Mystery in the Channel - (British Library Crime Classics) by Freeman Wills Crofts (Paperback)

About the Book

The Chichester is making a routine journey across the English Channel on a pleasant afternoon in June, when the steamer's crew notice something strange. A yacht, bobbing about in the water ahead of them, appears to have been abandoned, and there is a dark red stain on the deck. Two bodies later, with no sign of a gun, there certainly is a mystery in the channel. Inspector French soon discovers a world of high-powered banking, luxury yachts and international double-dealing. British and French coastal towns, harbours and of course the Channel itself provide an alluring backdrop to this nautical adventure, along with a cast of shady characters.

Book Synopsis

Mystery crime fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder

"Not only is this a first-rate puzzler, but Crofts' outrage over the financial firm's betrayal of the public trust should resonate with today's readers." --Booklist STARRED review

The Chichester is making a routine journey across the English Channel on a pleasant afternoon in June, when the steamer's crew notice something strange. A yacht, bobbing about in the water ahead of them, appears to have been abandoned, and there is a dark red stain on the deck... Two bodies later, with no sign of a gun, there certainly is a mystery in the channel.

Inspector French soon discovers a world of high-powered banking, luxury yachts and international double-dealing. British and French coastal towns, harbours--and of course the Channel itself--provide an alluring backdrop to this nautical adventure, along with a cast of shady characters.

Review Quotes

A standout in the British Crime Classics series. Nary a woman to be seen onstage, though if you're interested in ships and sailing this book will suit your fancy. A greatly enjoyable police procedural from 1931.--Lauren LaTulip "Goodreads"

First published in 1931 Mystery in the Channel by Freeman Wills Crofts is a classic crime fiction novel written during the Golden Age of detective fiction between the two world wars. I thought the comments on the effect of the company's crash on ordinary people is still as relevant today as it was in the 1930s and the Assistant Police Commissioner's views on crime and punishment showing a surprising sympathy with the criminal are interesting. He deplored the punishment of the out-of-work or poorly paid thief who had stolen to provide for his family's' needs. And he had 'the most profound enmity and contempt' for the wealthy thief who stole through the manipulation of stocks and shares or by other financial methods, whether those means were within or without the limits of the law.--Margaret Freeman "Books Please"

Good story, very likeable characters, and a unexpected twist at the end. The pace is perhaps somewhat slower but it doesn't interfere with the pleasure of reading. Just perfect for a rainy weekend.--Karina Dumiati "NetGalley"

I really enjoyed this deviously difficult detective story. It was full of twists and turns, action and danger, and a hell of a lot of mystery. Admittedly, I had my suspicions as to the murderer, but even still I was kept guessing until near the end. It was more full of red herrings than a fisherman's net!--Matthew Barnes "Carpe Libris"

I thoroughly enjoyed Mystery In The Channel, my first but not last taste of Mr Crofts' work, as it is a good old fashioned puzzle which had me baffled so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a very good read.--Elaine Tomasso "Goodreads"

It was an interesting case and I liked the main character, so it was an enjoyable read.--Deborah White "Goodreads"

This particular novel is a fine example of meticulous police work before the advent of computers, DNA analysis, and instant communications. The novel, published in 1931, is in period, but definitely not dated.--Elaine Cichantk "LibraryThing"

Wills Crofts is one of the masters of the golden age of British detective fiction. Not only is this a first-rate puzzler, but Crofts' outrage over the financial firm's betrayal of the public trust should resonate with today's readers.--Connie Fletcher "Booklist"

About the Author

FREEMAN WILLS CROFTS (1879-1957) was one of the pre-eminent writers in the golden age of British crime fiction. He was the author of more than thirty detective novels, and was greatly acclaimed by peers such as Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler.