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Algernon Vereker #1
Missing or Murdered
There was no mistaking the sound: it was that of a stealthy footfall, and it appeared to come from the staircase leading to the next floor
Lord Bygrave left the Ministry on Friday evening, with plans for a fortnight’s holiday in the country. But the following morning he had seemingly vanished into thin air. Now Scotland Yard are struggling to find evidence of foul play in the absence of tangible clues. A national newspaper is offering a reward for information about the Minister’s disappearance - whether Bygrave be dead or alive. Anthony “Algernon” Vereker, Lord Bygrave’s friend and executor, joins Scotland Yard in their investigation of the mystery. So begins the first of five ingenious and effervescent detective novels featuring Vereker, an amiable and eccentric artist with a razor-sharp mind. Missing or Murdered (1929), is republished here for the first time in over 70 years. It includes a new introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.
‘This is not only a detective story of considerable ingenuity, but it is also a well-written tale with good characterisation."Times Literary Supplement
Lord Bygrave left the Ministry on Friday evening, with plans for a fortnight’s holiday in the country. But the following morning he had seemingly vanished into thin air. Now Scotland Yard are struggling to find evidence of foul play in the absence of tangible clues. A national newspaper is offering a reward for information about the Minister’s disappearance - whether Bygrave be dead or alive. Anthony “Algernon” Vereker, Lord Bygrave’s friend and executor, joins Scotland Yard in their investigation of the mystery. So begins the first of five ingenious and effervescent detective novels featuring Vereker, an amiable and eccentric artist with a razor-sharp mind. Missing or Murdered (1929), is republished here for the first time in over 70 years. It includes a new introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.
‘This is not only a detective story of considerable ingenuity, but it is also a well-written tale with good characterisation."Times Literary Supplement
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1929
28 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Robin Forsythe
9 books4 followersAka Peter Dingwall.
Robin Forsythe was born Robert Forsythe in 1879. His place of birth was Sialkot, in modern day Pakistan. His mother died when a younger brother was born two years later, and ‘Robin’ was brought up by an ayah until he was six, when he went to the United Kingdom, and went to school in Glasgow and Northern Ireland. In his teens he had short stories and poetry published and went to London wanting to be a writer.
He married in 1909 and had a son the following year, later working as a clerk at Somerset House in London when he was arrested for theft and fraud in 1928. Sentenced to fifteen months, he began to write his first detective novel in prison.
On his release in 1929 Robin Forsythe published his debut, Missing or Murdered. It introduced Anthony ‘Algernon’ Vereker, an eccentric artist with an extraordinary flair for detective work. It was followed by four more detective novels in the Vereker series, ending with The Spirit Murder Mystery in 1936. All the novels are characterized by the sharp plotting and witty dialogue which epitomize the more effervescent side of golden age crime fiction.
Robin Forsythe died in 1937
(from Dean St Publishers Website)
Robin Forsythe was born Robert Forsythe in 1879. His place of birth was Sialkot, in modern day Pakistan. His mother died when a younger brother was born two years later, and ‘Robin’ was brought up by an ayah until he was six, when he went to the United Kingdom, and went to school in Glasgow and Northern Ireland. In his teens he had short stories and poetry published and went to London wanting to be a writer.
He married in 1909 and had a son the following year, later working as a clerk at Somerset House in London when he was arrested for theft and fraud in 1928. Sentenced to fifteen months, he began to write his first detective novel in prison.
On his release in 1929 Robin Forsythe published his debut, Missing or Murdered. It introduced Anthony ‘Algernon’ Vereker, an eccentric artist with an extraordinary flair for detective work. It was followed by four more detective novels in the Vereker series, ending with The Spirit Murder Mystery in 1936. All the novels are characterized by the sharp plotting and witty dialogue which epitomize the more effervescent side of golden age crime fiction.
Robin Forsythe died in 1937
(from Dean St Publishers Website)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 21, 2016
First published in 1929, this is an excellent addition to the many Golden Age novels which are being re-discovered and re-published, to the great thanks of devotees of this genre. Henry Darnell, Lord Bygrave, a successful Minister (the Ministry remains un-named) has gone missing. Arriving at an inn for a fortnight in the country, he goes for a walk and fails to re-appear. Is he simply missing, or has he been murdered? On the case is Detective-Inspector Heather of Scotland Yard and Mr Algernon Vereker, an artist friend of Lord Bygrave and the executor of his will, should something tragic have befallen him.
This is very much a Golden Age mystery, with endless plot twists and turns, a gloriously mysterious veiled woman – who of course turns out to be an actress, as always seems to be case in books of this period, possible blackmail plots, some romance and hidden documents to be uncovered. Algernon Vereker is an interesting character, kindly and generally seeing the best in people, he is balanced by Heather, who pops up as a less involved sounding board. Overall, this is an enjoyable mystery and I look forward to reading more books in the series featuring Vereker.
This is very much a Golden Age mystery, with endless plot twists and turns, a gloriously mysterious veiled woman – who of course turns out to be an actress, as always seems to be case in books of this period, possible blackmail plots, some romance and hidden documents to be uncovered. Algernon Vereker is an interesting character, kindly and generally seeing the best in people, he is balanced by Heather, who pops up as a less involved sounding board. Overall, this is an enjoyable mystery and I look forward to reading more books in the series featuring Vereker.
December 5, 2017
Engaging Golden Age mystery. Robin Forsythe is a story unto himself. A civil servant nabbed for theft and started his first mystery while in prison.
Here, Lord Bygrave disappears, apparently after learning his ward plans to marry someone he considers undesirable and either plans to or does change his will.
Plenty of suspects to go around.
I can't help but think that Forsythe violates several of Ronald Knox/The Detection Club's rules of mystery writing. And, no, it is not the Chinaman rule.
But, all in all, it was an enjoyable story. I look forward to the rest of the Vereker series.
Here, Lord Bygrave disappears, apparently after learning his ward plans to marry someone he considers undesirable and either plans to or does change his will.
Plenty of suspects to go around.
I can't help but think that Forsythe violates several of Ronald Knox/The Detection Club's rules of mystery writing. And, no, it is not the Chinaman rule.
But, all in all, it was an enjoyable story. I look forward to the rest of the Vereker series.
Read
August 27, 2019More 20s detective. Antony "Algernon" Vereker is a whimsical detective of the foppish sort. A mildly entertaining read but one of the forgotten mystery writers where you can kind of see how they got forgotten, tbh.
December 27, 2018
Three and a half stars.
Thoroughly enjoyable yarn with quite an unusual plot written with wit and style. My first outing with this author.
One has to suspend disbelief that a Scotland Yard Inspector would work closely with an amateur like Vereker, which of course he wouldn't. However they do make a good team and I look forward to reading some more of their exploits.
An excellent choice for those of us who like some of the more obscure Golden Age mysteries written in excellent, if dated, English. Well done Kindle for raking them up at very low prices.
Thoroughly enjoyable yarn with quite an unusual plot written with wit and style. My first outing with this author.
One has to suspend disbelief that a Scotland Yard Inspector would work closely with an amateur like Vereker, which of course he wouldn't. However they do make a good team and I look forward to reading some more of their exploits.
An excellent choice for those of us who like some of the more obscure Golden Age mysteries written in excellent, if dated, English. Well done Kindle for raking them up at very low prices.
May 6, 2017
It does not follow a typical mystery formula, which annoys some readers, but I enjoyed the rich and eccentric characters and the broader cultural context of a different time and place. I would read more from this author.
June 18, 2025
Like the usual Golden Age mysteries, it has several plot twists and red herrings, and we are continually wondering whether the man is missing or murdered. The story revolves around these possibilities with its many red herrings, till almost the very end.
My complete review: https://klasikfanda.blogspot.com/2025...
My complete review: https://klasikfanda.blogspot.com/2025...
June 26, 2016
Very well written book. Really liked the friendship between the policeman and Vereker, even though I doubt very much that this would have happened.
July 22, 2024
"Write what you know."
