"It’s going to be touch and go, the slenderest chance of getting proof that I’ve ever faced..."

When Jim Brown offers to collect Avril Madison from the train station, he has no idea of the ordeal he is about to face. Arriving at the Madison household, Brown discovers the murdered body of the woman's stepfather at the bottom of the main staircase. Ascertaining that Brown was the last to see the dead man alive, and learning of the quarrel the two had over Brown's affections for Avril, Sergeant Plender immediately arrests the young man on suspicion of murder - much to the chagrin of Superintendent Wadden. Inspector Head is tasked with discovering the truth. Did Brown commit the murder? If so, where's the proof? And if not Brown, then who? If this were not bad enough, his task is not made easier by the receipt of some bad news closer to home...

Originally published in 1939, this vintage murder mystery brings E.Charles Vivian's Inspetor Head series to a memorable and moving conclusion.