A Scotland Yard inspector holds the key when a college professor is shot behind a series of locked gates in this classic British mystery series opener.
The usually quiet campus of St. Anthony’s College is abuzz with talk of murder. Someone shot Prof. Josiah Umpleby, the college’s president, in his room during the night. Word spreads all the way to London, and Insp. John Appleby of New Scotland Yard is dispatched to consult on the case.
The local authorities are already occupied with a string of burglaries and could use the help with this unusual death. Appleby learns that at night, the campus gates are locked, and a section of the college is shut off from the rest. In other words, someone would need a key to reach the president, and that limits Appleby’s suspects down to seven.
Now Appleby must keep his wits about him as he combs the grounds for clues. The killer is still on the loose, and they need to be taught a lesson . . .
Originally published under the title Seven Suspects
Praise for Michael Innes & Death at the President’s Lodging
“One of the best detective novels.” —The Scotsman
“A brilliant newcomer.” —News Chronicle (UK)
“Quite the most accomplished first crime-novel that I have read.” —C. Day Lewis, Daily Mail