Tag: ecr lorac

The Striped Suitcase (1946) by Carol Carnac

November 12, 2019

The Striped Suitcase by Carol Carnac

7 Stars (7/10 stars)

“I know how careful the hunted have to be, and how cunning.”

A Jewish refugee in London is robbed of the pearls that represent her only savings. A dead woman bobs up in the Thames. And Elsaby Thorn barely catches the train to Penzance, thanks to handsome stranger Guy Lynton, who carries her striped suitcase for her. It’s only when they’re pulled off the train by Scotland Yard that Elsaby learns it isn’t her suitcase at all—someone at the station switched cases, walking off with her boss’s latest scientific discovery.

Chief Inspector Julian Rivers is convinced these three events are connected, he just isn’t sure how. Was the theft of the suitcase intentional espionage, an attempt by the thief to ditch his own incriminating luggage, or simply a mixup? Whatever the reason, Elsaby is in it up to her neck, and Guy Lynton may be the last person she should trust. Continue reading “The Striped Suitcase (1946) by Carol Carnac”

Part for a Poisoner (1948) by E. C. R. Lorac

October 4, 2019

Part for a Poisoner by E C R Lorac

7 Stars (7/10 stars)

“The woman accused us all,” he said to himself. “And one of the reasons which made her do it was fear. She’s frightened herself…My God! I hope we never see her again.”

Old James Marchment is just asking to be murdered. Years ago, James cheated his brothers out of their shares of the family business. Now, he refuses to help his needy relatives—after all, they’re amply provided for in his will. A bout of pneumonia seems to bring that inheritance within their grasp.

Far from dying, however, James finds a new lease on life. His heirs are horrified to learn that he’s become engaged to his nurse, and his new fiancée  Jean Dellaton makes it clear that things will be very different once she’s mistress of the house. When James suddenly dies before the wedding, there’s more than enough suspicion to go around. Continue reading “Part for a Poisoner (1948) by E. C. R. Lorac”