With a Bare Bodkin

the long version

*Inspector Mallett mystery - 5* *Francis Pettigrew mystery - 2* England at War. The Blitz has forced the evacuation of many government offices from London, and Francis Pettigrew dutifully follows his Ministry to the distant seaside resort of Marsett Bay in the north of England. The disgruntled community of civil servants must provide their own entertainment in their provincial exile, and when one of their members turns out to be a mystery writer in civilian life an amusing parlour game of 'plan the perfect murder' is soon in full swing. Pettigrew remains aloof, until a victim, a real one, is discovered - slain by a common office utensil.