At The Villa Rose by A.E.W. Mason

HI-IS & POD. Paperback. NEW. Inspector Hanaud, a renowned French detective, finds himself on a much-needed vacation in the picturesque town of Aix les Bains. Little does he know that his holiday will be interrupted by a young Englishman named Harry Wethermill, who seeks his expertise in solving a perplexing murder case. The victim is a wealthy widow named Mme Dauvray, who met a tragic end at the hands of a ruthless killer. Strangled to death, Mme Dauvray's demise is further compounded by the disappearance of her valuable jewelry, which she had imprudently flaunted. The prime suspect in this heinous crime is Celia Harland, a strikingly beautiful young woman who had been Mme Dauvray's companion. The circumstances surrounding the murder seem to implicate Celia, suggesting that she may have conspired with the murderer and absconded with the precious jewels. However, Wethermill refuses to believe that Celia could be capable of such treachery and is determined to prove her innocence. In his quest for justice, he implores Inspector Hanaud, a seasoned investigator from the Paris Sûreté, to take charge of the case. The allure of this particular mystery lies not only in its intricate plot but also in its artistic execution. Considered one of the finest examples of the whodunit genre, Inspector Hanaud's investigation captivates readers with its suspenseful twists and turns. The British Weekly hails it as "one of the best, most artistic, most engrossing detective stories ever written," a testament to its enduring appeal. As Inspector Hanaud delves deeper into the murder of Mme Dauvray, he uncovers a web of secrets and hidden motives. The widow's ostentatious display of her jewelry collection had undoubtedly attracted the attention of nefarious individuals, making her a target for theft. However, the question remains: Was her murder a result of a simple robbery gone wrong, or is there a more sinister plot at play? With his keen observational skills and astute deductive reasoning, Inspector Hanaud meticulously examines the crime scene, searching for any overlooked clues that may shed light on the truth. His investigation takes him on a journey through the lives of those connected to Mme Dauvray, unraveling their complex relationships and unearthing long-buried secrets. Meanwhile, Celia Harland's whereabouts remain unknown, further fueling suspicion against her. However, Wethermill's unwavering belief in her innocence compels him to conduct his own inquiries, determined to find evidence that will exonerate her. Together, Wethermill and Inspector Hanaud form an unlikely alliance, each bringing their unique skills to the table in pursuit of justice. As the investigation progresses, the true nature of the crime begins to emerge. The motives behind Mme Dauvray's murder are far more intricate than initially anticipated, involving a network of deceit and betrayal. Inspector Hanaud's relentless pursuit of the truth leads him to unexpected revelations, ultimately culminating in a dramatic confrontation that exposes the identity of the murderer and the fate of Celia Harland. In the end, Inspector Hanaud's brilliance and unwavering determination prevail, bringing justice to the victim and vindication to the innocent. The case of Mme Dauvray's murder serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Inspector Hanaud, whose influence on the whodunit genre continues to resonate with readers and writers alike. In conclusion, Inspector Hanaud's holiday in Aix les Bains takes an unexpected turn when he is approached by Harry Wethermill to investigate the murder of wealthy widow Mme Dauvray. The missing jewels and the disappearance of Celia Harland, Mme Dauvray's companion, point towards her involvement in the crime. However, Wethermill's unwavering belief in Celia's innocence prompts him to seek Inspector Hanaud's assistance. Together, they unravel a complex web of secrets and motives, ultimately bringing the true culprits to justice. This gripping detective story has been hailed as one of the finest examples of the genre, captivating readers with its artistry and engrossing plot.