A single strand of crystal beads gleams in the candlelight, casting a shadow that hints at secrets best left undisturbed. In the hushed corridors of an English country house, tragedy strikes, and the genteel veneer of upper-class society is shattered by a chilling crime. Set against the backdrop of the art deco era, this golden age detective novel immerses readers in a world where every guest is a suspect, and every whispered conversation might conceal a motive. The tension mounts as a determined female detective unravels tangled relationships and hidden ambitions, navigating the intricate web of 1920s crime fiction. The story unfolds with the precision and elegance that define the classic whodunit book, drawing on the traditions of British murder mystery while offering its own distinctive flair. Each character is sharply drawn, their secrets and desires revealed through subtle clues and carefully observed detail, keeping the suspense taut until the final revelation. With its evocative period atmosphere and deft exploration of interwar mystery fiction, this vintage mystery novel conjures the glamour and intrigue of a bygone era. The interplay of suspicion and social ritual, set amid the opulent surroundings of the English countryside, evokes the best of British suspense novels. The narrative's pace and clever plotting ensure that the stakes remain high, as the truth behind the crime is pursued with relentless determination. Long sought after by aficionados of the genre, this book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure. For general readers, classic-library buyers, and collectors alike, this is a rare opportunity to experience a masterful piece of crime fiction history, beautifully revived for the modern bookshelf.