Victor Harleston drops dead shortly after sitting down to breakfast; he was quite obviously poisoned. All clues point to his half-siblings Janet and Philip as the likely culprits; after all, they are the only ones who seem to benefit from his death. However, when Victor’s boss, Mr. Knott, mysteriously disappears just a few days after Victor’s death, the case becomes more complicated. Although all clues point to Gavin Slater as Mr. Knott’s murderer, no one can find a body. And it is just too much of a coincidence to suppose that the two murders aren’t connected in some way. Superintendent Hanslet is once more on the case, which seems like a boon for criminals everywhere; fortunately, Dr. Lancelot Priestley is in the background to keep things in perspective.

The narrative begins with Victor Harleston’s murder and the investigation into that crime. Then, after Mr. Knott’s disappearance, the focus switches to the investigation of that mystery. Although the two crimes are interrelated and eventually connected, the sudden switch in focus from one to the other makes the story disjointed.

As usual, Inspector Hanslet comes across as a mindless buffoon. He is highly susceptible to manipulation, and always seems ready to believe the most obvious suspect just has to be guilty and should be immediately arrested. He routinely goes to Dr. Priestley for advice, but rarely seems inclined to take it. One has to imagine that, in cases for which Dr. Priestley is not consulted, countless criminals are walking free and that numerous innocent people have been dragged to the gallows just because of Hanslet’s gross incompetence.

Of course, Dr. Priestley is an equally disagreeable character in his own way. He appears to know the solution to the crimes very early on, but refuses to say directly what is on his mind. He just sort of sits in his armchair giving vague suggestions to Hanslet and Waghorn without explanation or elaboration, while secretly laughing at them behind their backs. Consequently, he comes across as incredibly pompous and self-absorbed. And, because he enjoys toying with the police like they are his personal playthings, the solution of the crime takes about five times longer than it should.

This is an interesting mystery with a well-crafted solution. Unfortunately, it drags on way too long and I found myself skimming towards the end. ( )

Very satisfying to read a book with interesting characters, a sensible solution, no hide the ball nonsense, and logical revealing of the clues. One of the better mysteries I have read. ( )