Miles Burton Books

A young man named Basil Maplewood is found dead under mysterious circumstances at Forstal Farm, with no signs of violence or poison to explain his demise. Inspector Arnold and his team face a perplexing case that challenges their investigative skills. The narrative unfolds as they delve into the enigma surrounding Basil's death, revealing the complexities of the situation and the subtle clues that may lead to the truth. This intriguing mystery promises to keep readers guessing until the very end.

Originally published: London: W. Collins Sons, 1930.

Sir Wilfred Saxonby is travelling alone on the 5 o'clock train from Cannon Street, in a locked compartment. The train slows and stops inside a tunnel; and by the time it emerges again, Sir Wilfred has been shot dead, his heart pierced by a single bullet. Suicide seems to be the answer, even though no motive can be found. Inspector Arnold of Scotland Yard thinks again when he learns that a mysterious red light in the tunnel caused the train to slow down, and it soon becomes apparent that the dead man fell victim to a complex conspiracy.

Set against the backdrop of a foggy London night, a skilled thief successfully steals the Hardway diamonds but is caught by police without them. The mystery deepens when one diamond is discovered on a corpse in the marshes, raising questions about the whereabouts of the others. The enigmatic figure behind the heist, known as "Funny Toff," adds another layer of intrigue, as the investigation unfolds to uncover the truth behind the theft and the thief's true identity.