The Case of the Four Friends

Book excerpt: Late at night in the Senior Common Room of St Thomas's College, Ernst Brendel is persuaded by his companions to relate a tale of murder, blackmail, and corruption. A wager is made, half a crown to the first person to guess the murderer correctly. But the game is not so simple. The crime involves four friends, each with the potential to be the murderer – or the victim. Brendel employs the art of 'pre-detection', uncovering motive and cause before the crime has even been committed. But does he have enough foresight to prevent the dastardly deed from taking place? First published in 1953, The Case of Four Friends explores a world of calculation, wit, and marvellous deduction.