Although this novella was first published in 1910, it is written in clear and uncluttered prose which is just as well given the convolutions of the plot. That the author was a barrister who specialised in cases relating to the peerage and whose main interest was heraldry and lineage would come as little surprise.
The barrister, Ashley Tempest, is initially consulted about a mysterious trust created by the will of an eminent lawyer but soon is involved in a murder investigation. It is difficult to say much about this but,in fact, the solution was not particularly complicated and ,apart from one twist,I did work it out.
Several aspects of the plot do stretch the reader’s credulity but the insights into the twisted sense of morality of the period are intriguing.
3.25 stars.