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Chief Inspector Littlejohn #38
The Tormentors
“One of the subtlest and wittiest practitioners of the simon-pure British detective story” New York Times When an elderly man is found violently stabbed, wallet missing, in an alley way in a small town on the Isle of Man, all fingers point to a local boy.
The victim was well-known on the island and a member of a very distinguished family who are keen to see quick justice.
Anxious that the heightening anger of the Manx people will lead to an unwarranted arrest, the Manx police call in Inspector Littlejohn to investigate.
While the boy maintains his innocence, Littlejohn’s investigations lead him to the Bishop’s Arm pub. Harbouring some of the island’s most dubious characters, will Littlejohn find the clue among these shady figures before a possibly innocent boy is sent to jail?
The victim was well-known on the island and a member of a very distinguished family who are keen to see quick justice.
Anxious that the heightening anger of the Manx people will lead to an unwarranted arrest, the Manx police call in Inspector Littlejohn to investigate.
While the boy maintains his innocence, Littlejohn’s investigations lead him to the Bishop’s Arm pub. Harbouring some of the island’s most dubious characters, will Littlejohn find the clue among these shady figures before a possibly innocent boy is sent to jail?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1962
143 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
George Bellairs
73 books100 followersAKA Hilary Landon
George Bellairs is the nom de plume of Harold Blundell, a crime writer and bank manager born in Heywood, near Rochdale, Lancashire, who settled in the Isle of Man on retirement. He wrote more than 50 books, most featuring the series' detective Inspector Littlejohn. He also wrote four novels under the alternative pseudonym Hilary Landon.
George Bellairs is the nom de plume of Harold Blundell, a crime writer and bank manager born in Heywood, near Rochdale, Lancashire, who settled in the Isle of Man on retirement. He wrote more than 50 books, most featuring the series' detective Inspector Littlejohn. He also wrote four novels under the alternative pseudonym Hilary Landon.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 11, 2020
Ignore the title, which means nothing. I wouldn’t ignore the novel, the 38th to feature Scotland Yard’s Thomas Littlejohn, but it isn’t one of George Bellairs’ best.
It’s early 1960s, and a criminally inclined teddy-boy is accused of knifing to death an eminent member of a old Manx family. Somehow Littlejohn instinctively knows that the real solution to this murder lies elsewhere. While I enjoyed the novel and Bellairs sprinkles lots of his sly humor in the book, it doesn’t rank with the earlier gems in this series. Luckily, Kindle Unlimited subscribers can read this book for free.
It’s early 1960s, and a criminally inclined teddy-boy is accused of knifing to death an eminent member of a old Manx family. Somehow Littlejohn instinctively knows that the real solution to this murder lies elsewhere. While I enjoyed the novel and Bellairs sprinkles lots of his sly humor in the book, it doesn’t rank with the earlier gems in this series. Luckily, Kindle Unlimited subscribers can read this book for free.
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February 3, 2018I get these books from Kindle Unlimited as a change of pace, but this book I recognized within the first few pages as one I had already read - under a differing title, apparently. No time to investigate, but I am sure of it. Crook on ferry from Liverpool to Isle of Man hooks on to a lesser man he can sucker.
July 6, 2025
Not a bad story if you can suspend belief that murder occurs on the Isle of Man only when Littlejohn is on holiday there and that the local police would be totally incapable of solving the case without his help. Also that every single person on the island knows and venerates the Archdeacon.
A local bigwig is stabbed outside a pub and a teddy boy from England is caught running away with his wallet but he denies stabbing him.
Bellairs has written much better books than this. Three stars is possibly a bit generous as it lacks some of his usual wit. I did enjoy it though.
A local bigwig is stabbed outside a pub and a teddy boy from England is caught running away with his wallet but he denies stabbing him.
Bellairs has written much better books than this. Three stars is possibly a bit generous as it lacks some of his usual wit. I did enjoy it though.
March 25, 2017
not one of the better Littlejohn mysteries - Isle of Man, a place he knew, but characters did not hold my interest and there were no scenery descriptions as he does so well in the French books
March 28, 2018
Another tight, insular, Isle of Mann tragedy.
