Synopses & Reviews
Never, even in his most optimistic moments, had he visualised a scene of this naturehimself in one arm-chair, a police officer in another, and between them . . . a mystery.” So thinks the Reverend Doddvicar of the quiet Cornish village of Boscawen and a reader of detective novelswhen an actual mystery unexpectedly lands on his doorstep in
The Cornish Coast Murder. Julius Tregarthan, a secretive and ill-tempered magistrate, is found at his house in Boscawen, shot through the headand the local police investigator is baffled by the complete absence of clues. Fortunately for the inspector, the Reverend Dodd is at hand, ready to put his lifetime of vicarious detecting experience to the test.
This newest installment in the British Library Crime Classics series takes readers to Cornwall for a perfect example of the cozy mystery, sure to charm all fans of the genre.
Review
“The British Library has an interesting sideline in republishing neglected books by forgotten authors. This is the first of thirty detective stories by John Bude, a crime novelist not so much forgotten by contemporary readers as never heard of in the first place, which is a pity, because his books are good examples of the straightforward murder mysteries from the so-called ‘Golden Age of crime writing. . . . Budes books . . . are easy-reading period pieces that deserve to be revived.”
Review
“A very entertaining mystery, a fairly quick and enjoyable read. . . . It is good to have Budes work brought back into print.”
Review
“John Bude is a welcome addition to an exciting explosion of classic crime reprints from a variety of independent presses and the British Library seems to be leading the way in discovering forgotten writers well worth reading. Youd do well to acquaint yourself with his entertaining mysteries.”
Review
"Ernest Elmore, under the pseudonym John Bude, takes readers to the Cornish village of Boscawen where the vicar, Reverend Dodd, a reader and fan of mystery stories, finds himself in the middle of an actual mystery. When Julius Tregarthan is found shot in the head, the local police are completely puzzled and are unable to find any clues in his house. Fortunately, they have Reverend Dodd to help them solve the mystery. Vivid descriptions of the Cornish coast, a realistic cast of characters, and a mesmerizing plot make this a timeless story that exhibits all the characteristics of a cozy mystery as appealing today as it was when originally published in 1935."
Synopsis
Never, even in his most optimistic moments, had he visualised a scene of this nature himself in one arm-chair, a police officer in another, and between them
a mystery.
The Reverend Dodd, vicar of the quiet Cornish village of Boscawen, spends his evenings reading detective stories by the fireside but heaven forbid that the shadow of any real crime should ever fall across his seaside parish. But the vicars peace is shattered one stormy night when Julius Tregarthan, a secretive and ill-tempered magistrate, is found at his house in Boscawen with a bullet through his head. The local police inspector is baffled by the complete absence of clues. Suspicion seems to fall on Tregarthans niece, Ruth but surely that young woman lacks the motive to shoot her uncle dead in cold blood? Luckily for Inspector Bigswell, the Reverend Dodd is on hand, and ready to put his keen understanding of the criminal mind to the test.
About the Author
John Bude was the pseudonym of Ernest Elmore (1901-57), who wrote thirty crime novels, all of which are now very rare. He was cofounder of the Crime Writers' Association and worked in the theater as a producer and director.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Murder!
2. The Undrawn Curtains
3. The Puzzle of the Footprints
4. Strange Behaviour of Ruth Tregarthan
5. The Inspector Forms a Theory
6. The Missing Revolver
7. Conversation at the Vicarage
8. Was It Ronald Hardy?
9. Collaboration?
10. The Single Shot
11. Theft from the Body
12. The Open Window
13. Coroners Inquest
14. The Note
15. Cowper Makes a Statement
16. The Vicar Makes an Experiment
17. Enter Ronald Hardy
18. Perfect Alibi
19. Reunion
20. The Little Greystroke Tailor
21. The Mystery Solved
22. Confession
23. The Vicar Explains