Library Journal
Happily retired Detective Chief Superintendent Henry Bassett chances upon the body of a long-missing judge in a little-used cottage near his own in rural England. Police blame local gypsies, but Bassett, who loves to keep his mind at full alert, rules out the scapegoats in favor of less obvious possibilities. Investigating independently, he zeroes in on five closely connected suspects and their own versions of the truth. Comfortable village surroundings, well-drawn supporting characters, the intelligent and human protagonist, and heavy emphasis on the judge's puzzling death all contribute to the novel's success.