Two by Moray Dalton

Moray Dalton (1881-1963) is the penname of Katherine Renoir (née Dalton), a British author who published two well-received novels, Olive in Italy (1909) and The Sword of Love (1920), before turning to crime fiction in 1924.  Other than the introduction (by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans) in these recently rereleased novels, I've been unable to find out any more about Dalton, nor can I find her photograph.  I must agree with Evans that it is a shame Dalton's fiction was lost to the public for long.

One by One They Disappeared  (1928)  4/5 stars

Elbert J. Pakenham holds a yearly dinner for his fellow survivors of a tragic accident.  As he is very wealthy with no heirs, he tells these men that he has left his fortune to be divided among them. Unfortunately,  by doing this Pakenham has given someone a reason to murder.  

This is the first book to feature Inspector Collier of Scotland Yard, a likable character with realistic fallibility. The plot is complex, with clever false trails and a particularly good twist, and though it does stretch credulity at times this well-written novel was thoroughly enjoyable.

The Night of Fear   (1931)  4/5 stars

During a house party, the guests play a game of hide and seek which ends in the discovery of a murder.  The most obvious suspect is arrested, but his steadfast friends are convinced of his innocence, and, at the recommendation of Inspector Collier (who has been removed from the case), they hire private detective Hermann Glide to investigate.  Glide searches for evidence in a race against time, as the court case proceeds.

Collier doesn't figure much in this book, as it focuses more on Glide's search, the characters of the house party, and the court drama.  Glide is not fleshed out well, but that doesn't detract from the story.  The plot is layered, with many surprises and a satisfying conclusion.  Overall, it's well-written, intelligent, and completely engrossing.

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