The
Verdict
Case: At
a clifftop seaside house, an elderly widow is murdered ...
Context:
Similar in theme to the short story 'The Man from the Sea' [The Mysterious
Mr. Quin, 1930], various Devonshire localities appear in the book - the
Yealm River is called the River Tern, Salcombe is called Saltcreek, the town of
Kingsbridge with its estuary appears as Saltington and Bolt Head becomes Stark
Head. It features the last appearance of Superintendent Battle.
Conclusion:
Despite strong characterisation, the murder occurs too late to energise the
narrative. 2/5