In this novel five amateur detectives, under the adroit guidance of Septimus Dodds, private investigator, attempt to solve the mystery surrounding the death of Hedley Whitworth, Public Nuisance No. 1, the method adopted by the quintette being for each to follow one of several bizarre clues found beside the dead man. The efforts of the Five are described with a blend of humor and tensity which lifts the book right out of the general rut of “thrillers”, while the pace and excitement are maintained until the final, amazing dénouement.
The characters are human, not merely puppets, and those who elect to follow their startling adventures and share their many problems can rest assured that they will find the journey all too short.
First published: 1936
