Death of a Busybody

First published in 1942, this atmospheric whodunit from Bellairs (1902–1982) in the British Library Crime Classics series kicked off a decades-long series featuring affable Scotland Yarder Thomas Littlejohn. Littlejohn travels from London to the quintessential quiet English village of Hilary Magna after the local gossip and scold, Ethel Tither, is found dead in the cesspool on the property of the Rev. Ethelred Claplady. Tither, who had no shortage of enemies, apparently drowned in a few inches of water, but she also suffered several head injuries. The inspector sets about listening to the locals’ theories of the case while exploring the possible guilt of some of those who wished the victim ill because of her penchant for interfering with others’ lives, as well as those with a financial stake in her demise. Readers should be prepared for a solid if unspectacular characterization of the lead. This mystery will appeal to those in search of a comfort read rather than a dazzling display of deductive brilliance. (Sept.)