This advice is given to all novice authors, so why are we surprised when a convicted criminal writes a mystery? Robert Forsythe didn't seem like the kind who'd end up in the slammer. A child of the Raj, he was born in what is now Pakistan where his father was a Quartermaster in His Majesty's army. He was educated in Glasgow and eventually worked at the Probate Registry in Somerset House, London.
His career as a public servant ended when it was discovered that he and some colleagues were "recycling" used government stamps and selling them at cut-rate prices. Forsythe served less than two years and then returned to crime, but of the fictional variety. His first book (this one) was published in 1929 and introduced gentleman artist/detective Algernon Vereker.
It was followed by four more books featuring Vereker and three stand-alone mysteries. Critic/author Dorothy Sayers was a fan and the reading public in general seems not to have held Forsythe's past against him. His books sold well enough to purchase a cottage in Suffolk and to take at least one pleasure cruise, which he wisely incorporated into a mystery. Is the Royal Prison System better at rehabilitating criminals than American prisons or did Forsythe learn to satisfy his criminal tendencies by writing books?
This one is well-written, witty, and quirky. Instead of a brilliant amateur detective and a bumbling professional, Forsythe gives us a bright, but untrained gentleman detective and a seasoned professional who hides his talents behind a useful screen of official impersonality. They don't work together in the time-honored way, but challenge each other to see who can solve the puzzle first. Along the way, one of them is pulling the other's leg, but we're never quite sure which one is the joker.
The plot involves a much respected aristocrat who has disappeared. He's deeply committed to the government ministry he heads and it's unlikely he would voluntarily abandon that responsibility. But where is he?
He's an elderly bachelor and his quiet life offers few clues, but who is the glamorous lady who mysteriously visited shortly before he disappeared? Does she have the bonds that are missing from his personal safe? His heir is a young farmer who wants to marry, but his choice of wife doesn't suit his uncle. Could a family argument have resulted in a death? And why are both Vereker and Detective-Inspector Heather having such a difficult time tracing Lord Bygrave's movements? He's been seen here and there, but was it really him?
The ending surprised me, but they always do. I don't read old mysteries to pit my wits against a clever plot, but to enjoy a look at life in a time which is now far enough removed to seem charming and romantic. I wish Forsythe had hit on a less absurd name for his amateur detective, especially since I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Other than his name, I like Vereker. He's not fey and silly like some gentlemen detectives of Golden Age of Mysteries. He doesn't narrate the story, but it's told from his point of view and we always know what he's thinking and can rejoice in his successes and sympathize with his frustrations.
Inspector Heather, on the other hand, works behind the scenes. We only find out what he's up to when he and Vereker collide while chasing the same theory or when one of them seeks out the other to compare notes. They're rivals, but friendly ones and both want to find Lord Bygraves or to punish his murderer if a crime has been committed.
Heather is as likable as Vereker and the twinkle in his eye off-sets his official stuffiness. I'm surprised that he doesn't use the standard "sir" when talking to Vereker. He addresses Vereker as "sir" twice. Once when he's giving a rather back-handed compliment ("For an amateur you're coming along nicely, sir!") and again at the end of the book when he's wishing Vereker well in a kind, fatherly way.
It's an unlikely friendship, given the times and the fact that police (even the higher ranks) were considered socially inferior. It wasn't until after WWII that university educations became common for police detectives. Heather never pretends to be a "gentleman" but he's comfortable in his own skin. His serenity comes from experience and confidence in his ability to do his job well.
I'm glad that Forsythe landed on his feet and experienced some success and happiness before his relatively early death. This book is an out-standing example of a Golden Age Mystery with a twisty plot, lots of complications, and interesting characters. Those of us who love old mysteries are indebted to people like editor Curtis Evans for resurrecting these fine books for our enjoyment.
This advice is given to all novice authors, so why are we surprised when a convicted criminal writes a mystery? Robert Forsythe didn't seem like the kind who'd end up in the slammer. A child of the Raj, he was born in what is now Pakistan where his father was a Quartermaster in His Majesty's army. He was educated in Glasgow and eventually worked at the Probate Registry in Somerset House, London.
