The Moray Dalton Binge Continues

The Strange Case of Harriet Hall by Moray Dalton (1936)  4/5 stars

This mystery features Inspector Collier again, Dalton's believable and likable Scotland Yard Detective, who is assigned to the case when a woman is found in a well, obviously murdered.  The culprit seems obvious, but Collier, who is not as hard-boiled as others of his occupation, is not convinced. 

As I have come to expect from Dalton, The Strange Case of Harriet Hall  is well-written, intelligent, and entertaining.  It also has an engrossing plot which, combined with a fantastic ending, makes for a totally enjoyable read. 

Death in the Dark by Moray Dalton (1938)  5/5 stars

A young acrobat, David Merle, is found guilty of the murder of a wealthy, eccentric theatre patron, Joshua Fallowes, but his sister Judy firmly believes in his innocence.  With some encouragement from a new friend, Judy sets off to infiltrate the family that benefitted most from Fallowes' death, Oliver Ramblet and his half-sisters.  The Ramblet's live at Sard Manor, a small, ill-funded and floundering zoo.  As a housemaid there, Judy uncovers enough secrets to put her life in danger.

Scotland Yard Detective Hugh Collier learns about the crime long after the trial and, with only days until Merle's execution, becomes convinced that Judy is right.  In a race against time, Inspector Collier must uncover the real culprit and prevent the death of an innocent man.

There are many uncommon elements in this mystery/suspense novel, as well as a variety of unusual characters, a memorable plot, and an extremely likable and spunky heroine. It (like the previous one) is well-written, intelligent and entertaining. This may well be my favorite Dalton novel, for it's unique story as much as for it's overall quality.

The Art School Murders by Moray Dalton (1943)  3/5 stars

A model is found murdered in a formerly prestigious art school in a county outside London, and Scotland Yard is called in.  The country is swathed in a blackout due to the War, which helps the murderer commit two more crimes before Inspector Hugh Collier is able to solve the case.

Though still well-written and generally enjoyable, this is the weakest mystery by Dalton that I've read.  Too much relies on information never given to the reader, making the solution more frustrating that satisfying.

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