In Toll the Bell for Murder, Inspector Littlejohn is drawn into a sinister investigation when a bell tolls ominously in a small village, marking the death of a prominent local figure under mysterious circumstances. As Littlejohn delves into the case, he uncovers secrets hidden within the village, where old rivalries, family tensions, and long-buried grudges suggest multiple motives for murder. Bellairs expertly crafts a suspenseful and atmospheric mystery, where each character adds depth to the story and each clue reveals surprising twists. The illustrated edition enhances the novel's small-town intrigue, making Toll the Bell for Murder an engrossing read for fans of classic British mysteries and Inspector Littlejohn's perceptive approach to unraveling the darkest of secrets.