Portrait of a Murderer - (British Library Crime Classics) by Anne Meredith (Paperback)

About the Book

KEY SELLING POINTS

'Adrian Gray was born in May 1862 and met his death through violence, at the hands of one of his own children, at Christmas, 1931.'

Thus begins a classic crime novel published in 1933 that has been too long neglected - until now. It is a riveting portrait of the psychology of a murderer.

Each December, Adrian Gray invites his extended family to stay at his lonely house, Kings Poplars. None of Gray's six surviving children is fond of him; several have cause to wish him dead. The family gathers on Christmas Eve - and by the following morning, their wish has been granted.

This fascinating and unusual novel tells the story of what happened that dark Christmas night; and what the murderer did next.

AUDIENCE

• Fans of the British Library Crime Classics
• Fans of historical mysteries
• Fans of international mysteries

Book Synopsis

Mystery crime fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder

"Golden age fans will be enthralled." --Publishers Weekly STARRED review

'Adrian Gray was born in May 1862 and met his death through violence, at the hands of one of his own children, at Christmas, 1931.'

Thus begins a classic crime novel published in 1933 that has been too long neglected--until now. It is a riveting portrait of the psychology of a murderer.

Each December, Adrian Gray invites his extended family to stay at his lonely house, Kings Poplars. None of Gray's six surviving children is fond of him; several have cause to wish him dead. The family gathers on Christmas Eve--and by the following morning, their wish has been granted.

This fascinating and unusual novel tells the story of what happened that dark Christmas night; and what the murderer did next.

Review Quotes

...it would be hard to improve on this opening sentence: 'Adrian Gray was born in May 1862 and met his death through violence, at the hands of one of his own children, at Christmas, 1931.' A great setup developed with a heartless sense of purpose...-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Psychological depth enables Meredith to maintain engagement even after the killer's identity is disclosed, and she effectively shifts points of view, incorporating that of the murderer in the crime's aftermath and that of a character who may hold the key to achieving justice. Simple prose conveys personality in just a few words. Golden age fans will be enthralled. (starred review)-- "Publishers Weekly"

Those who are interested in the history of the crime genre, especially in its British form, should find Portrait of a Murderer a welcome addition to their library. I would also recommend it to anyone collecting the many 'un-merry Christmas' crime novels.-- "Popular Culture Association"

About the Author

ANNE MEREDITH was the pseudonym of Lucy Beatrice Malleson (1899-1973), who is best known as the author of the Arthur Crook series of detective novels published under the name of Anthony Gilbert. She was a highly esteemed writer of crime fiction and a member of the elite Detection Club, but the 'Anne Meredith' books have long been unavailable.