In Murder by Matchlight, E.C.R. Lorac delivers an atmospheric and intricately crafted mystery set in the heart of wartime London. Inspector Robert Macdonald is tasked with unraveling a case that begins in the dim glow of a single match and leads to a dark labyrinth of human motives. On a blackout-shrouded night in Regent's Park, a seemingly ordinary stroll turns into a deadly encounter. A man strikes a match to light his cigarette, briefly illuminating his surroundings, only to be brutally murdered moments later. Witnesses are scarce, and the fleeting light of the match provides Macdonald with his first tantalizing clue. As Macdonald investigates, he delves into the victim's life and uncovers a network of acquaintances, each with their own secrets and potential motives. From struggling performers to shady businessmen, the suspects are as varied as London itself during the Blitz. The challenge lies not only in solving the crime but also in navigating a city in chaos, where danger lurks in the shadows and trust is scarce. Lorac's evocative portrayal of wartime London heightens the tension, weaving the setting seamlessly into the plot. The combination of richly developed characters, clever twists, and a vividly rendered backdrop makes Murder by Matchlight a standout in the Robert Macdonald series. This engaging mystery will captivate fans of Golden Age detective fiction and lovers of atmospheric, character-driven whodunits.In Murder by Matchlight, E.C.R. Lorac delivers an atmospheric and intricately crafted mystery set in the heart of wartime London. Inspector Robert Macdonald is tasked with unraveling a case that begins in the dim glow of a single match and leads to a dark labyrinth of human motives. On a blackout-shrouded night in Regent's Park, a seemingly ordinary stroll turns into a deadly encounter. A man strikes a match to light his cigarette, briefly illuminating his surroundings, only to be brutally murdered moments later. Witnesses are scarce, and the fleeting light of the match provides Macdonald with his first tantalizing clue. As Macdonald investigates, he delves into the victim's life and uncovers a network of acquaintances, each with their own secrets and potential motives. From struggling performers to shady businessmen, the suspects are as varied as London itself during the Blitz. The challenge lies not only in solving the crime but also in navigating a city in chaos, where danger lurks in the shadows and trust is scarce. Lorac's evocative portrayal of wartime London heightens the tension, weaving the setting seamlessly into the plot. The combination of richly developed characters, clever twists, and a vividly rendered backdrop makes Murder by Matchlight a standout in the Robert Macdonald series. This engaging mystery will captivate fans of Golden Age detective fiction and lovers of atmospheric, character-driven whodunits.