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The Yorkshire Moorland Mystery
In the desolate Yorkshire moors, a book may hold the key to a brutal murder.
When a renowned American book collector is found dead at the foot of Harlesden Scar, it appears to be a tragic accident. But his nephew and Captain Mannering are convinced it's a mysterious and sinister homicide, potentially linked to a long-neglected tome in the doctor's possession.
Determined to uncover the truth, the pair embark on a perilous chase, desperate to catch the killer that has thus far eluded even Scotland Yard.
But are they themselves in danger? And does the anguished community face yet more horror before the villain is snared?
The Yorkshire Moorland Mystery is a classic detective novel, filled with intrigue, suspense, and a plot that will keep you guessing until the very end.
When a renowned American book collector is found dead at the foot of Harlesden Scar, it appears to be a tragic accident. But his nephew and Captain Mannering are convinced it's a mysterious and sinister homicide, potentially linked to a long-neglected tome in the doctor's possession.
Determined to uncover the truth, the pair embark on a perilous chase, desperate to catch the killer that has thus far eluded even Scotland Yard.
But are they themselves in danger? And does the anguished community face yet more horror before the villain is snared?
The Yorkshire Moorland Mystery is a classic detective novel, filled with intrigue, suspense, and a plot that will keep you guessing until the very end.
238 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1930
24 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Fletcher
544 books56 followersJoseph Smith Fletcher was an English journalist, writer, and fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He studied law before turning to journalism.
His literary career spanned approximately 200 books on a wide variety of subjects including fiction, non-fiction, histories, historical fiction, and mysteries. He was known as one of the leading writers of detective fiction in the Golden Age .
His literary career spanned approximately 200 books on a wide variety of subjects including fiction, non-fiction, histories, historical fiction, and mysteries. He was known as one of the leading writers of detective fiction in the Golden Age .
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 20, 2022
This was a really good bibliomystery. The question of who killed American antiquarian bookseller Dr. Essenheim and where had the books and money he'd had on him gone is the focus and what a ride it was.
Frank Essenheim, his nephew and James Mannering, his assistant who is also the narrator of the tale, are the ones who initially take on trying to locate Dr. Essenheim when he's just thought to be missing. They shortly follow the trail to the Yorkshire Moorlands where the wealthy gentleman has been found dead on a rocky crevice. The investigation quickly centers on what he was doing in the area and who he may have met. No surprise, the bookseller was there because of a rare book (two it turns out) and both the books and cash are gone. From there the search for those he met and their motives and opportunity are the main of the story. Many locations and jurisdictions with a varied cast trying to piece together the clues made this fun to read. I particularly enjoyed this as a procedural and Detective Inspector Kimberley was great. The wrap-up was a bit of a whirlwind and very satisfying.
This was the second I'd read by Fletcher. I read his The Mazaroff Mystery / The Mazaroff Murder (same book with slightly different titles; yes, I bought both at different times & didn't realize at the time; don't be me.). I have another bibliomystery ( Who Killed Alfred Snowe? ) by Fletcher put out by the publisher that did this edition and will likely read it soon, though the edition is not yet listed on Goodreads. Finally, I must say that the cover of this book is what caught my eye. It's very reminiscent of the British Library Classic Crime editions and I'm a complete sucker for that style. So, well done for the marketing people at OREON publishing. I will be checking out more of their bibliomystery series.
Recommended.
Frank Essenheim, his nephew and James Mannering, his assistant who is also the narrator of the tale, are the ones who initially take on trying to locate Dr. Essenheim when he's just thought to be missing. They shortly follow the trail to the Yorkshire Moorlands where the wealthy gentleman has been found dead on a rocky crevice. The investigation quickly centers on what he was doing in the area and who he may have met. No surprise, the bookseller was there because of a rare book (two it turns out) and both the books and cash are gone. From there the search for those he met and their motives and opportunity are the main of the story. Many locations and jurisdictions with a varied cast trying to piece together the clues made this fun to read. I particularly enjoyed this as a procedural and Detective Inspector Kimberley was great. The wrap-up was a bit of a whirlwind and very satisfying.