July 17, 2018
Again, this is three and a half stars. I really enjoyed the read. The Isle of Mann setting is not fully explored or exploited, but contributes the sense of a busy tourist season, networks of resentment, crime, respectability and secrets -as well as weather. The friendship of Littlejohn, the Archdeacon and local policeman is well created and maintained. Their crime-solving collaboration is engaging.
On the negative side, Littlejohn’s relationship with his wife, Is so awkward it would be better left out. While he creates easy, natural and reader-friendly male friendships, Bellairs appears to have no idea when it comes to women. He could also learn to round off a story satisfactorily rather than simply stopping when the action finishes.
For all that, there’s easily enough to bring me back for more!
On the negative side, Littlejohn’s relationship with his wife, Is so awkward it would be better left out. While he creates easy, natural and reader-friendly male friendships, Bellairs appears to have no idea when it comes to women. He could also learn to round off a story satisfactorily rather than simply stopping when the action finishes.
For all that, there’s easily enough to bring me back for more!
September 17, 2025
Amazon math.
Amazon assures me this is the 38th book in a series of 27. I've read and reviewed 31 books (in the series of 27) and have some left. I'm unable to explain this confusion, but Amazon is NEVER wrong, so it must be me.
Superintendent Littlejohn is vacationing on the Isle of Man with his wife Letty and dog Meg. As always, there's a murder while he's there. Either there are a LOT of murders on this sparsely-populated, mostly rural island or having a Scotland Yard Supervisor around brings out the competitive spirit in the local criminal element.
I like Littlejohn, but if I lived on the Isle of Man, I wouldn't leave my house if he was visiting. Nor would I open the door to anyone - friend, foe, or stranger. The honor of being the murder victim in an investigation headed by a famous Metropolitan Police Superintendent isn't worth it to me.
This murder is a puzzler for Littlejohn, local CID Inspector Knell, and the Venerable Archdeacon Caesar KInrade, the Littlejohns' friend and host. The elderly parson is revered for his saintliness, but he loves a good murder investigation. Knowing everyone on the Isle (having baptised, married, and buried several generations of local families) he's a big help to the police.
A man is known by the company he keeps, but not everyone is a good judge of character. A young man from "Over" arrives to spend his vacation with his aunt. On the boat he's picked up by a Teddy Boy (small-time thug) named Alf Cryer. Cryer is older and more sophisticated and his new friend is flattered by his attention. He fails to realize that Cryer is using him to get past the Isle's tight security system designed to keep out criminals like Alf.
Cryer isn't the good buddy he promised to be and he's caught with a stolen wallet Theft is a bad rap, but when the owner has been murdered, it's even worse. Needless to say, Alf puts all the blame on his gullible new acquaintance. Luckily, the boy has an alibi and it's Cryer who's arrested and held.
It would be easy to convict Cryer for the murder, but Littlejohn and Knell think he's too shrewd to murder for petty cash when there's no shortage of drunks with easy-to-lift wallets. They're also puzzled that the victim (a respectable middle-aged bachelor who never drinks alcohol) has been spending so much time at a local pub. The pub owner claims his pretty young daughter is the attraction, but the girl denies it. What's going on?
The murdered man is a member of an old island farming family. Ballacroake is a prosperous farm and they're frugal people. Through the generations, the family has collected priceless antique furniture and ornaments that make the local antique dealer's mouth water. However, they don't need the money and refuse all offers for their family heirlooms.
Before the murder, the family consisted of three ageing bachelor brothers, their spinster sister, and the young son of their late brother. One brother drinks too much, but they get along well with each other and are liked and respected by their neighbors.
The precious family heirlooms are the joy of Miss Bridget, who cares for them like a fond mother. Everyone loves Bridget, but she's had a difficult life. She was prevented from marrying the man she loved because he was an employee of the family and not of their class. She was close to her brother John Croake and his murder devasted her. And she recently saw a doctor and got bad news.
Littlejohn, Knell, and the Archdeacon all believe that Croake's murder wasn't random, but the result of a personal vendetta. They patiently talk to people, pooling their results, and sharing their theories. If they can figure out who had a hold on John Croake, they may learn what was being demanded of him.
