Mark Ablett's country home, the sprawling Red House, is the perfect country retreat. Secluded, peaceful, and far from the bustling crowds of London, it makes a perfect weekend getaway for Mark and his friends. But when Mark's brother returns from Australia, he has an old grudge to settle . . . and money to extort. After he enters Mark's study, the parlor maid hears arguing. But when the brother is found shot to death inside . . . Mark Ablatt is suddenly missing! Has he fled the country? The local police begin a bungling investigation, so Antony Gillingham, one of Mark's guests, takes it upon himself to find out who really committed the crime! And Antony's powers of observation rival those of Sherlock Holmes....

In this charming and witty country house mystery, amateur detective Anthony Gillingham investigates the murder of a guest at the Red House, the estate of a wealthy Englishman. Along with his loyal friend Bill, Anthony unravels a complex web of clues and red herrings, uncovering hidden motives and unexpected twists. Known for its clever plotting and humor, this novel remains a delightful example of the classic British whodunit.