LORD MULLION'S SECRET. by Innes, Michael - 1981

London: Gollancz, 1981. 192 pp, 8vo (8" H). "Mullion Castle is a very Stately Home. When the paying customers aren't cluttering up the place, it's the home of the Earl and his family, who include his delightful daughters Patty and Boosie, and dotty Great-aunt Camilla. Also his wife, whose portrait he has now commissioned his old schoolfellow, Charles Honeybath R.A., to paint. Honeybath (is) an astute and inquisitive observer of events; and now he has another intriguing complex of puzzles to ponder over. For instance, who has removed a valuable Hilliard miniature, an ancestral portrait, and substituted an obvious print; and why? Who has removed two of Great-aunt Camilla's water-colours of Italian scenes, and substituted sketches made by her in France; and again, why? And how does it come about that a young undergardener, with the name of Swithin, should posses the family features so strikingly, and be such an attraction to Lady Patience - i.e., Patty? Honeybath addresses himself to these and other teasing problems, while Michael Innes goes his own witty, engaging, tongue-in-cheek way, following what may seem to be a predictable course but surprising us all, Honeybath included, at the finish." Tiny dint on top edge of front board. Dust jacket has minor edge wrinkling, soft crease at top of rear flap.. First British Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good+.