Death Makes a Prophet

A new religion becomes a hive of intrigue, culminating in murder, in this entertaining entry, first published in 1947, in the British Crime Classics series. Despite the book’s detective, Inspector Meredith, being largely offstage and the killing he investigates not occurring until about halfway through, Bude (1901–1957) easily sustains interest as he wryly describes the Children of Osiris, a faith “compounded of a belief in magic numbers, astrology, auras, astral bodies, humility, meditation, vegetarianism, immortality, hand-woven tweeds and brotherly love.” The cult quickly expands and becomes profitable, leading its founder, widowed bookseller Eustace Mildmann, to create the position of Prophet-in-Waiting, who is to serve as his chosen successor and help with the increasing administrative duties. After the charismatic and flamboyant Peta Penpeti, who has a closet full of skeletons, fills that role, the stage is set for multiple schemes aimed at making Penpeti’s position more secure. A crafty set of final revelations ensures that the delayed gratification pays off for whodunit fans. Mystery buffs will want to seek out more work from this golden age author. (Jan.)