A first-class psychological study . . . the character drawing, although a little cruel, is admirably done and the writing is consistently excellent. - Times Literary Supplement BR It is original, it is strangely exciting, and the logic of its plan is repeated in the behaviour of its characters. - L. P. Hartley BR It is really a detective story in which the clues, instead of being actual, are psychological. The reader is made to feel all the tension and curiosity which a good crime novel inspires, and he is not disappointed. - The Tablet BR Twelve years ago Claude Carlice was found dead of a gunshot wound. The verdict was suicide brought on by a fit of insanity, but his sister Isabel has never believed it. Now the day approaches when Claude's son Ronnie will come of age and take possession of Carlice Abbey. Preparations for the birthday party are underway, but it will not be a festive occasion Ronnie, who has imbibed Marxist ideas at Oxford, intends to throw his aunt and stepmother out