark turn when a priceless manuscript—the long-awaited sequel to Eleanor Pierce’s literary masterpiece Solstice in September—vanishes from Lydia’s study.
Private investigator Atticus Priest finds himself at the heart of the intrigue, drawn into a house brimming with egos, rivalries, and hidden agendas. Among the guests are a publishing powerhouse with a chip on her shoulder, a charismatic crime novelist with a penchant for controversy, and a struggling debut author desperate to salvage his career. With tensions rising, Atticus must sift through a maze of lies, half-truths, and personal vendettas to uncover the truth.
As secrets unravel and suspicions mount, the stakes become this isn’t just about a stolen manuscript. It’s about pride, ambition, and a desperate act of sabotage that threatens to destroy more than one career. Can Atticus solve the case before the culprit escapes?
Set against the backdrop of a snow-dusted manor and a holiday gathering gone awry, The Mystery of the Missing Pages is a short story brimming with wit, suspense, and unforgettable characters. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and contemporary whodunits.
When famed literary agent Lydia Marchant invites a select group of authors to her manor house for a festive weekend, she promises a celebration of creativity, camaraderie, and Christmas cheer. But the glittering gathering takes a dark turn when a priceless manuscript—the long-awaited sequel to Eleanor Pierce’s literary masterpiece Solstice in September—vanishes from Lydia’s study.
Private investigator Atticus Priest finds himself at the heart of the intrigue, drawn into a house brimming with egos, rivalries, and hidden agendas. Among the guests are a publishing powerhouse with a chip on her shoulder, a charismatic crime novelist with a penchant for controversy, and a struggling debut author desperate to salvage his career. With tensions rising, Atticus must sift through a maze of lies, half-truths, and personal vendettas to uncover the truth.
As secrets unravel and suspicions mount, the stakes become this isn’t just about a stolen manuscript. It’s about pride, ambition, and a desperate act of sabotage that threatens to destroy more than one career. Can Atticus solve the case before the culprit escapes?
Set against the backdrop of a snow-dusted manor and a holiday gathering gone awry, The Mystery of the Missing Pages is a short story brimming with wit, suspense, and unforgettable characters. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and contemporary whodunits.
- GenresShort StoriesCrime
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2024
About the author
Mark Dawson
113 books1,927 followersFor news and special offers join Mark's mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 12, 2025
A very short story, that gave Sherlock Holmes vibes involving a missing manuscript and a house full of antagonistic, generally self absorbed writers, most who stand to benefit from this manuscript disappearing.
It isn’t my usual read, I only wanted to read it because I love the character Atticus priest and all of the books in his series.
It was too short and I worked out who the protagonist was really quickly.
It isn’t my usual read, I only wanted to read it because I love the character Atticus priest and all of the books in his series.
It was too short and I worked out who the protagonist was really quickly.
January 22, 2025
I have read a couple of the full length Atticus Priest novels and was curious when I noticed this new series of "The Casebook of Atticus Priest" by Mark Dawson too.
The story is told by the detective's new assistant Jeremy or Jez, who admits to a desire that his writing will be likened to that of Dr John Watson's cataloguing of Holme's cases. I think that he has a long way to go.
Readers of my blogs will be aware that I am not a great fan of short stories although I have admitted recently that some have had a place.
This one doesn't work for me at all. The short work doesn't give enough time to develope the characters taking part or build any depth to the story.
Here there was always a strong suspicion of the culprit and nothing happened to change that.
Even Atticus himself must have suspected what a weak story it was by confidently announcing that he would have it solved before the evening was out. However, I can hardly use a character from the book to condemn it, can I?
For me, I am afraid, the rest of these casefiles could also 'go missing'
The story is told by the detective's new assistant Jeremy or Jez, who admits to a desire that his writing will be likened to that of Dr John Watson's cataloguing of Holme's cases. I think that he has a long way to go.
Readers of my blogs will be aware that I am not a great fan of short stories although I have admitted recently that some have had a place.
This one doesn't work for me at all. The short work doesn't give enough time to develope the characters taking part or build any depth to the story.
Here there was always a strong suspicion of the culprit and nothing happened to change that.
Even Atticus himself must have suspected what a weak story it was by confidently announcing that he would have it solved before the evening was out. However, I can hardly use a character from the book to condemn it, can I?
For me, I am afraid, the rest of these casefiles could also 'go missing'
January 3, 2025
A very enjoyable Atticus Priest short story.
