The Cheltenham Square Murder

Originally published in 1937, this reissue in the British Library Crime Classics series is a clever closed-circle-of-suspects whodunit. The setting, a residential square in the town of Cheltenham Spa, consists of 10 houses arrayed in a U shape. Bude (1901–57) sets the stage for murder by introducing the residents, including a clergyman, a doctor, and a bank manager, who are engaged in a passionate debate about whether a large ancient elm tree in one of the square’s corners should be cut down. The enclave is known as Archery Nook, because so many of the residents are skilled archers, which becomes significant when one of them is shot through the head by an arrow. Fortuitously, Superintendent Meredith of the Sussex County Constabulary is in the square at the time, visiting an old friend who’s a mystery writer, and is able to lend his skills to the local police. That the shooter used a barbed arrow suggests the killing was intentional. Meredith may not be a particularly memorable lead, but Bude keeps the surprises coming. (Jan.)