We’ve got to have a body.
That’s what what detective Ludovic Travers says, after being contacted by one Lord Tynworth. Tynworth’s wife has vanished and his lordship wants her found – yet strangely doesn’t seem especially keen on getting her back. When Travers walks into the case, he enters a hall of mirrors. In it are thoroughbred horses, their trainers, at least one man determined not to tell the truth . . . and a burnt corpse.
The missing woman is a former crooner, and once again Travers must investigate the world of showbusiness on his way to discovering the truth. Meanwhile the cash-strapped Tynworth disappears to America – and then just disappears entirely. Travers narrowly escapes with his life before he brings the diabolical affair to a head, and solves the case.
The Case of the Benevolent Bookie was originally published in 1955. This new edition features an introduction by crime fiction historian Curtis Evans.
“A provocative puzzle” New York Times
Om författaren
Christopher Bush was born Charlie Christmas Bush in Norfolk in 1885. His father was a farm labourer and his mother a milliner. In the early years of his childhood he lived with his aunt and uncle in London before returning to Norfolk aged seven, later winning a scholarship to Thetford Grammar School.
As an adult, Bush worked as a schoolmaster for 27 years, pausing only to fight in World War One, until retiring aged 46 in 1931 to be a full-time novelist. His first novel featuring the eccentric Ludovic Travers was published in 1926, and was followed by 62 additional Travers mysteries. These are all to be republished by Dean Street Press.
Christopher Bush fought again in World War Two, and was elected a member of the prestigious Detection Club. He died in 1973.