Murder by Numbers

Eric Brown

Jan 2021 · A Langham and Dupre Mystery Book 7 · Severn House Publishers Ltd

About this ebook

And then there was one . . . can Donald Langham and Maria Dupré stop a killer who's picking off victims one by one?

December, 1956. Donald Langham's wife Maria Dupré receives a chilling invitation to attend a death at the home of Maxwell Falwell Fenton in Essex. The once-prominent artist has a number of enemies, and has faded into obscurity since the war ended. Is the invitation to his own death or someone else's? Arriving at Winterfield on a cold winter evening, Donald and Maria meet five strangers who have also received numbered invitations. They all had a reason to hate or fear Maxwell, including Maria, who reveals a secret from her own past. But is she telling the whole truth? The soiree produces a gruesome and dramatic twist, but it's about to get much worse when someone starts picking off the six, one by one. Can Donald untangle lies, betrayal, and incredible revelations to identify the killer before Maria becomes the next victim?

Ratings and reviews

1956. Maria Dupre has been invited, among others, to attend the death of dying Maxwell Falwell Fenton at 6.00 pm on the 3rd December at his home, Winterfield, in Lower Malton. On time he shoots himself in front of the witnesses after stating that they will all get their just punishment. The next day the first death occurs but by whom. Inspector Mallory investigates with the help of Langham and Ryland. A well-written and entertaining mystery with a cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.

About the author

Two times winner of the British Science Fiction Award, Eric Brown is the author of thirty science fiction novels and numerous short story collections. He writes a monthly review column for the Guardian. He has written five previous Langham Dupré mysteries, Murder by the Book, Murder at the Chase, Murder at the Loch, Murder Take Three and Murder Takes a Turn. Born in Haworth, West Yorkshire, he now lives near Dunbar in Scotland.