His career as a public servant ended when it was discovered that he and some colleagues were "recycling" used government stamps and selling them at cut-rate prices. Forsythe served less than two years and then returned to crime, but of the fictional variety. His first book (this one) was published in 1929 and introduced gentleman artist/detective Algernon Vereker.
It was followed by four more books featuring Vereker and three stand-alone mysteries. Critic/author Dorothy Sayers was a fan and the reading public in general seems not to have held Forsythe's past against him. His books sold well enough to purchase a cottage in Suffolk and to take at least one pleasure cruise, which he wisely incorporated into a mystery. Is the Royal Prison System better at rehabilitating criminals than American prisons or did Forsythe learn to satisfy his criminal tendencies by writing books?
This one is well-written, witty, and quirky. Instead of a brilliant amateur detective and a bumbling professional, Forsythe gives us a bright, but untrained gentleman detective and a seasoned professional who hides his talents behind a useful screen of official impersonality. They don't work together in the time-honored way, but challenge each other to see who can solve the puzzle first. Along the way, one of them is pulling the other's leg, but we're never quite sure which one is the joker.
The plot involves a much respected aristocrat who has disappeared. He's deeply committed to the government ministry he heads and it's unlikely he would voluntarily abandon that responsibility. But where is he?
He's an elderly bachelor and his quiet life offers few clues, but who is the glamorous lady who mysteriously visited shortly before he disappeared? Does she have the bonds that are missing from his personal safe? His heir is a young farmer who wants to marry, but his choice of wife doesn't suit his uncle. Could a family argument have resulted in a death? And why are both Vereker and Detective-Inspector Heather having such a difficult time tracing Lord Bygrave's movements? He's been seen here and there, but was it really him?
The ending surprised me, but they always do. I don't read old mysteries to pit my wits against a clever plot, but to enjoy a look at life in a time which is now far enough removed to seem charming and romantic. I wish Forsythe had hit on a less absurd name for his amateur detective, especially since I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Other than his name, I like Vereker. He's not fey and silly like some gentlemen detectives of Golden Age of Mysteries. He doesn't narrate the story, but it's told from his point of view and we always know what he's thinking and can rejoice in his successes and sympathize with his frustrations.
Inspector Heather, on the other hand, works behind the scenes. We only find out what he's up to when he and Vereker collide while chasing the same theory or when one of them seeks out the other to compare notes. They're rivals, but friendly ones and both want to find Lord Bygraves or to punish his murderer if a crime has been committed.
Heather is as likable as Vereker and the twinkle in his eye off-sets his official stuffiness. I'm surprised that he doesn't use the standard "sir" when talking to Vereker. He addresses Vereker as "sir" twice. Once when he's giving a rather back-handed compliment ("For an amateur you're coming along nicely, sir!") and again at the end of the book when he's wishing Vereker well in a kind, fatherly way.
It's an unlikely friendship, given the times and the fact that police (even the higher ranks) were considered socially inferior. It wasn't until after WWII that university educations became common for police detectives. Heather never pretends to be a "gentleman" but he's comfortable in his own skin. His serenity comes from experience and confidence in his ability to do his job well.
I'm glad that Forsythe landed on his feet and experienced some success and happiness before his relatively early death. This book is an out-standing example of a Golden Age Mystery with a twisty plot, lots of complications, and interesting characters. Those of us who love old mysteries are indebted to people like editor Curtis Evans for resurrecting these fine books for our enjoyment.
February 8, 2025
A very good example of the typical Golden Age of Crime Detection mystery. A titled man, Henry Darnell, Lord Bygrave, has disappeared following an evening at an inn in the country. Has he simply gone underground, was he kidnapped or murdered.
Scotland Yard is put on the case in the person of Detective Inspector Heather, who is joined in gentle competition by Anthony "Algernon" Vereker, an artist friend and executor of Bygrave's will.
