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Chief Inspector Littlejohn #17
Crime In Leper's Hollow
‘The House in the Lepers’ Hollow. That’s what it was called. How right they were… the whole place seems unclean…diseased…rotten.’
And in this eerie winter mystery, Inspector Littlejohn uncovers just how dark and rotten Beyle House really is…
Set on having a relaxing holiday in Tilsey, Littlejohn once again finds himself pulled into a local investigation. When local judge Nicholas Crake is found dead in his home, Littlejohn and Cromwell have the difficult task of sifting out the murderer from a mass of motives. Could Crake’s faithless wife have had the means? Or his strange brother-in-law? Or what of the Superintendent who seems to be doing more to impede the case than solve it?
Filled with family secrets, old grudges, and more than one dead body, Littlejohn must unravel a web of deceit to get to the bottom of this case.
Crime in Lepers’ Hollow was first published in 1952.
Reviews
‘One of the subtlest and wittiest practitioners of the simon-pure British detective story’ — The New York Times
‘Mr Bellairs always gives good value’ — The Sunday Times
‘Pure British detective story’ — The New York Times
‘Head and shoulders above the average of our day’ — Madison Capital Times
And in this eerie winter mystery, Inspector Littlejohn uncovers just how dark and rotten Beyle House really is…
Set on having a relaxing holiday in Tilsey, Littlejohn once again finds himself pulled into a local investigation. When local judge Nicholas Crake is found dead in his home, Littlejohn and Cromwell have the difficult task of sifting out the murderer from a mass of motives. Could Crake’s faithless wife have had the means? Or his strange brother-in-law? Or what of the Superintendent who seems to be doing more to impede the case than solve it?
Filled with family secrets, old grudges, and more than one dead body, Littlejohn must unravel a web of deceit to get to the bottom of this case.
Crime in Lepers’ Hollow was first published in 1952.
Reviews
‘One of the subtlest and wittiest practitioners of the simon-pure British detective story’ — The New York Times
‘Mr Bellairs always gives good value’ — The Sunday Times
‘Pure British detective story’ — The New York Times
‘Head and shoulders above the average of our day’ — Madison Capital Times
298 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1952
161 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
George Bellairs
73 books101 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 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 28, 2019
After the so-so Turmoil in Zion, what a relief to once again encounter Detective Inspector Thomas Littlejohn! George Bellairs’ wit and suspense really shines when Littlejohn and his sidekick, Sergeant Robert Cromwell, are at work; Turmoil in Zion’s Superintendent Nankivell wasn’t quite up to snuff.
In Crime in Lepers’ Hollow, Littlejohn and Cromwell are investigating a series of deaths involving a very dysfunctional family and a tumbledown manor. The village of Tilsey has more secrets than an afternoon soap opera! But the writing never becomes silly or over the top, a testament to Bellairs’ prowess. He includes more twists and surprises than usual in this, the 17th novel in the series, so readers will love every single page. Newbies to the series should be able to delight in this 1950s cozy (which is much more modern than you’d expect) without feeling they’re missing anything.
As icing on this delicious cozy cake, the book is free for subscribers to Kindle Unlimited.
In Crime in Lepers’ Hollow, Littlejohn and Cromwell are investigating a series of deaths involving a very dysfunctional family and a tumbledown manor. The village of Tilsey has more secrets than an afternoon soap opera! But the writing never becomes silly or over the top, a testament to Bellairs’ prowess. He includes more twists and surprises than usual in this, the 17th novel in the series, so readers will love every single page. Newbies to the series should be able to delight in this 1950s cozy (which is much more modern than you’d expect) without feeling they’re missing anything.
As icing on this delicious cozy cake, the book is free for subscribers to Kindle Unlimited.
November 22, 2023
So read this as a “semi” start on holiday mysteries. This starts just before Christmas and the holiday isn’t really involved too much. There is a great deal of festive drinking though. At first it comes off as a bit fuddled for Insp. Littlejohn and you the reader. Though as things progress you are more acclimated to the really odd situation that is the Nicholas Crake family etc…. And the more you think you have the right suspect- oops they end up out of the running. A complicated situation that has each thread followed through. Cromwell (Littlejohn’s right hand man) is also there to assist which adds a great deal of humor as well to the story.
By halfway point - I was glued to finishing the story. Can’t say too much about the mystery without ruining too much of the surprises that take place. Is this a Christmas mystery, not much. Does it matter- no the mystery is still good. I do like Bellairs’ writing style as well. He has written other mysteries that take place during winter holidays that are more festive in nature (or as festive as a murder mystery can be.)
By halfway point - I was glued to finishing the story. Can’t say too much about the mystery without ruining too much of the surprises that take place. Is this a Christmas mystery, not much. Does it matter- no the mystery is still good. I do like Bellairs’ writing style as well. He has written other mysteries that take place during winter holidays that are more festive in nature (or as festive as a murder mystery can be.)
January 20, 2019
5 stars
Nicholas Crake dies under mysterious circumstances. His wife Dulcie Crake, of Spanish origin, is a classic. She sleeps around and flirts with any man she happens upon. Her behavior following the death of Nicholas is very odd. Dulcie's brother Bernard fancies himself an alchemist and experiments on animals. The daughter Nita is the one who breaks into dramatic scenes and has very mercurial emotions. She was very close to her father Nicholas, but is highly dramatic. Her brother Alec is a self-indulgent, spoiled mama's boy.
Inspector Littlejohn and his wife are spending the Christmas holidays of 1952 at a retired Scotland Yard Chief Constable Shelldrake's home in Tilsey when he and his dog happen upon the sight of a young woman fainting. He carries her inside the nearby home where he happens upon a storm of accusations and dramatic scenes. Dulcie Crake has been murdered. There Littlejohn meets the police officer in charge named Simpole who acts officious and is more than a little abrupt.
Littlejohn returns to Shelldrake's and learns that he is now in charge of the investigation of not only Dulcie Crake's murder, but also her husband Nicholas Crake's suspicious death just days earlier. Inspector Lttlejohn is joined by his Sergeant Cromwell. They begin to investigate the case and learn of the extreme “eccentricities” of the Crake family. Patiently following the clues, Littlejohn and Cromwell uncover scandalous secrets and torrid affairs. In a dramatic conclusion, they catch a killer.
This is an enjoyable old time mystery. I really like the Litlejohn/Cromwell mysteries. They make a fine pair. Littlejohn is intelligent and determined in a time before all the added benefits of the forensic sciences and computers available today. It is a refreshing view of a police procedural. I am very much looking forward to the re-release of the next Littlejohn mystery.
I want to thank NetGalley and Agora Books for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review.
Nicholas Crake dies under mysterious circumstances. His wife Dulcie Crake, of Spanish origin, is a classic. She sleeps around and flirts with any man she happens upon. Her behavior following the death of Nicholas is very odd. Dulcie's brother Bernard fancies himself an alchemist and experiments on animals. The daughter Nita is the one who breaks into dramatic scenes and has very mercurial emotions. She was very close to her father Nicholas, but is highly dramatic. Her brother Alec is a self-indulgent, spoiled mama's boy.
Inspector Littlejohn and his wife are spending the Christmas holidays of 1952 at a retired Scotland Yard Chief Constable Shelldrake's home in Tilsey when he and his dog happen upon the sight of a young woman fainting. He carries her inside the nearby home where he happens upon a storm of accusations and dramatic scenes. Dulcie Crake has been murdered. There Littlejohn meets the police officer in charge named Simpole who acts officious and is more than a little abrupt.
Littlejohn returns to Shelldrake's and learns that he is now in charge of the investigation of not only Dulcie Crake's murder, but also her husband Nicholas Crake's suspicious death just days earlier. Inspector Lttlejohn is joined by his Sergeant Cromwell. They begin to investigate the case and learn of the extreme “eccentricities” of the Crake family. Patiently following the clues, Littlejohn and Cromwell uncover scandalous secrets and torrid affairs. In a dramatic conclusion, they catch a killer.
This is an enjoyable old time mystery. I really like the Litlejohn/Cromwell mysteries. They make a fine pair. Littlejohn is intelligent and determined in a time before all the added benefits of the forensic sciences and computers available today. It is a refreshing view of a police procedural. I am very much looking forward to the re-release of the next Littlejohn mystery.
I want to thank NetGalley and Agora Books for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review.
May 20, 2021
Four and a half stars.
Good old George. This is all I want from a detective story. Interesting and unusual plot with the author creating a really atmospheric and eerie feeling about the house at Lepers Hollow. As usual, he has some brilliantly witty character descriptions which, although they don't really add to the story, do give me great pleasure. Littlejohn & Cromwell are a very likeable pair of coppers showing humanity as well as dogged perseverance to solve the crimes.
I first read this many years ago: my second GB book after The Cursing Stones Murder. I enjoyed it then and I have just enjoyed even more this time.
Highly recommended.
Good old George. This is all I want from a detective story. Interesting and unusual plot with the author creating a really atmospheric and eerie feeling about the house at Lepers Hollow. As usual, he has some brilliantly witty character descriptions which, although they don't really add to the story, do give me great pleasure. Littlejohn & Cromwell are a very likeable pair of coppers showing humanity as well as dogged perseverance to solve the crimes.
I first read this many years ago: my second GB book after The Cursing Stones Murder. I enjoyed it then and I have just enjoyed even more this time.
Highly recommended.
January 5, 2020
Bellairs is good. Yes, the plot was convoluted, and yes, the busman’s holiday notion is a bit hackneyed but I enjoyed every sentence of this book. It engaged me immediately and unfolded elegantly. I’ve been saving a little stash of Bellairs books and pulled this out in the midst of a 40C+ heatwave. It was worth waiting for.
June 2, 2025
Sibling relationships come in all flavors.
What's sadder, a brother and sister who hate each other bitterly or siblings so emotionally co-dependent that their relationship dominates their lives? This book has three sets of brothers and sisters and they run the gamut from implacable hatred to almost incestuous love.
Nicholas Crake and his sister Beatrice are devoted, but life hasn't turned out as they expected. Once their family mansion Beyle House was beautifully maintained, inside and out. Now it's shabby and the grounds are returning to wilderness.
Life is difficult in post-WWII England, where taxes are high and the servants needed to maintain a huge house and grounds are unaffordable. Still, everyone agrees that the biggest problem is Nick Crake's wife Dulcie.
That marriage was a shock to Beatrice, who would have happily lived with her brother and cared for him and the house. Instead, Nick fell in love with a passionate, emotionally unstable woman whose need for drama and admiration have led her into multiple affairs. Her extravagance keeps him struggling financially.
Why doesn't he divorce her? He's a judge and a divorce would harm his career in a conservative rural community. And there are two children - son Alex and daughter Nita. After the shock of Nick's marriage, Beatrice married a local lawyer. Dulcie cares nothing about the pain and humiliation she causes her husband, but his sister cares deeply. And then Beatrice's husband becomes one of the men pulled in by Dulcie's wild sexuality and passionate nature. Beatrice has no children and is considering divorce.
Dulcie has her own sibling, her strange brother Bernard. Bernard failed to become a professional musician and shows no interest in practicing medicine, although he attended medical school in his native Spain. He becomes a permanent guest in his sister's home and Nick Crake can't dislodge him. Dulcie claims she needs him to treat her periodic breakdowns. As usual, peace-loving Nick gives in and Uncle Bernard stays, busying himself with mysterious "research" and hiding a secret he acquired after Franco and the Fascists took control of Spain
The third siblings are Nick and Dulcie Crake's children - Alex and Nita. Dulcie adores her son and despises her daughter. The siblings are polar opposites. Nita trained as a nurse and has her father's sensitivity and sense of responsibility. Alex has his mother's sexual magnetism, a drinking problem, and no inclination to work. Is there a logical explanation for their differences and what will happen to them when Nick is no longer able to provide for them?
Nick becomes ill and insists on being taken to his sister's house. He has pneumonia and the doctor prescribes rest, quiet, and warmth. He's in good hands with Beatrice, but Dulcie shows up and takes charge. The next day, Nick dies. Rumors start that Dulcie killed her husband by removing his clothes and blankets and opening the windows.
Before that can be sorted out, there's another shocking death and this time it's definitely murder. With so many emotional currents in the family it's not surprising that Nick's death sets off a chain reaction that leaves six more people dead and one permanently committed to a mental institution.
The local Chief of Police is angered when Scotland Yard is called in, but he's one of Dulcie's conquests and has misused his power to protect her in the past. Inspector Littlejohn and Sargeant Cromwell come down from London and start investigating both deaths, but soon there's a third. Will any of the family stay alive long enough for Littlejohn and Cromwell to find out which one has gone on a murderous spree and why? For that matter, are they dealing with one murderer or several?
The charm of these books is the author's deep knowledge of life in small towns and the problems that plague both the wealthy and educated and the poor and illiterate. "George Bellairs" was a long-time bank manager and his job meant that he knew secrets about everyone in town across all socio-economic levels.
Bank managers are supposed to be tight-fisted, hard-hearted men who think of nothing but the bottom line, but this one was sensitive to the hardships suffered by people in a wide range of circumstances. He felt sorry for families like the Crakes who were fighting a losing battle trying to maintain family estates. He also worried about the Chief of Police's landlady and the political decisions that had caused her to fall into poverty.
Littlejohn and Cromwell go about their investigation as they always do, calmly and methodically. They have great respect for each other and their pooling of information and hunches makes them more successful than their colleagues who are jealously striving for credit and promotion. It also gives them the flexibility to react quickly when there are unexpected developments. The Crake family may have many fine qualities, but all share a tendency to do the unexpected, which makes the investigation complex and sometimes nerve-wracking.
Because of the many sub-plots that muddy the waters, this is not my favorite of the Inspector Littlejohn books. It's still a good read in a well-written series of mysteries. Warning: George Bellairs' books sold well, but he wasn't a superstar like Christie or Sayers. The story is that he was a modest man who was taken advantage of by both publishers and public relations companies.
There were years when his books were virtually forgotten and information was lost. Wanting to read the series in order, I consulted several sites that list the books in order of publications. Unfortunately, every one of them has a different story. Oddly, Amazon insists that the series has twenty-seven books, although there are forty-two Kindle books that feature Inspector Littlejohn.
I like to read a series in order because I get a stronger feel for the recurring characters and because I enjoy a story more if I know when it's set. However, I'm willing to be flexible in the interests of enjoying this charming series. Bellairs cranked out a book every year. If you can date a book within a decade, you'll be OK.
The Bellairs books are lost treasures. I'm glad I lived long enough to enjoy the Kindle versions.
What's sadder, a brother and sister who hate each other bitterly or siblings so emotionally co-dependent that their relationship dominates their lives? This book has three sets of brothers and sisters and they run the gamut from implacable hatred to almost incestuous love.
Nicholas Crake and his sister Beatrice are devoted, but life hasn't turned out as they expected. Once their family mansion Beyle House was beautifully maintained, inside and out. Now it's shabby and the grounds are returning to wilderness.
Life is difficult in post-WWII England, where taxes are high and the servants needed to maintain a huge house and grounds are unaffordable. Still, everyone agrees that the biggest problem is Nick Crake's wife Dulcie.
That marriage was a shock to Beatrice, who would have happily lived with her brother and cared for him and the house. Instead, Nick fell in love with a passionate, emotionally unstable woman whose need for drama and admiration have led her into multiple affairs. Her extravagance keeps him struggling financially.
Why doesn't he divorce her? He's a judge and a divorce would harm his career in a conservative rural community. And there are two children - son Alex and daughter Nita. After the shock of Nick's marriage, Beatrice married a local lawyer. Dulcie cares nothing about the pain and humiliation she causes her husband, but his sister cares deeply. And then Beatrice's husband becomes one of the men pulled in by Dulcie's wild sexuality and passionate nature. Beatrice has no children and is considering divorce.
Dulcie has her own sibling, her strange brother Bernard. Bernard failed to become a professional musician and shows no interest in practicing medicine, although he attended medical school in his native Spain. He becomes a permanent guest in his sister's home and Nick Crake can't dislodge him. Dulcie claims she needs him to treat her periodic breakdowns. As usual, peace-loving Nick gives in and Uncle Bernard stays, busying himself with mysterious "research" and hiding a secret he acquired after Franco and the Fascists took control of Spain
The third siblings are Nick and Dulcie Crake's children - Alex and Nita. Dulcie adores her son and despises her daughter. The siblings are polar opposites. Nita trained as a nurse and has her father's sensitivity and sense of responsibility. Alex has his mother's sexual magnetism, a drinking problem, and no inclination to work. Is there a logical explanation for their differences and what will happen to them when Nick is no longer able to provide for them?
Nick becomes ill and insists on being taken to his sister's house. He has pneumonia and the doctor prescribes rest, quiet, and warmth. He's in good hands with Beatrice, but Dulcie shows up and takes charge. The next day, Nick dies. Rumors start that Dulcie killed her husband by removing his clothes and blankets and opening the windows.
Before that can be sorted out, there's another shocking death and this time it's definitely murder. With so many emotional currents in the family it's not surprising that Nick's death sets off a chain reaction that leaves six more people dead and one permanently committed to a mental institution.
The local Chief of Police is angered when Scotland Yard is called in, but he's one of Dulcie's conquests and has misused his power to protect her in the past. Inspector Littlejohn and Sargeant Cromwell come down from London and start investigating both deaths, but soon there's a third. Will any of the family stay alive long enough for Littlejohn and Cromwell to find out which one has gone on a murderous spree and why? For that matter, are they dealing with one murderer or several?
The charm of these books is the author's deep knowledge of life in small towns and the problems that plague both the wealthy and educated and the poor and illiterate. "George Bellairs" was a long-time bank manager and his job meant that he knew secrets about everyone in town across all socio-economic levels.
Bank managers are supposed to be tight-fisted, hard-hearted men who think of nothing but the bottom line, but this one was sensitive to the hardships suffered by people in a wide range of circumstances. He felt sorry for families like the Crakes who were fighting a losing battle trying to maintain family estates. He also worried about the Chief of Police's landlady and the political decisions that had caused her to fall into poverty.
Littlejohn and Cromwell go about their investigation as they always do, calmly and methodically. They have great respect for each other and their pooling of information and hunches makes them more successful than their colleagues who are jealously striving for credit and promotion. It also gives them the flexibility to react quickly when there are unexpected developments. The Crake family may have many fine qualities, but all share a tendency to do the unexpected, which makes the investigation complex and sometimes nerve-wracking.
Because of the many sub-plots that muddy the waters, this is not my favorite of the Inspector Littlejohn books. It's still a good read in a well-written series of mysteries. Warning: George Bellairs' books sold well, but he wasn't a superstar like Christie or Sayers. The story is that he was a modest man who was taken advantage of by both publishers and public relations companies.
There were years when his books were virtually forgotten and information was lost. Wanting to read the series in order, I consulted several sites that list the books in order of publications. Unfortunately, every one of them has a different story. Oddly, Amazon insists that the series has twenty-seven books, although there are forty-two Kindle books that feature Inspector Littlejohn.
I like to read a series in order because I get a stronger feel for the recurring characters and because I enjoy a story more if I know when it's set. However, I'm willing to be flexible in the interests of enjoying this charming series. Bellairs cranked out a book every year. If you can date a book within a decade, you'll be OK.
The Bellairs books are lost treasures. I'm glad I lived long enough to enjoy the Kindle versions.
August 28, 2017
"Nicholas Crake, a just man who loved his fellows, would have been dumbfounded by the overwhelming way in which the gods avenged him! "
So ends Crime in Leper’s Hollow, a dark tale of murders, suicide, blackmail, drug abuse, deception, adultery, alchemy and financial misdeeds, set in the small town of Tilsey whither Inspector Littlejohn has repaired on holiday. A veritable Mayhem Parva!
The book opens with the collapse and subsequent death of Nicholas Crake, a well-respected local judge and owner of a large, gloomy house named Belye. We meet his beautiful, faithless wife, his odd brother-in-law, his faithful sister, his children and the partners in the local firm of lawyers.
All the characters have secrets which are of relevance to the murders which take place.There are wills and trusts to be revealed. Even the local Superintendent is not all that he at first seems.
This 1952 tale is not all horror and darkness. There are lots of delicious Bellairs moments and pen portraits- a Uriah Heep-like lawyer, a tipsy grocer and a Rosetti-esque telephonist among them. And, of course, the ever-diligent Littlejohn, a rock of probity in a sea of wrongdoing.
So ends Crime in Leper’s Hollow, a dark tale of murders, suicide, blackmail, drug abuse, deception, adultery, alchemy and financial misdeeds, set in the small town of Tilsey whither Inspector Littlejohn has repaired on holiday. A veritable Mayhem Parva!
The book opens with the collapse and subsequent death of Nicholas Crake, a well-respected local judge and owner of a large, gloomy house named Belye. We meet his beautiful, faithless wife, his odd brother-in-law, his faithful sister, his children and the partners in the local firm of lawyers.
All the characters have secrets which are of relevance to the murders which take place.There are wills and trusts to be revealed. Even the local Superintendent is not all that he at first seems.
This 1952 tale is not all horror and darkness. There are lots of delicious Bellairs moments and pen portraits- a Uriah Heep-like lawyer, a tipsy grocer and a Rosetti-esque telephonist among them. And, of course, the ever-diligent Littlejohn, a rock of probity in a sea of wrongdoing.
February 19, 2019
You go on holiday with your wife to a nice quiet(!) village to visit an old colleague and the locals start dropping like flies.
Another case for Inspector Littlejohn and Sergeant Cromwell, the ever likeable Scotland Yard pair.
Nicholas Crake, a respectable man with a passionate and unfaithful wife succumbs to pneumonia.
Did Dulcie hasten the end for her husband in his final illness?
What is the hold her strange brother has over her?
Why is the local police sergeant being so unhelpful?
I am thoroughly enjoying working my way through these George Bellairs reissues by Agora Books.He packs a lot into his mysteries, they certainly keep you reading to the end. We went from a natural(?) death to a murder count that Midsomer Murders would be proud of via adultery, vivisection, drug abuse, blackmail, fraud, suicide and a faint hint of incest.
I think these books are to be read with tongue firmly in cheek, but are none the worse for it.
It definitely won’t be my last.
Another case for Inspector Littlejohn and Sergeant Cromwell, the ever likeable Scotland Yard pair.
Nicholas Crake, a respectable man with a passionate and unfaithful wife succumbs to pneumonia.
Did Dulcie hasten the end for her husband in his final illness?
What is the hold her strange brother has over her?
Why is the local police sergeant being so unhelpful?
I am thoroughly enjoying working my way through these George Bellairs reissues by Agora Books.He packs a lot into his mysteries, they certainly keep you reading to the end. We went from a natural(?) death to a murder count that Midsomer Murders would be proud of via adultery, vivisection, drug abuse, blackmail, fraud, suicide and a faint hint of incest.
I think these books are to be read with tongue firmly in cheek, but are none the worse for it.
It definitely won’t be my last.
September 30, 2021
If you like classic British murder/mysteries. The George Bellairs, Littlejohn books are being republished by Agora Books, are well worth reading.
With his characters of Chief Inspector Littlejohn and Sergeant Cromwell, with well written plots, plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and turning the pages right to the end.
This was an enjoyable murder/mystery centred around a strange family and it’s fate.
This is the second time I have read this book in the past few years, and enjoyed it as much as the first time.
I was given this free review copy from Agora Books via Netgalley at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
https://finalchapterreadersgroup.word...
With his characters of Chief Inspector Littlejohn and Sergeant Cromwell, with well written plots, plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and turning the pages right to the end.
This was an enjoyable murder/mystery centred around a strange family and it’s fate.
This is the second time I have read this book in the past few years, and enjoyed it as much as the first time.
I was given this free review copy from Agora Books via Netgalley at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
https://finalchapterreadersgroup.word...
January 25, 2019
I love George Bellairs' writing and am grateful to be on the advanced readier/reviewer list for the novels being republished by his estate. This novel, Crime in Leper's Hollow is a typical Bellairs tale set in an English village with plenty of characters and plenty to keep the police involved. Yet again Littlejohn is on holiday and just falls into the enquiry from the start. What I particularly enjoyed in this book were the little bits that don't really matter to the story. The short biography of the future of a maid who opened the door to the Inspector, and the description of the undelivered mail on the post master's office were totally irrelevant and unnecessary but so very charming because of this.
February 14, 2016
A wonderful old fashioned story about the Crake family, who have been at odds with each other due to jealousies and resentments for a long time.
There have been a number of suspected murders in this family and D I Littlejohn has been tasked to investigate.
If you like classical old style writing, you will love this story.
George Bellairs wrote very straightforward stories with strong independent characters.
The dedication to Goofy his bobtail sheepdog had me in tears, as it reminded me of my lovely Toby, sadly not with me anymore.
Very highly recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Endeavour via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
There have been a number of suspected murders in this family and D I Littlejohn has been tasked to investigate.
If you like classical old style writing, you will love this story.
George Bellairs wrote very straightforward stories with strong independent characters.
The dedication to Goofy his bobtail sheepdog had me in tears, as it reminded me of my lovely Toby, sadly not with me anymore.
Very highly recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Endeavour via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
December 27, 2018
Inspector Littlejohn's holiday in Tilsey is interupted when a local judge is taken ill and dies. Rumors start that his faithless wife murdered him. More deaths follow. Can Littlejohn and Cromwell figure out what is happening?
I like this classic mystery writer. Interesting story. Great inspector.
I like this classic mystery writer. Interesting story. Great inspector.
February 27, 2018
So many killers!
I love these book with Chief Inspector Little JOHN & Sargent Cromwell in them. This one was an exceptional story with so many suspects it was hard to say who the real murderer was. Or were there more than one, or two??
I love these book with Chief Inspector Little JOHN & Sargent Cromwell in them. This one was an exceptional story with so many suspects it was hard to say who the real murderer was. Or were there more than one, or two??
January 30, 2019
Littlejohn is a wonderful mystery character. He is competent without being obtrusive, but always solves the crimes with humor and intelligence.
Judge Nicholas Crake falls with a high fever when out shooting. He asks to be taken to his sister, Beatrice Kent's house rather than his own. However, his wife, Dulcie, immediately rushes to his bedside. He dies of pneumonia the next day. Nicolas and Beatrice have been very close. Unfortunately, Dulcie has had several lovers, including Beatrice's husband Arthur. Shortly after the funeral, Dulcie is found in her home, Beyle, with a knife in her heart. The Crakes had a daughter Nita, and a son Alec, although it seems Alec's father is actually the lawyer for the family, Mr. Trotman. There are further complications as Dulcie's brother, Uncle Bernard has been living with the family, dealing drugs, doing experiments, and hiding from the Spanish police.
Inspector Littlejohn is staying with a former colleague nearby, and just happens to be walking his dog by Beyle, when Nita runs out the door and faints. When he takes her in the house he finds Arthur dead. The local police had already called in Scotland Yard and named Littejohn since he was already there. Thus, Littlejohn already had three murders to solve, and they weren't all. Later, the Superintendent of Police, Simpole, is found in his home, having hung himself. It seems he has also been an admirer of Dulcie, and unable to get his letters back. The major instigators of all this crime are money and love, and it is a complicated task for Littlejohn to learn all!
Judge Nicholas Crake falls with a high fever when out shooting. He asks to be taken to his sister, Beatrice Kent's house rather than his own. However, his wife, Dulcie, immediately rushes to his bedside. He dies of pneumonia the next day. Nicolas and Beatrice have been very close. Unfortunately, Dulcie has had several lovers, including Beatrice's husband Arthur. Shortly after the funeral, Dulcie is found in her home, Beyle, with a knife in her heart. The Crakes had a daughter Nita, and a son Alec, although it seems Alec's father is actually the lawyer for the family, Mr. Trotman. There are further complications as Dulcie's brother, Uncle Bernard has been living with the family, dealing drugs, doing experiments, and hiding from the Spanish police.
Inspector Littlejohn is staying with a former colleague nearby, and just happens to be walking his dog by Beyle, when Nita runs out the door and faints. When he takes her in the house he finds Arthur dead. The local police had already called in Scotland Yard and named Littejohn since he was already there. Thus, Littlejohn already had three murders to solve, and they weren't all. Later, the Superintendent of Police, Simpole, is found in his home, having hung himself. It seems he has also been an admirer of Dulcie, and unable to get his letters back. The major instigators of all this crime are money and love, and it is a complicated task for Littlejohn to learn all!
March 12, 2021
Another Excellent Mystery
George Bellairs had a formula he used in writing his mysteries. That's not a bad thing as the components of the formula are always fresh and new and interesting. He begins with a unique environment in which to locate the murder a.nd unique characters living there. Then he stages the first murder in an unusual way. From there he brings in Inspector Littlejohn who unravels the complex inter-relationships between the characters and the murdered victim. Then more murders occur in unusual ways until Littlejohn understands who the murderer is, his motive and how he did it. I've liked the mysteries Bellairs has written so well, I've decided I'll read all of them.
George Bellairs had a formula he used in writing his mysteries. That's not a bad thing as the components of the formula are always fresh and new and interesting. He begins with a unique environment in which to locate the murder a.nd unique characters living there. Then he stages the first murder in an unusual way. From there he brings in Inspector Littlejohn who unravels the complex inter-relationships between the characters and the murdered victim. Then more murders occur in unusual ways until Littlejohn understands who the murderer is, his motive and how he did it. I've liked the mysteries Bellairs has written so well, I've decided I'll read all of them.
March 2, 2019
This is a reprint of an older story by a great author. Detective Inspector Littlejohn is a tried and true character. This particular story has Littlejohn on vacation and pulled into a crime by just being in the wrong place at the right time. The characters were exceptionally weird but their weirdness just made the story better. As the tale moved along you could’t tell who was suspected and who was innocent so you were waiting for a clue to point you in the right direction. That clue held the reader until the very end. I will read this author again.
Note: I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Note: I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 16, 2019
Inspector Littlejohn is a wonderful crime and mystery character. A man of quiet intelligence and some humour…...less cryptic than Poirot but equally as engaging.
Judge Nicholas Crake falls ill while out shooting, regrettably he dies of pneumonia...then his wife is found murdered…
Inspector Littlejohn is staying nearby on a small holiday…...and so the investigation begins.
With secrets, lies, murders and suicide this is a thrilling classic crime mystery and if you like Agatha Christie and Josephine Tey you’ll love this...
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
Judge Nicholas Crake falls ill while out shooting, regrettably he dies of pneumonia...then his wife is found murdered…
Inspector Littlejohn is staying nearby on a small holiday…...and so the investigation begins.
With secrets, lies, murders and suicide this is a thrilling classic crime mystery and if you like Agatha Christie and Josephine Tey you’ll love this...
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
October 29, 2022
There certainly is evil in Beyle, which used to be known as Leper’s Hollow. Nicholas Crake, a judge and honorable man, seems to have died of pneumonia. However, was his amoral and drug-addicted wife responsible for hurrying his demise along? Or was it his wife Dulcie’s Uncle Bernard, who supplied her drugs, played at alchemy, and was responsible for a major robbery of old Spanish coins years ago? Or was it the lawyer Trotman, who had an affair with Dulcie who had his illegitimate son Alec. Or was it Alec, who had been in love with Trotman’s daughter, before finding out she was his half sister? Quite a tangled web of people doing awful things to each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2022
I discovered George Bellairs a few years ago and have always enjoyed the Littlejohn books, whether set in England, France or the Isle of Man. However, I think he was not really on form when he wrote this one. I have never looked to these books for anything more than escapism, but, normally the characters and plot are at least credible. In this case, I simply found the plot absurd and the characters beyond belief. I finished the book, because it was an easy read and did not take up much of my insomniac life, but I would struggle to think of a reason to recommend it.
March 28, 2018
If I had read this book in Bellair's Inspector Littlejohn series first, I probably would not have read any more. His writing at this point seems almost amateurish compared to his later books. Such a convoluted plot, stilted dialogue and a lot of disjointed commentary. I was completely disappointed. However, I'm going to go back even further in his long career to an earlier book and will see how I make out with it.
P.S. added later:
Let me advise you. If this is the first book you read by Belliar, don't give up. By 1954 he wrote a book starring Inspector Littlejohn entitled "The Cursing Stones Murder" and it is fantastic. He does get better and better as time advances. Even some of his earlier books are better than this one.
P.S. added later:
Let me advise you. If this is the first book you read by Belliar, don't give up. By 1954 he wrote a book starring Inspector Littlejohn entitled "The Cursing Stones Murder" and it is fantastic. He does get better and better as time advances. Even some of his earlier books are better than this one.
December 24, 2019
Excellent
Another excellent book by George Bellairs with his Detectives Inspector Littlejohn and Sergeant Cromwell. Littlejohn is on holiday with his wife staying at a village pub of an old colleague, he us walking his dog when he comes across a young lady running from the grounds of a mansion house distraught at finding her mother dead. Inspector Litlejohn hands over to the local police and returns to his holiday but is soon dispatched to assist in solving the crime.
Another excellent book by George Bellairs with his Detectives Inspector Littlejohn and Sergeant Cromwell. Littlejohn is on holiday with his wife staying at a village pub of an old colleague, he us walking his dog when he comes across a young lady running from the grounds of a mansion house distraught at finding her mother dead. Inspector Litlejohn hands over to the local police and returns to his holiday but is soon dispatched to assist in solving the crime.
January 22, 2020
Really enjoyed this tale of murders and general skullduggery.
Littlejohn comes across a young woman screaming about murder who then faints at his feet.
He and Cromwell find themselves neck deep in weird and mostly unlike-able suspects.
Every time Littlejohn feels he has a handle on the affair it turns on its head.
Great fun to read. Littlejohn and Cromwell are well-rounded characters and the description of the locality is very convincing.
Littlejohn comes across a young woman screaming about murder who then faints at his feet.
He and Cromwell find themselves neck deep in weird and mostly unlike-able suspects.
Every time Littlejohn feels he has a handle on the affair it turns on its head.
Great fun to read. Littlejohn and Cromwell are well-rounded characters and the description of the locality is very convincing.
January 24, 2023
really a 3 1/2.
But not a four. The most confusing, complicated, round about book I think I’ve ever read. I read the other Littletons some years ago. I’ll have to look at my reviews to see if they’re all like this one. The first third? or so was all detailed descriptions of people…I suppose the people in the book later on…I’m terrible at remembering who’s who. But a goodly number of suspects to cover a goodly number of deaths.
But not a four. The most confusing, complicated, round about book I think I’ve ever read. I read the other Littletons some years ago. I’ll have to look at my reviews to see if they’re all like this one. The first third? or so was all detailed descriptions of people…I suppose the people in the book later on…I’m terrible at remembering who’s who. But a goodly number of suspects to cover a goodly number of deaths.
November 29, 2021
A Christmas country house mystery, ably unravelled by the very likeable Inspector Littlejohn. The investigation begins with the death of Nicholas Crake, but one crime soon leads to another, and another. Throughout, the writing is typically exquisite, but I found the plot and characters "good" rather than "great". The dysfunctional family was just a bit too dysfunctional.
June 15, 2022
Modern Gothic Puzzle Unraveled
Family legacy of addiction, greed, lust, shame and insanity culminates in murder. The small town of Tilsey hides its secrets well but Inspector Littlejohn digs them out to find his murderer and tie up all the lose ends. Enjoyed reading this story as the reader never quite knows what will happen next or by whom.
Family legacy of addiction, greed, lust, shame and insanity culminates in murder. The small town of Tilsey hides its secrets well but Inspector Littlejohn digs them out to find his murderer and tie up all the lose ends. Enjoyed reading this story as the reader never quite knows what will happen next or by whom.
January 20, 2024
Bellairs really lets himself go in this one! His Littlejohn series is usually low key and mildly ironic in tone but this is a near gothic tale of a corrupted family (living in a tumble down mansion) with adultery, illegitimacy, drug addiction, a Spanish temptress, stolen gold, a deranged uncle and assorted other dramas. Just a bit too much…..
March 11, 2019
A convoluted mystery that kept me guessing. There was humor but also some dour depiction of marriage. Luckily Littlejohn and his wife seem to get along well. I do enjoy the character Littlejohn a great deal and this series.
January 19, 2022
I don't know if I nodded off..
.. but it seemed like a sudden jump from no clue to the murderer of Dulcie and from there the leaps seemed to be bigger each time..
Not so keen on this one but the beautiful descriptions of the characters nudges it to 3*
.. but it seemed like a sudden jump from no clue to the murderer of Dulcie and from there the leaps seemed to be bigger each time..
Not so keen on this one but the beautiful descriptions of the characters nudges it to 3*
February 27, 2023
G. Bellair’s another English countryside murder mystery featuring Littlejohn and Cromwell, with lots of murders and an unexpected plot twist. It’s enjoyable enough but with too many suspects, two of whom are killed along the way, rather distracting to be a thoroughly good murder mystery.
February 14, 2018
A sprawling and satisfying tale, filled with caricatures and characters, loonies and losers, and one saddening suicide. A good read.
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