Every family has secrets and the Croakes are no exception. One of John Croake's secrets made him vulnerable to particularly vicious criminals. Not only was he blackmailed, he was forced to make payments in the most humiliating way possible. When he tried to break the hold, his tormentors killed him.
I love the Littlejohn mysteries set on the Isle of Man. The English bank manager who wrote under the name "George Bellairs" vacationed there every year and settled there when he retired. He died there at a ripe old age.
Usually I scream if a mystery writer wastes my time on scenic descriptions, but this author's love of the island makes his praise of its beauties charming and touching instead of cloying or irritating. I like Littlejohn better with every book I read about him. Inspector Knell is a fine young policeman. And Archdeacon Kinrade is a wonderful character, combining goodness with a no-nonsense personality and a deep understanding of human nature.
They're a fine investigative team and they share traditional values about violent crime and the appropriate punishments.. OK, punishing the guilty won't bring back the victims. We know that punishment (regardless of how harsh) has little benefit in preventing crime. Human nature being what it is, greed and arrogance are frequently stronger than fear of disgrace and punishment.
I still believe we should punish the guilty. It's the right thing to do and we owe justice to victims and those who loved them. Littlejohn, Knell, and Archdeacon Kinrade are kind-hearted, compassionate men, but they reserve their sympathy for the innocent, not the guilty. Which is as it should be and why I prefer old mysteries to newer ones.
Amazon assures me this is the 38th book in a series of 27. I've read and reviewed 31 books (in the series of 27) and have some left. I'm unable to explain this confusion, but Amazon is NEVER wrong, so it must be me.
Superintendent Littlejohn is vacationing on the Isle of Man with his wife Letty and dog Meg. As always, there's a murder while he's there. Either there are a LOT of murders on this sparsely-populated, mostly rural island or having a Scotland Yard Supervisor around brings out the competitive spirit in the local criminal element.
I like Littlejohn, but if I lived on the Isle of Man, I wouldn't leave my house if he was visiting. Nor would I open the door to anyone - friend, foe, or stranger. The honor of being the murder victim in an investigation headed by a famous Metropolitan Police Superintendent isn't worth it to me.
This murder is a puzzler for Littlejohn, local CID Inspector Knell, and the Venerable Archdeacon Caesar KInrade, the Littlejohns' friend and host. The elderly parson is revered for his saintliness, but he loves a good murder investigation. Knowing everyone on the Isle (having baptised, married, and buried several generations of local families) he's a big help to the police.
A man is known by the company he keeps, but not everyone is a good judge of character. A young man from "Over" arrives to spend his vacation with his aunt. On the boat he's picked up by a Teddy Boy (small-time thug) named Alf Cryer. Cryer is older and more sophisticated and his new friend is flattered by his attention. He fails to realize that Cryer is using him to get past the Isle's tight security system designed to keep out criminals like Alf.
Cryer isn't the good buddy he promised to be and he's caught with a stolen wallet Theft is a bad rap, but when the owner has been murdered, it's even worse. Needless to say, Alf puts all the blame on his gullible new acquaintance. Luckily, the boy has an alibi and it's Cryer who's arrested and held.
It would be easy to convict Cryer for the murder, but Littlejohn and Knell think he's too shrewd to murder for petty cash when there's no shortage of drunks with easy-to-lift wallets. They're also puzzled that the victim (a respectable middle-aged bachelor who never drinks alcohol) has been spending so much time at a local pub. The pub owner claims his pretty young daughter is the attraction, but the girl denies it. What's going on?
The murdered man is a member of an old island farming family. Ballacroake is a prosperous farm and they're frugal people. Through the generations, the family has collected priceless antique furniture and ornaments that make the local antique dealer's mouth water. However, they don't need the money and refuse all offers for their family heirlooms.
Before the murder, the family consisted of three ageing bachelor brothers, their spinster sister, and the young son of their late brother. One brother drinks too much, but they get along well with each other and are liked and respected by their neighbors.
The precious family heirlooms are the joy of Miss Bridget, who cares for them like a fond mother. Everyone loves Bridget, but she's had a difficult life. She was prevented from marrying the man she loved because he was an employee of the family and not of their class. She was close to her brother John Croake and his murder devasted her. And she recently saw a doctor and got bad news.
Littlejohn, Knell, and the Archdeacon all believe that Croake's murder wasn't random, but the result of a personal vendetta. They patiently talk to people, pooling their results, and sharing their theories. If they can figure out who had a hold on John Croake, they may learn what was being demanded of him.
Every family has secrets and the Croakes are no exception. One of John Croake's secrets made him vulnerable to particularly vicious criminals. Not only was he blackmailed, he was forced to make payments in the most humiliating way possible. When he tried to break the hold, his tormentors killed him.
I love the Littlejohn mysteries set on the Isle of Man. The English bank manager who wrote under the name "George Bellairs" vacationed there every year and settled there when he retired. He died there at a ripe old age.
Usually I scream if a mystery writer wastes my time on scenic descriptions, but this author's love of the island makes his praise of its beauties charming and touching instead of cloying or irritating. I like Littlejohn better with every book I read about him. Inspector Knell is a fine young policeman. And Archdeacon Kinrade is a wonderful character, combining goodness with a no-nonsense personality and a deep understanding of human nature.
They're a fine investigative team and they share traditional values about violent crime and the appropriate punishments.. OK, punishing the guilty won't bring back the victims. We know that punishment (regardless of how harsh) has little benefit in preventing crime. Human nature being what it is, greed and arrogance are frequently stronger than fear of disgrace and punishment.
I still believe we should punish the guilty. It's the right thing to do and we owe justice to victims and those who loved them. Littlejohn, Knell, and Archdeacon Kinrade are kind-hearted, compassionate men, but they reserve their sympathy for the innocent, not the guilty. Which is as it should be and why I prefer old mysteries to newer ones.
August 19, 2018
My thanks to Ipso Books and Crime Classics Advanced Readers Club for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. This piece of classic detective fiction by George Bellairs was first published in 1962, well within my living memory and it’s always a delight to read one of his books. This time we get to see the brasher, cheap holiday side of his beloved Isle of Man as well as it’s beauty which he normally enjoys showing us. The book opens with two dubious young lads coming across on the ferry from Liverpool, one of whom is soon arrested for the murder. There is reference to the holiday making crowds in almost every chapter and some of the action centres on a small tourist pub in the capital, Douglas. But by contrast there is still plenty of the idyllic island scenery, particularly inland, which Bellairs is so adept at describing. And wealthy old established families feature heavily, as well as Superintendent Littlejohn’s old friend the Archdeacon, with whom he and his wife are conveniently holidaying. And of course there is again Inspector Knell of the Manx Police, who is Littlejohn’s “in” to the crime committed and who always welcomes his help. Police methods have certainly moved on. But this leisurely pace fits well with the relaxed holiday feel of the Island. Whilst revived post war crime fiction may not be to everyone’s taste, for me George Bellairs can do no wrong and is a wonderful foil to today’s action packed, often brutal crime novels.
July 15, 2017
Somewhat disappointing Littlejohn murder investigation.
The Superintendent and his wife are on holiday, staying with Archdeacon Kinrade on the Isle of Man, when John Charles Croake. a prominent Manxman is murdered.The perpetrator appears to be a visiting teddy-boy but Littlejohn is sceptical.
Croake has recently been acting out of character. He was an abstainer, but had taken to visiting a local inn, an elderly bachelor recently paying attention to a much younger woman and taking a sudden interest in the family's priceless porcelain collection.
The inquiry uncovers old family secrets, thefts and blackmail before the murder is solved-although the evidence is unclear.
This book lacks Bellairs' usual delights. There is little humour, few character sketches, no descriptions of landscape and buildings. The most one gets is a feeling of what the Isle of Man was like at the height of the tourist season in the 1960's and a little more insight into Mrs Littlejohn whose knowledge of porcelain plays a vital part.
The Superintendent and his wife are on holiday, staying with Archdeacon Kinrade on the Isle of Man, when John Charles Croake. a prominent Manxman is murdered.The perpetrator appears to be a visiting teddy-boy but Littlejohn is sceptical.
Croake has recently been acting out of character. He was an abstainer, but had taken to visiting a local inn, an elderly bachelor recently paying attention to a much younger woman and taking a sudden interest in the family's priceless porcelain collection.
The inquiry uncovers old family secrets, thefts and blackmail before the murder is solved-although the evidence is unclear.
This book lacks Bellairs' usual delights. There is little humour, few character sketches, no descriptions of landscape and buildings. The most one gets is a feeling of what the Isle of Man was like at the height of the tourist season in the 1960's and a little more insight into Mrs Littlejohn whose knowledge of porcelain plays a vital part.
July 11, 2018
Littlejohn and his wife are visiting the Arch-Deacon on the Isle of Mann. Alf, a no-good from Liverpool arrives on the ferry where he has sort of stuck to Sid in order to get by the police, soon dumps Sid. Alf steals the wallet of an old man and soon finds himself arrested for murder when John Croake dies of a knife wound and the wallet is found on Alf. Littlejohn is asked to help investigate and soon realizes that Alf did not commit murder and the murder must have something to do with the Croake family. After John Croake's sister hangs herself, he knows the deaths are related. When his wife looks at the very valuable Meissen collections and realizes the ones on the back of the shelf are modern copies, he believes there is blackmail going on. The story is well told, and Littlejohn and the Arch-Deacon do some pretty good sleuthing. Catching the culprits at the end is a little difficult, but Littlejohn is a pro and Knell, the local cop does his part.
July 13, 2017
Another great book in the Littlejohn series, plus the discovery of a secret weapon used to crack this case. They story starts with two lads who I meet on the morning boat to The Isle of Mann, both have different experiences. Littlejohn is on his summer break and staying with his good friend the Arch Deacon, he also has his wife Letty who is more than just there for the ride but gets to star in this case along with the Arch Deacon and Inspector Knell. Yes the secret weapon is his Wife Letty who is a major help to Littlejohn and adds to the story. You also find George Bellairs has his share of twists and turns plus his wonderful humour that adds to this special book of the great British detective from Scotland Yard. I really enjoyed this book its easy to read and recommend it to you.
September 24, 2018
Inspector Littlejohn Mystery
This isn't one of George Bellairs's best mysteries, but it's still a darn good whodunit. Two members of a respected Isle of Man family die within days: one stabbed and one hanged. Inspector Littlejohn of Scotland Yard is vacationing on the island as a guest of his octogenarian friend, the Archdeacon. As is often the case, Littlejohn is called in unofficially to help the local police; and, the Archdeacon smooths the way with the locals. Bellaire obviously loved the Isle of Man and his descriptions of it are beautifully detailed and read like a travelogue. You wish you were there, absent the dead Croakes.
This isn't one of George Bellairs's best mysteries, but it's still a darn good whodunit. Two members of a respected Isle of Man family die within days: one stabbed and one hanged. Inspector Littlejohn of Scotland Yard is vacationing on the island as a guest of his octogenarian friend, the Archdeacon. As is often the case, Littlejohn is called in unofficially to help the local police; and, the Archdeacon smooths the way with the locals. Bellaire obviously loved the Isle of Man and his descriptions of it are beautifully detailed and read like a travelogue. You wish you were there, absent the dead Croakes.
September 11, 2020
Another Enjoyable Mystery by George Bellairs
This mystery is situated in the Isle of Mann, one of Bellairs' favorite places in real life as he frequently vacationed there as also does his Inspector Littlejohn in this and other mysteries. His knowledge of the island and it's people shines through making this an enjoyable read. The Tormentors is a story of unrequited love and how it leads to murder. There's many twists and turns so it retained my interest and made me want to read another Bellairs ' mystery when I finished.
This mystery is situated in the Isle of Mann, one of Bellairs' favorite places in real life as he frequently vacationed there as also does his Inspector Littlejohn in this and other mysteries. His knowledge of the island and it's people shines through making this an enjoyable read. The Tormentors is a story of unrequited love and how it leads to murder. There's many twists and turns so it retained my interest and made me want to read another Bellairs ' mystery when I finished.
December 27, 2018
A typical ex-con has been arrested to the death of an elderly man on the Isle of Man. Inspector Littlejohn is on vacation, but is asked to help figure out what really happened. This brings them to the elderly man's home and family. Can they get to the bottom of the mystery?
Fairly Good Police Procedural but not WOW!!
Fairly Good Police Procedural but not WOW!!
May 19, 2018
Love it when Bellairs sets Littlejohn down on the Isle of Man for a visit. There is always a murder when he comes to visit. This one is one of the author's best yet and would have rated five stars except for the ending. George never learned the lesson about great endings. He just tends to go on and on. But nevertheless, this is a great read. Almost like taking a Manx holiday yourself.
July 25, 2018
This was my first Littlejohn mystery. Enjoyed the location, never read a book located on the Isle of Man. It started with a teddy boy being accused of the murder of one of the founding families, the Croakes. We then shift to learning about the slightly excentic family with secrets. Not a complex plot but an enjoyable read. Planning on keeping Littlejohn on my TBR list.
October 23, 2020
Good one.
I like this series: the people and the stories. And the info re Manx. The local customs. Imagine a funeral for a man...only men may attend. Apparently that was considered acceptable at that time. The detectives wife is around, but gets little press...just popping in when needed. Only men count. Makes me think of Victorian men like Chesterton, Lewis and Tolkien.
I like this series: the people and the stories. And the info re Manx. The local customs. Imagine a funeral for a man...only men may attend. Apparently that was considered acceptable at that time. The detectives wife is around, but gets little press...just popping in when needed. Only men count. Makes me think of Victorian men like Chesterton, Lewis and Tolkien.
July 17, 2018
Another good Littlejohn mystery, again set on the Isle of Man, the author's home in later life.
The problem with summarising a mystery story is that it;s so easy to give the game way. Suffice it to say that, if you've enjoyed ANY of the author's other books, you'll enjoy this one.
The problem with summarising a mystery story is that it;s so easy to give the game way. Suffice it to say that, if you've enjoyed ANY of the author's other books, you'll enjoy this one.
July 30, 2018
Such an excellent book. Very well written and most engaging. Love that there is so much detail in conversation and location descriptions. Highly recommend. I received a copy from Crime Classics. Opinions are my own.
June 24, 2024
A death during an apparent street mugging grows into a very complicated (not to say both baroque and gothic!) murder and blackmail case involving the victim’s rich, prominent and troubled family.
As the housekeeper points out, whenever Littlejohn visits the Isle of Man the crime rate goes up. The ending is a bit of a car crash.
As the housekeeper points out, whenever Littlejohn visits the Isle of Man the crime rate goes up. The ending is a bit of a car crash.
July 28, 2018
Another great story from George. I really enjoyed this story. I would definitely recommend it, as it gives an insight into a by gone era. Now for the next one.
December 31, 2018
Kindle Unlimited
November 3, 2021
Bait & Switch???
Download from Amazon Kindle only had 245 pages! What happened to the rest of the story? Even for free it was not a good experience.
Download from Amazon Kindle only had 245 pages! What happened to the rest of the story? Even for free it was not a good experience.
January 23, 2022
Excellent, as always.
February 2, 2026
Another fun manx mystery
June 27, 2019
Enjoyable escapades on Man
Perhaps not the best but still an enjoyable read with Littlejohn back on the Isle of Man with his friend the Archbishop and his wife.
A respected islander is attacked as he leaves a pub. Family secrets from years ago, blackmail, forgeries, another death and Littlejohn getting caught up in a violent chase make for an interesting read.
Perhaps not the best but still an enjoyable read with Littlejohn back on the Isle of Man with his friend the Archbishop and his wife.
A respected islander is attacked as he leaves a pub. Family secrets from years ago, blackmail, forgeries, another death and Littlejohn getting caught up in a violent chase make for an interesting read.
December 23, 2021
When a yob is picked up for the murder of a man, he admits to trying to mug him but denies murder. Soon inspector Littlejohn is trying to figure out who the real killer is and if the police have got the wrong guy- not matter how awful he may be! A later Littlejohn, and it’s not quite as good as some of the early ones but it has an interesting sense of the time it is set in.
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