The party has commenced, yet the host is inexplicably absent.

The lifeless body of Sir Simon Chandos, the wealthy and respected owner of Freyne Abbey, is discovered in his library, ostensibly a victim of self-inflicted demise. Tensions grip the guests as they grapple with the overwhelming shock. However, amateur detective Scott Egerton, a guest himself, uncovers an unexpected connection between the Freyne household and a long-forgotten event, leading to a shocking revelation. Determined to discover the truth, Egerton embarks on a perilous quest to unveil the malevolent presence behind the murder.

Anthony Gilbert, the pen name of Lucy Beatrice Malleson, kept her identity a secret for many years, publishing over sixty crime novels under four pseudonyms between 1925 and 1972. This classic golden age mystery, published in 1927, introduces the amateur sleuth Scott Egerton and is a testament to Gilbert’s mastery of intrigue, suspense, and storytelling.