Suicide Excepted by Cyril Hare was first published in 1939 and it’s the first book by Cyril Hare that I’ve read. His real name was Alfred Gordon Clark and for his day job he was a judge, that must have given him plenty of ideas for his writing.
Inspector Mallett of the C.I.D. has just had a very disappointing lunch in the roadside hotel where he is having a short break. A brief chat of mutual commiseration with another guest on the poor food on offer leads to Mallett becoming a witness in a subsequent inquest.
Was it murder, an accident or suicide? A lot rests on the outcome and this one kept me guessing so I’ll definitely read more by this author.
I have read all of Cyril Hare’s mysteries (I think) and I enjoyed them. My favorites are With a Bare Bodkin and An English Murder (set at Christmas).
traybham,
I’m definitely going to read any others I can find, I’ll especially look out for those ones. Thanks.
I’ve seen some of Hare’s books in Barter Books and wondered whether to try one – I’ll look out for one next time I’m there (hopefully next week).
Margaret,
Going by Suicide Excepted he’s worth reading anyway. I haven’t been to Barter Books for years, it’s more handy for you I suppose.