Unlike many such stories, Heather is an intelligent police man — he humors Vereker, appreciating enough the artist's own investigations, but not sharing all he has found and how he is finding what he knows. Vereker, while he may seen frivolous, seems to follow some interesting clues, including Bygrave's secrets. They make a fun, interesting team.
Robin Forsythe has put together a fun group of characters, especially Heather and Vereker. But let's not forget Bygrave's nephew David Winslade, who plans on marrying Mary Standish, a woman clearly not of his class; Bygrave's secretive secretary and butler; the mysterious woman who visits Bygrave shortly before he disappears; and then there is Vereker's writer friend that drops in and sets himself at home in Vereker's studio.
There's red herrings, devious clues and a wide range of possibilities as to just what has happened and why. My only complaint is that most of the book is only Vereker's actions with little forward motion until toward the end, including where's the evidence?
Still, its great light, quirky reading when you don't worry about even trying to solve the mystery and enjoy the contest between Heather and Vereker. I have read all but one of the Anthony Vereker mysteries and enjoyed them all.
Scotland Yard is put on the case in the person of Detective Inspector Heather, who is joined in gentle competition by Anthony "Algernon" Vereker, an artist friend and executor of Bygrave's will.
Unlike many such stories, Heather is an intelligent police man — he humors Vereker, appreciating enough the artist's own investigations, but not sharing all he has found and how he is finding what he knows. Vereker, while he may seen frivolous, seems to follow some interesting clues, including Bygrave's secrets. They make a fun, interesting team.
Robin Forsythe has put together a fun group of characters, especially Heather and Vereker. But let's not forget Bygrave's nephew David Winslade, who plans on marrying Mary Standish, a woman clearly not of his class; Bygrave's secretive secretary and butler; the mysterious woman who visits Bygrave shortly before he disappears; and then there is Vereker's writer friend that drops in and sets himself at home in Vereker's studio.
There's red herrings, devious clues and a wide range of possibilities as to just what has happened and why. My only complaint is that most of the book is only Vereker's actions with little forward motion until toward the end, including where's the evidence?
Still, its great light, quirky reading when you don't worry about even trying to solve the mystery and enjoy the contest between Heather and Vereker. I have read all but one of the Anthony Vereker mysteries and enjoyed them all.
December 30, 2022
2 1/2, rounded up because lets end the year with some kindness and generosity.
Pretty ho-hum. The amateur sleuth introduced here really irked, although I'm not quite sure. He's very much a dilettante, and not a particularly charming one. There's some good banter, but the book is pretty wordy and convoluted and it doesn't exactly "play fair" with the reader.
That said, I have at least a few others in the (short) series on my Kindle already, because I am willing to give Dean Street Press the benefit of the doubt, if only because it's usually so cheap to do so and they have so often come through. And, I dig the covers! So, we'll see if Forsythe (who seems like an interesting dude) or Algernon grows on me with another crime or two.
Pretty ho-hum. The amateur sleuth introduced here really irked, although I'm not quite sure. He's very much a dilettante, and not a particularly charming one. There's some good banter, but the book is pretty wordy and convoluted and it doesn't exactly "play fair" with the reader.
That said, I have at least a few others in the (short) series on my Kindle already, because I am willing to give Dean Street Press the benefit of the doubt, if only because it's usually so cheap to do so and they have so often come through. And, I dig the covers! So, we'll see if Forsythe (who seems like an interesting dude) or Algernon grows on me with another crime or two.
September 19, 2020
Rating 3
An entertaining mystery novel from 1929.
The lead characters are typical of stories from the time and the plot does involve a lot of travel via train for them - again fairly typical.
The storyline which concerns a missing or murdered person, as told by the title, was easy to follow and had the requisite number of red herrings/ suspects strung across the sleuths path at every turn.
Overall a okay read that passed the time easily but will probably not stay around in memory for a long time.
An entertaining mystery novel from 1929.
The lead characters are typical of stories from the time and the plot does involve a lot of travel via train for them - again fairly typical.
The storyline which concerns a missing or murdered person, as told by the title, was easy to follow and had the requisite number of red herrings/ suspects strung across the sleuths path at every turn.
Overall a okay read that passed the time easily but will probably not stay around in memory for a long time.
February 17, 2023
2.5 ⭐️ - a quick read but would’ve been more enjoyable had there not been so many descriptions of Vereker thinking. It felt redundant since every time something new occurred there would be several pages describing his reaction to the news and how he was deep in thought as he considered it. Same with the exchanges between Heather and Vereker - the book would have been stronger without them exchanging fake theories multiple times.
March 23, 2025
Enjoyable nonsense.
Two things: pulling the cousin more or less out of thin air seems... Not entirely reasonable. I admit I haven't double checked the early chapters for a passing reference.
Second, having your villain be guilty of defrauding a government department in a book written (in part?) whilst in prison for doing the same seems interesting!
Two things: pulling the cousin more or less out of thin air seems... Not entirely reasonable. I admit I haven't double checked the early chapters for a passing reference.
Second, having your villain be guilty of defrauding a government department in a book written (in part?) whilst in prison for doing the same seems interesting!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2016
Pleasant and engaging, this mystery from way, way back in the day shares many elements with its fellows: low technology (of course) and a police force that seems happy to feed information to the amateur. Clues do allow the reader to wonder through to the climax about the fate of the missing man.
January 26, 2020
#1 in the Algernon Vereker mystery series. Vereker, an amiable and eccentric artist with a razor-sharp mind and is somewhat eccentric in manner. Much of the story involves Vereker' working through and refining various theories as to what happen. Also includes many twists and turns in both the theories and plot actions.
In October, Lord Bygrave left London on Friday evening with plans for a fortnight’s holiday in the country then seemingly vanished into thin air the following morning. Soon Scotland Yard is involved as is Bygrave's friend and executor Vereker who joins Scotland Yard in their investigation of the mystery.
In this series, Ricky provides much of the levity and bits of quaintly phrased philosophy
In October, Lord Bygrave left London on Friday evening with plans for a fortnight’s holiday in the country then seemingly vanished into thin air the following morning. Soon Scotland Yard is involved as is Bygrave's friend and executor Vereker who joins Scotland Yard in their investigation of the mystery.
In this series, Ricky provides much of the levity and bits of quaintly phrased philosophy
January 20, 2021
I found this this Golden Age mystery to be exciting.
September 11, 2018
Hugely enjoyable with a very endearing duo of artist and amateur detective, Anthony (Algernon) Vereker, and Inspector Heather, whose relationship, while unlikely, gives flavour to the plot.
Lord Bygrave, a Government minister and friend of the artist, has gone missing. Finding out his fate involves a tale of inheritance, secret engagements and marriages, sinister empty houses and financial skulduggery.
The writing is crisp and witty and the plot not bad for a first attempt at a detective novel, written while the author was in prison in the late 1920's. Some of it stretches the reader's credulity, but no more than many others of the period, including the overlauded A. Christie.
Recommended.
Lord Bygrave, a Government minister and friend of the artist, has gone missing. Finding out his fate involves a tale of inheritance, secret engagements and marriages, sinister empty houses and financial skulduggery.
The writing is crisp and witty and the plot not bad for a first attempt at a detective novel, written while the author was in prison in the late 1920's. Some of it stretches the reader's credulity, but no more than many others of the period, including the overlauded A. Christie.
Recommended.
June 15, 2017
For my full review click on the link below:
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...
January 25, 2016
This had a great premise, gorgeous looking cover, but was quite meh. I'm glad it only cost me $1.41 on my Kindle!
December 21, 2016
Some classic mystery novels maintain the zeitgeist of the time in which they were published, while holding up over the years as entertaining, literary, readable. This does not.
July 11, 2016
Lively banter and a witty detective but the guilty party(s) are introduced towards the end and that always seems a bit unfair.
July 3, 2016
Comic characters were my favorite part of this book
July 27, 2016
3,75
Une intrigue bien fichue et des personnages intéressants : une bonne lecture ! Je lirai le reste de la série.
Une intrigue bien fichue et des personnages intéressants : une bonne lecture ! Je lirai le reste de la série.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews