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Murder by Matchlight, first published in 1945, is widely regarded as one of E.C.R. Lorac's finest novels. Chief Inspector Macdonald investigates a teasing mystery, and in addition to the pleasure of trying to fathom whodunit, modern readers can also savour an atmospheric and engaging portrayal of life in London during the war.
The period setting is much more than merely background colour: it's integral to the mystery, both as regards the crime Macdonald has to solve, and the culprit's motivation. We're plunged into the action right from the start, as Bruce Mallaig wanders aimlessly around Regent's Park after the cancellation of a dinner date. It's pitch dark because of the black-out, but Bruce spots someone flashing a torch. A match is struck, and Bruce catches sight of a pale face beneath a trilby. Then all of a sudden, murder is done.
The culprit flees from the scene, and when Macdonald takes charge of the investigation, he finds that someone else was present at the scene of the crime as well as the killer; this is a rare case of murder committed in front of witnesses. But might one of those witnesses be guilty?
The dead man's identity card (another period touch) and correspondence indicate that he was John Ward, a resident of 5A Belfort Grove, Notting Hill, but soon it becomes apparent that this was not his real name. What was he up to, and what bearing did it have on his untimely demise?
[From Introduction to British Library Crime Classics edition by Martin Edwards]
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Murder by Matchlight: A British Library Crime Classic
2019, Poisoned Pen Press
in English
1464210942 9781464210945
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Murder By Matchlight
Aug 01, 2019, Soundings Audio Books, Soundings CD
audio cd
1407975625 9781407975627
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Book Details
Edition Notes
Includes short story by E. C. R Lorac "Permanent Policeman", first published in MacKill's Mystery Magazine, March 1953.
Source title: Murder by Matchlight (British Library Crime Classics)
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- Created December 9, 2019
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November 20, 2023 | Edited by OnFrATa | Merge works (MRID: 95932) |
August 25, 2022 | Edited by dcapillae | merge authors |
July 24, 2022 | Edited by M C W | Added description from Introduction by Martin Edwards |
July 16, 2022 | Edited by M C W | Edited without comment. |
December 9, 2019 | Created by ImportBot | Imported from amazon.com record |