Surfeit of Suspects

Excelsior Joinery Company offices are destroyed in a mysterious explosion, killing the 3 directors. Superintendent Littlejohn of Scotland Yard is summoned to investigate, but beneath the sleepy veneer of Evingden lies a hotbed of deep-seated grievances. A cast of suspicious persons conceals their own axes to grind, making the investigation confounding. Bellairs' novel of small-town grudges with calamitous consequences is a masterpiece of misdirection.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 10 April 2019
Publisher: British Library Publishing

Following a mysterious explosion, the offices of Excelsior Joinery Company are no more; the three directors are killed, and the peace of a quiet town in Surrey lies in ruins. When the supposed cause of the ignited gas leak is dismissed and the presence of dynamite revealed, Superintendent Littlejohn of Scotland Yard is summoned to the scene. But beneath the sleepy veneer of Evingden lies a hotbed of deep-seated grievances. Confounding Littlejohn's investigation is an impressive cast of suspicious persons, each concealing their own axe to grind. Bellairs' novel of small-town grudges with calamitous consequences revels in the abundant possible solutions to the central crime as a masterpiece of misdirection.

Introduction:
In the novel "The Case of the Explosive Cigarette," author J.S. Bellairs presents a captivating tale of mystery and suspense. The story takes place in the quiet town of Evingden, Surrey, where a mysterious explosion rocks the Excelsior Joinery Company, leaving behind a trail of destruction and loss. The explosion claims the lives of the three directors, and the peaceful community is thrown into chaos.

The Investigation:
Superintendent Littlejohn of Scotland Yard is called upon to investigate the incident. However, the initial assumption of a gas leak as the cause of the explosion is soon dismissed, and the presence of dynamite is revealed. Littlejohn is faced with a complex case that requires him to unravel the web of lies and deceit that surrounds the company.

Suspicious Characters:
As Littlejohn delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters a cast of suspicious characters. Each person has their own motives and agendas, making it difficult for Littlejohn to determine who is trustworthy and who is not. Among the suspects are the company's former employees, who may have had a grudge against the directors. There are also local businessmen who may have been involved in illegal activities, and a group of villagers who believe that the explosion was a cover-up for something more sinister.

Mistakes and Red Herrings:
Throughout the novel, Littlejohn makes mistakes and encounters red herrings that hinder his progress. He is misled by false information, manipulated by powerful individuals, and confronted with unexpected twists and turns. These obstacles add to the tension and suspense of the story, as Littlejohn struggles to piece together the truth and bring the culprits to justice.

The Masterpiece of Misdirection:
What sets "The Case of the Explosive Cigarette" apart is its masterful use of misdirection. Bellairs skillfully weaves a complex web of clues and red herrings, leaving the reader guessing until the very end. The novel is filled with unexpected revelations and plot twists that keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very last page.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "The Case of the Explosive Cigarette" is a classic example of a detective mystery. J.S. Bellairs' skillful writing and intricate plot make it a thrilling and engaging read. The novel explores the depths of human nature, the power of greed, and the consequences of deceit. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of detective fiction and a reminder that even in the quietest of towns, secrets can be buried deep, and the truth can be more dangerous than anyone could imagine.

Weight: 208g
Dimension: 131 x 189 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780712352383