Harvest of Death

It is 1893 in Harrison's new mystery, and Sgt. Bragg is on leave from London, recuperating from an injury in a Dorchester village. Bragg is made welcome by the family of his cousin Ted Sharman, who runs a carrier business, although Ted seems oddly distant. The sergeant learns that Ted fears being driven bankrupt since a rival, George Ollerton, has taken away most of his customers from him. When Ollerton is killed, Bragg investigates in hopes of proving Ted innocent; dicey doings ensue, and a second murder, with Ted again the chief suspect. The visiting officer gleans clues from local gossips, calls on the village squire and others, including charming Fanny Hildred, who sets her cap for him. Finally, Bragg's diligence solves the case, exposing a surprising but convincing villain. (Jan.)