Author: LENEHAN, J. C.
Title: The Silecroft Case
Description: London: Herbert Jenkins, [1931]. No edition stated. Original orange cloth. Front and back endpapers browned. Back joint lightly cracked. Occasional spot of foxing. Slight wear & a little soiling to spine, covers & corners. ; J. C. Lenehan (1889–1943) was born in Manchester and began his professional life working for a local newspaper before moving to London in the 1920s. Influenced by the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, he crafted mysteries featuring meticulous police work and understated social observation. Though he never reached the same level of fame as contemporaries like Agatha Christie, Lenehan gained a devoted following thanks to his evocative use of coastal settings—most notably those in Cumbria, an area he visited often as a child. After producing several full-length novels and a selection of short stories in literary magazines, his career ended prematurely with his death in 1943, yet he remains a noteworthy figure among collectors of early twentieth-century detective fiction. Originally published in the early 1930s, The Silecroft Case encapsulates Lenehan’s talent for creating an immersive atmosphere and weaving intricate, puzzle-like plots. Inspector Arnold Farnley arrives in the coastal village of Silecroft to investigate what seems like an accidental death on the beach, only to discover layers of secrets within a community determined to protect its own. With carefully planted clues and a tangible sense of place, the novel draws readers into a world of hushed resentments and hidden motivations. The pacing is gradual but steadily propels the narrative toward a clever twist that rests on an easily overlooked detail. Although less well-known than the works of some of his peers, The Silecroft Case remains a satisfying read for enthusiasts of Golden Age detective stories and those who relish the atmosphere of small-town intrigue. ; 17 x 12 x 2.7 cms; 312 pages. Very Good- with no dust jacket .

Keywords: Crime & Thriller


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