Publisher's Synopsis
The fiance of Lord Peter's sister, Lady Mary Wimsey, is found dead outside the conservatory of the family's shooting lodge in Yorkshire. Peter and Mary's elder brother, the Duke of Denver, is charged with capital murder and put on trial in the House of Lords. In solving the case Lord Peter is presented with an unusual problem: too many clues. Show Excerpt him the bags--scarcely opened the previous night--repacked, relabelled, and standing ready for a journey. "I say, Bunter, what's up?" said his lordship. "We're stayin' here a fortnight y'know." "Excuse me, my lord," said Mr. Bunter, deferentially, "but, having seen The Times (delivered here every morning by air, my lord; and very expeditious I'm sure, all things considered), I made no doubt your lordship would be wishing to go to Riddlesdale at--" "Riddlesdale!" exclaimed Peter. "What's the matter? Anything wrong with my brother?" For answer Mr. Bunter handed him the paper, folded open at the heading: RIDDLESDALE INQUEST. DUKE OF DENVER ARRESTED ON MURDER CHARGE. Lord Peter stared as if hypnotised. "I thought your lordship wouldn't wish to miss anything," said Mr. Bunter, "so I took the liberty----" Lord Peter pulled himself together. "When's the next train?" he asked. "I beg your lordship's pardon--I thought your lo