A literary agent invites a select audience to a Manor House in Stockbridge, Hampshire on Christmas Eve, with the intention of famed author, Eleanor Pierce revealing the manuscript for her long awaited sequel to a best selling novel.
The scene is set, the participants are all there, the manuscript while in keeping in a combination locked safe, mysteriously disappears…
Atticus is called in to find its whereabouts.
A perfect little Agatha Christie style novella with a lots of motives, animosity, jealousy and red herrings. A marvellous climax that no one saw coming.
A literary agent invites a select audience to a Manor House in Stockbridge, Hampshire on Christmas Eve, with the intention of famed author, Eleanor Pierce revealing the manuscript for her long awaited sequel to a best selling novel.
The scene is set, the participants are all there, the manuscript while in keeping in a combination locked safe, mysteriously disappears…
Atticus is called in to find its whereabouts.
A perfect little Agatha Christie style novella with a lots of motives, animosity, jealousy and red herrings. A marvellous climax that no one saw coming.
December 30, 2024
While short this story showcases all of Atticus Priests detective abilities. The mystery is well plotted and engaging. One big surprise to me was seeing Atticus have a more gentle side with the perpetrator, he is generally not socially aware. Great for reading straight through due to the length of
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
January 2, 2025
A bit too short
Hardly got started and it was over. For a novella it was disappointing. It was easy to guess " who done it"!
Hardly got started and it was over. For a novella it was disappointing. It was easy to guess " who done it"!
February 5, 2025
an average short story
January 1, 2025
The world of Atticus Priest.
Already a modern day ‘Sherlock Holmes’.
In this first “casebook” outing we have his own ‘Watson’ Jez who documents and supports him in his investigations.
Having already read the first three in the Atticus Priest series I am already won over by this modern and direct protagonist. I am keen to read more and was delighted in this expansion of his exploits and endeavours.
This short story happens on Christmas Eve and lays bear the tensions and rivalries of authors and aspiring novelists. That everyone present has a motive shows the dark world imagined here. However, it isn’t a murder but a theft that is central to this locked room mystery.
Great reading of characters by Priest as he interviews each suspect and the world of publishing is laid bare.
Overall I was a little disappointed. The writing is of a high standard but in this shorter format the characterisation was a little incomplete and more stereotypical.
But as a fan I am already looking to the next instalment and ‘All the Devils are Here’ is right and the top of my TBR list.
Already a modern day ‘Sherlock Holmes’.
In this first “casebook” outing we have his own ‘Watson’ Jez who documents and supports him in his investigations.
Having already read the first three in the Atticus Priest series I am already won over by this modern and direct protagonist. I am keen to read more and was delighted in this expansion of his exploits and endeavours.
This short story happens on Christmas Eve and lays bear the tensions and rivalries of authors and aspiring novelists. That everyone present has a motive shows the dark world imagined here. However, it isn’t a murder but a theft that is central to this locked room mystery.
Great reading of characters by Priest as he interviews each suspect and the world of publishing is laid bare.
Overall I was a little disappointed. The writing is of a high standard but in this shorter format the characterisation was a little incomplete and more stereotypical.
But as a fan I am already looking to the next instalment and ‘All the Devils are Here’ is right and the top of my TBR list.
January 14, 2025
A very unusual short Atticus Priest mystery. His new partner, Jeremy (Jez), has decided to publish an anthology of crimes and how Atticus solved them, just as Watson did for Sherlock Holmes adventures. In this case, Atticus is attending a very fancy dinner party given by his friend, Lydia Merchant, a publisher, for a special group of very famous authors in order to present a mystery manuscript, decades in the making, which is the sequel to a famous best seller. But, the manuscript has disappeared. As with all Sherlock mysteries, Atticus searches for who, what, where, and when. Entertaining, interesting, and can be read in one setting. Really enjoyed this short story for one of my favorite characters in the format of one my most favorite detectives. Looking forward to the next.
December 21, 2024
On kobo (9798230341390 EPub 3 DRM-Free; 50 pages
Short, first in a projected series in which Atticus Priest's partner recounts an early inbestigation - in a deliberate comparison with another detective and his amanuensis...
A Christmas setting, house-party of literary names, a long-awaited sequel to an early book, and a group of people who at best dislike each other...
A quick read but somewhat slight...
Short, first in a projected series in which Atticus Priest's partner recounts an early inbestigation - in a deliberate comparison with another detective and his amanuensis...
A Christmas setting, house-party of literary names, a long-awaited sequel to an early book, and a group of people who at best dislike each other...
A quick read but somewhat slight...
December 21, 2024
Enjoyable story
The storyline was good. However I worked out who the culprit was early on, so didn't have the normal suspense experienced in longer books. I'm not a great fan of short stories but like Mark's style of writing. Worth the cost paid though. Atticus intrigues me, so I look forward to more of his adventures.
The storyline was good. However I worked out who the culprit was early on, so didn't have the normal suspense experienced in longer books. I'm not a great fan of short stories but like Mark's style of writing. Worth the cost paid though. Atticus intrigues me, so I look forward to more of his adventures.
April 2, 2025
In the same voice as Arthur Conan Doyle.
Very well written. I love Sherlock Holmes…and in fact had just started reading Doyle’s complete compilation again, picking up where I’d left off years ago.
Mark’s work was immediately recognizable as being the written equivalent of Doyle’s appearances in the Strand. Nicely Done. Recommended.
Very well written. I love Sherlock Holmes…and in fact had just started reading Doyle’s complete compilation again, picking up where I’d left off years ago.
Mark’s work was immediately recognizable as being the written equivalent of Doyle’s appearances in the Strand. Nicely Done. Recommended.
June 8, 2026
I love Atticus, but this one was predictable
Unfortunately, less than a quarter of the way in I knew exactly who the person was who had taken the book, so the rest was a little pedestrian for me. As usual, Dawson writes his characters well, but I'm hoping the other two in the short story series are less predictable.
Unfortunately, less than a quarter of the way in I knew exactly who the person was who had taken the book, so the rest was a little pedestrian for me. As usual, Dawson writes his characters well, but I'm hoping the other two in the short story series are less predictable.
February 10, 2025
Intriguing, suspenseful mystery!
Who would want to steal Eleanor's manuscript? Mark Dawson leads the reader to the conclusion by interviews with all the suspects and a short search of their rooms. Read this book to find out who stole the manuscript. Happy reading! ☺️
Who would want to steal Eleanor's manuscript? Mark Dawson leads the reader to the conclusion by interviews with all the suspects and a short search of their rooms. Read this book to find out who stole the manuscript. Happy reading! ☺️
December 23, 2024
A Holiday Treat
What a terrific novella! Thoroughly enjoyed this adventure! Even this short story seemed like a full blown novel. Can't edit till the next.
What a terrific novella! Thoroughly enjoyed this adventure! Even this short story seemed like a full blown novel. Can't edit till the next.
December 25, 2024
CC1
This was an excellent case study of how Attacks solves his cases. This was an excellent short story to wet your appetite for next book! 10 stars plus!!!! Thanks Carl Clause
This was an excellent case study of how Attacks solves his cases. This was an excellent short story to wet your appetite for next book! 10 stars plus!!!! Thanks Carl Clause
December 27, 2024
An interesting quick read, if you love the Atticus series you'll like this. I would've liked a bit more from Atticus but an easy read
December 29, 2024
Atticus Priest was invited to the home of an author and discovered a closed room mystery needed to be solved. Mark Dawson never fails to impress. Two thumbs up!
January 2, 2025
A Classic whodunit
Deductive reasoning at its finest. Although, not the normal behaviour of Atticus that we are used to. A bit if weed, but no attitude, shame.
Deductive reasoning at its finest. Although, not the normal behaviour of Atticus that we are used to. A bit if weed, but no attitude, shame.
January 6, 2025
Surprisingly, this was a bit of a non entity, I have loved the Atticus Priest books so far, but this really didn't do it for me.
Mark needs to get him back to solving real crimes, as before!!
Mark needs to get him back to solving real crimes, as before!!
January 18, 2025
A short story which was good, although a little predictable.
January 31, 2025
An interesting little read , bit too short.
February 4, 2025
Easy read
A lovely surprise in this short story for Christmas. Simple story but written in Mark's normal high standards.
Looking forward to the other of these short stories now.
A lovely surprise in this short story for Christmas. Simple story but written in Mark's normal high standards.
Looking forward to the other of these short stories now.
March 17, 2025
An easy to read short story. Nice to catch up with Atticus & his new ‘apprentice’ Jez! The pictures were a great addition to the story!
June 11, 2025
Didn't think Atticus's character came through in this short story. Maybe because it was a a short story and I'm being unfair. Will not read anymore Atticus short stories.
January 18, 2025
Brilliant short story. Keep them coming
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews