Two Dead

by Vernon Loder

Vernon Loder was a pseudonym used by John George Haslette Vahey (1881-1938). 'Two Dead' was originally published by Collins Crime Club in 1934. The setting for this mystery is a charming, isolated house known as ‘Lakeside’ - a peaceful refuge for people who wanted a ‘rest’. With considerable professional acumen Dr. Sorslie had converted it into a highly successful nursing home, mainly for neurasthenic patients. One of these is Mr. Smith, admitted as a patient for a six-months’ rest cure. His secretary was accommodated in a cottage further along the lake shore. But all is not entirely peaceful. There have been suspicious strangers lurking around the lake. Things start looking ugly when a person is found dead nearby. The coroner delivers a verdict of suicide, but the local constabulary - and later Scotland Yard - are not so sure.

198 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1934

About the author

Vernon Loder was a pseudonym for John Haslette Vahey, an Anglo-Irish writer who also wrote as Henrietta Clandon, John Haslette, Anthony Lang, John Mowbray, Walter Proudfoot and George Varney.

Vahey started his working life as an apprentice architect, then an accountant before finally turning to writing fiction full-time.

extra bio info from a book blurb

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smith, Jones and Robinson are all involved somehow in this 1930's tale of suicide and murder.

There are financial shenanigans and a mysterious Belgian as well as the nosey patients at Lakeside Nursing Home. There is some light romance and a handsome, but troubled young doctor.

Not particularly difficult to find the solution.

Very readable and most enjoyable with its wry take on some aspects of the medical profession and speculative investment.

[Tony Harker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much better read than “The deaf mute murders” in my opinion. The story moved steadily to a conclusion and the build-up to the big reveal at the end was logical. My one small criticism is that the identity of the murderer was quite easy to guess from early on in the novel.

[Tracey Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too many errors!

Another excellent golden era crime novel but badly transferred to electronic text. The errors definitely marred the enjoyment.

That said, an interesting plot worth the persevering!