This was the second I'd read by Fletcher. I read his The Mazaroff Mystery / The Mazaroff Murder (same book with slightly different titles; yes, I bought both at different times & didn't realize at the time; don't be me.). I have another bibliomystery ( Who Killed Alfred Snowe? ) by Fletcher put out by the publisher that did this edition and will likely read it soon, though the edition is not yet listed on Goodreads. Finally, I must say that the cover of this book is what caught my eye. It's very reminiscent of the British Library Classic Crime editions and I'm a complete sucker for that style. So, well done for the marketing people at OREON publishing. I will be checking out more of their bibliomystery series.
Recommended.
March 1, 2025
Well, I think this one makes a dozen books I have read from this prolific author over the years. It is somewhat (make that more than!) stodgy, fitting with era these books were written in. I have the time and patience to put up with it when in mood to read old-time detective work, in this case tracking the actions of people who were after a valuable book. Lively characters abound.
currently just 99 cents from Amazon
currently just 99 cents from Amazon
August 13, 2023
A very good and satisfying mystery. I was convinced that the story came together with reliable evidence. It was pleasant and I especially enjoyed that it centered around the love of books!
April 3, 2024
A great period piece. The writing was excellent, full of details.
It was a little hard to keep track of the many characters. They were constantly sending each other telegrams. “Come to meet me. I have important news!” There were lots of train trips from one little town to another. Everyone seems to have the schedules memorized. Lots of cozy pub with lots of whiskey and cigars. Very atmospheric writing.
The plot was not as much of a success. It all wrapped up quickly with no real surprises.
A truly enjoyable read!
It was a little hard to keep track of the many characters. They were constantly sending each other telegrams. “Come to meet me. I have important news!” There were lots of train trips from one little town to another. Everyone seems to have the schedules memorized. Lots of cozy pub with lots of whiskey and cigars. Very atmospheric writing.
The plot was not as much of a success. It all wrapped up quickly with no real surprises.
A truly enjoyable read!
September 11, 2022
One of Fletcher's slightly over-complicated plots which after quite a promising start rather fizzles out. It does make one realise the difficulties there were conducting an investigation in multiple locations in the early 20th century when , despite the proliferation of railways, communication and travel were difficult, especially in remote areas such as the Yorkshire Moors where this is partly set.
Murder and the theft of rare books form the core of the tale. The journeying back and forth by rail front London to Yorkshire was dizzying and a bit futile.There are too many detectives, amateur and professional, and the amateurs are given huge access to police information . There is a hint of romance, but there is little attempt at characterisation.The solution is too soon obvious as there are only a few possible suspects, so there is not much to puzzle over
Pleasant and easy reading, but a bit light on the detection front. Non-vintage, and on the flat side.
Murder and the theft of rare books form the core of the tale. The journeying back and forth by rail front London to Yorkshire was dizzying and a bit futile.There are too many detectives, amateur and professional, and the amateurs are given huge access to police information . There is a hint of romance, but there is little attempt at characterisation.The solution is too soon obvious as there are only a few possible suspects, so there is not much to puzzle over
Pleasant and easy reading, but a bit light on the detection front. Non-vintage, and on the flat side.
March 8, 2023
I read a lot of Golden Age Detection novels – republished crime classics from the early part of the twentieth century. This reprint from Oreon Press really grabbed my attention for its simple formula – a mysterious murder on a lonely Yorkshire moor, the intervention of Scotland Yard, but also the determination of two people known to the victim. I read it in record time, enjoying the characters of the suspects, the witnesses to the progress of the victim, the mixture of detection styles on display. J. S Fletcher was a skilful writer who spent a lot of time and care on constructing convincing settings, consistent characters and a plot that stands up well. It is a novel of its time, full of the details of women’s lives as well as men’s, with lots of exciting travelling thrown in. Labelled a Bibliomystery, it focuses on the world of rare books, editions so valuable that it can affect lives, and those who come into contact with them. The description of this book asks “Would anyone commit violent murder for one musty old book?”, but in this novel it is certainly a consideration. I enjoyed this book for its straightforward storytelling, with its clever working out of a murder mystery.
The novel is narrated in the voice of a Captain Mannering, a young man who has fought in the “Great War” and is now seeking employment and by chance finds a temporary but lucrative position with a Dr Essenheim, a well known American book dealer in London to buy rare books to take back for his wealthy clients. For a fortnight Mannering stays in the Carlton hotel, witnessing his employer buying books in a speedy but knowledgeable way, attending sales and parting with immense sums for sometimes seemingly unimpressive tomes. A European tour is planned, but before it begins Essenheim disappears, walking out of the hotel and simply not returning. On enquiry Mannering is told that this is not uncommon behaviour, as the older man will sometimes disappear for days in pursuit of a certain volume. It is only when a Essenheim’s nephew Frank turns up that questions are asked of his solicitor Heddleston and bank, where they are told the disappeared dealer was carrying a large amount of money. When a newspaper report into the discovery of a man’s body appears, Frank and Mannering are compelled to travel to Kirkenmore, Yorkshire, a small market town. On arrival they meet Superintendent Calvert and the investigation begins. Tours of the countryside, interviews with public house landlords and their staff, meetings with local landowners and everything else contribute something to their knowledge of Essenheim’s progress in the area, but the number of potential suspects in such a sparsely occupied area seems limited, especially on the pathway. Nevertheless the investigators discover something of those who saw Essenheim on the days in question, and observations of those he met. The identity of the mysterious young woman he met, and indeed why such a wealthy man walking alone on a lonely moor in pursuit of rare books are questions which confront the investigator and indeed the reader. As the action of the novel returns to London and other places, the investigation builds into a complex conclusion.
This is a very enjoyable book which I found a fascinating and absorbing read. While perhaps not the most sophisticated of classic crime novels, its attraction is its clear mystery and its book related theme, as well as a fine sense of place. The characters are well drawn throughout, and it is a good read which I recommend. I would like to read more JS Fletcher!
The novel is narrated in the voice of a Captain Mannering, a young man who has fought in the “Great War” and is now seeking employment and by chance finds a temporary but lucrative position with a Dr Essenheim, a well known American book dealer in London to buy rare books to take back for his wealthy clients. For a fortnight Mannering stays in the Carlton hotel, witnessing his employer buying books in a speedy but knowledgeable way, attending sales and parting with immense sums for sometimes seemingly unimpressive tomes. A European tour is planned, but before it begins Essenheim disappears, walking out of the hotel and simply not returning. On enquiry Mannering is told that this is not uncommon behaviour, as the older man will sometimes disappear for days in pursuit of a certain volume. It is only when a Essenheim’s nephew Frank turns up that questions are asked of his solicitor Heddleston and bank, where they are told the disappeared dealer was carrying a large amount of money. When a newspaper report into the discovery of a man’s body appears, Frank and Mannering are compelled to travel to Kirkenmore, Yorkshire, a small market town. On arrival they meet Superintendent Calvert and the investigation begins. Tours of the countryside, interviews with public house landlords and their staff, meetings with local landowners and everything else contribute something to their knowledge of Essenheim’s progress in the area, but the number of potential suspects in such a sparsely occupied area seems limited, especially on the pathway. Nevertheless the investigators discover something of those who saw Essenheim on the days in question, and observations of those he met. The identity of the mysterious young woman he met, and indeed why such a wealthy man walking alone on a lonely moor in pursuit of rare books are questions which confront the investigator and indeed the reader. As the action of the novel returns to London and other places, the investigation builds into a complex conclusion.
This is a very enjoyable book which I found a fascinating and absorbing read. While perhaps not the most sophisticated of classic crime novels, its attraction is its clear mystery and its book related theme, as well as a fine sense of place. The characters are well drawn throughout, and it is a good read which I recommend. I would like to read more JS Fletcher!
August 6, 2023
The author, J.S. Fletcher was a journalist and author who was born and lived in Yorkshire. He wrote over 100 detective stories. He was a contemporary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. However, the writing styles of the two authors are very different.
The Yorkshire Moorland Mystery was an entertaining read. The writing is definitely of the era and I found that quite charming. As the mystery is about the murder of an American collector of rare books, I was immediately interested in reading it. A nice palette cleanser between books if you know what I mean. It had some interesting plot twists and likable characters. However, it was a bit disappointing as the ending introduced several new and particularly convenient characters which left me feeling a bit cheated. This was as I stated an entertaining read but if you're looking for a good, solid mystery with intrigue and a well-developed plot, this might not be the book for you. On the other hand, if you want a cozy mystery to read on a chilly autumn afternoon this wouldn't be a bad choice.
The Yorkshire Moorland Mystery was an entertaining read. The writing is definitely of the era and I found that quite charming. As the mystery is about the murder of an American collector of rare books, I was immediately interested in reading it. A nice palette cleanser between books if you know what I mean. It had some interesting plot twists and likable characters. However, it was a bit disappointing as the ending introduced several new and particularly convenient characters which left me feeling a bit cheated. This was as I stated an entertaining read but if you're looking for a good, solid mystery with intrigue and a well-developed plot, this might not be the book for you. On the other hand, if you want a cozy mystery to read on a chilly autumn afternoon this wouldn't be a bad choice.
July 22, 2023
All the elements are there: the Yorkshire moors; antique books, and a mysterious death late at night.
Unfortunately for me, all the elements did not come together into a great book. The writing was extremely dry. Most of the novel has the characters driving back and forth across the county of York or on a train to or from London. All of the characters are men, except for three fairly minor female characters. The male characters are mostly one dimensional, with the exception of the nephew of the murder victim. Even the nephew isn't all that interesting.
When it came to the reveal, I was hoping for a really interesting explanation of the whole situation, but even that was disappointing. It was far less than what I had anticipated.
Overall...meh.
Unfortunately for me, all the elements did not come together into a great book. The writing was extremely dry. Most of the novel has the characters driving back and forth across the county of York or on a train to or from London. All of the characters are men, except for three fairly minor female characters. The male characters are mostly one dimensional, with the exception of the nephew of the murder victim. Even the nephew isn't all that interesting.
When it came to the reveal, I was hoping for a really interesting explanation of the whole situation, but even that was disappointing. It was far less than what I had anticipated.
Overall...meh.
February 8, 2025
This not really what I would call a mystery; it’s more of a thriller I guess, but it’s not at all thrilling. I’m not sure what to call this type of book! It’s true that you don’t know who committed the murder until the end, but it doesn’t matter at all who did it, the killer is almost like a MacGuffin. The point of the story is the procedural action: the detectives following a path from clue to clue until the case is solved and the killer is brought to justice. I mostly enjoyed it alright but would have enjoyed it more if I’d realized that it wasn’t intended to be a solvable mystery for the reader.
November 11, 2024
2 1/2 stars. The back blurb mentions that this is an ingenious plot. I wouldn't agree. I think it is pretty mundane and it was easy to determined who was involved fairly early on. It didn't have some of those clever twists you often expect with a golden age mystery. I have read other books by Fletcher and thought some of them could be labelled ingenious; this one isn't quite up to that standard.
October 19, 2023
Published in 1930 this has the appealing ingredients for a murder mystery. It revolves around rare books and murder on a desolate moor. The focus is on investigative efforts rather than suspense. This is told with the various functions and viewpoints between the cops, bankers, lawyer, and those who knew the victim. Interesting are the logistics at that time toward solving crimes with the what we now regard as limitations to communications, forensics and transportation.
Want to read
June 9, 2025RK NOOK
October 20, 2017
Stavolta ho trovato l'intrigo giallo deboluccio, risolto in modo un po' fortunoso (praticamente senza l'articolo di giornale i detective non avrebbero mai trovato l'uomo misterioso). L'ambientazione non è abbastanza suggestiva da supportare a dovere la trama.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews