The 12.30 from Croydon - (British Library Crime Classics) by Freeman Wills Crofts (Paperback)

About the Book

Andrew Crowther, a wealthy retired manufacturer, is found dead in his seat on the 12:30 flight from Croydon to Paris.

Book Synopsis

Mystery crime fiction written in the Golden Age of Murder

"The degree of suspense Crofts achieves by showing the growing obsession and planning is worthy of Hitchcock." --Booklist STARRED review

We begin with a body. Andrew Crowther, a wealthy retired manufacturer, is found dead in his seat on the 12.30 flight from Croydon to Paris. Rather less orthodox is the ensuing flashback in which we live with the killer at every stage, from the first thoughts of murder to the strains and stresses of living with its execution. Seen from the criminal's perspective, a mild-mannered Inspector by the name of French is simply another character who needs to be dealt with.

This is an unconventional yet gripping story of intrigue, betrayal, obsession, justification and self-delusion. And will the killer get away with it?

Review Quotes

An old-fashioned but steadily absorbing account of a decent man's descent into corruption and murder. One of Crofts' best.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

The degree of suspense Crofts achieves by showing the growing obsession and planning is worthy of Hitchcock. Another first-rate reissue from the British Library Crime Classics series. STARRED REVIEW--Connie Fletcher "Booklist"

The title of this worthy golden age mystery from Crofts (1879-1957), originally published in 1934, refers to an early morning plane flight from Croydon, England, to Paris. When cantankerous retired businessman Andrew Crowther suddenly dies aboard the flight, the official verdict is suicide. Crowther's ambitious nephew, Charles Swinburn, is relieved that his uncle's inheritance will save him from ruin. Charles sets about keeping the family company afloat and winning the love of his life, Una. When evidence of foul play emerges, everyone with a link to Crowther becomes a suspect in his death. Unusually, most of the story is told in third person from the killer's perspective. Even though readers know that the perpetrator should and must come to justice, they will find themselves eagerly anticipating his next devious move.-- "Publishers Weekly"

This detective novel is a little different from the norm. Firstly, we see very little of the police or the investigator. Instead, it follows the murderer, Charles Swinburn, throughout as he realises he has a major problem financially, through his efforts to raise the capital he needs, to the planning and carrying out of the murder of his uncle. The story continues as he tries to live his life knowing what he has done and trying to get away with the deed. I liked the close following of procedures, especially late in the book. The tension is there and I think it would stand up today as well as it did in its day.--Matthew Barnes "Carpe Libris"

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.