Many years ago (in 1929 to be precise) the Times Literary Supplement reviewing “The House on Tollard Ridge” said: “Of mystery novelists John Rhode stands in the front rank. He deserves the thanks and appreciation of those who have come to rely upon his name.”

Since those pleasing words John Rhode has written many other mystery novels, his reputation has steadily grown, and he is now generally acclaimed as a master of ingenious crimes. “An outstanding specialist in ingenious murder mechanisms,” writes The Sunday Times, and the Times Literary Supplement adds: “His ingenuity is as delicate to handle as high explosives.”

Well, this Rhodian ingenuity is very prettily exemplified in the mystery of the Lake House and the strange death of Mr. George Potterne of Melcote Priory…