Here in one volume are two swift-moving stories from one of the most popular writers of detective fiction. Both are told in the first person by a woman; both reach climax and solution in a few tense days; in both the case against the innocent seems almost overwhelming.

In "The Patient at Peacocks Hall," a young and beautiful woman doctor fights to save the life of her rival; lost poison seems damning evidence, and dramatic revelations follow each other in a neatly constructed story of suspense, involving a film-star, a mysterious Frenchman, and other material for village gossip.

"Safer than Love" is set in a preparatory school at the beginning of the summer holidays. The headmaster's young wife has her own reasons for prevaricating when inquisitive neighbours in the small town inquire about her husband's whereabouts.