Sometimes, a traditional mystery from the British Library Crime Classics series is perfect in troubled times. E.C.R. Lorac’s Fell Murder, set in Lunsedale, just south of the Lake District in England, introduces Chief Inspector Macdonald from Scotland Yard. Yes, it’s a murder mystery. It’s also an atmospheric story centered around farm country. Martin Edwards introduces the story in his usual accomplished style, providing the background for this mystery set during World War II. While the details of life during the war set a scene, the farms and the farm life are the essential settings.

The Garth family has been at Garthmere Hall since the early 1500s. When Robert Garth took over the farm it was rundown and in sad shape. Now, he’s eighty-two, still farming the land. His family may see him as a tyrant, but most of his tenants see him as a firm, but hard-working landlord. His oldest son, Richard, couldn’t get along with him, though, and left for Canada twenty-five years earlier when his father didn’t approve when he married a local girl. The property is entailed, and Richard will inherit, but no one in the family has heard from him since he left in 1919.

When Robert’s bailiff finds him dead after a fox hunt, he knows it’s murder, and he calls the police. But Superintendent Layng is the wrong person to interview farmers. He’s not local, and he thinks all country people are slow. “In his heart of hearts Layng believed that all farmers were stupid.” And, they refuse to tell him anything more than the basic facts. It’s his boss who knows he needs help, The local police force has too much work dealing with requirements for the war. He calls Scotland Yard.

Chief Inspector Macdonald understands country living. He’s originally from Scotland, and he bikes and walks the hills to talk with people. And, he listens carefully. And, he realizes he’s not the only one who has listened. The person who killed Robert Garth may have overheard conversations that made it easy to kill. Every one of Garth’s children had a reason to kill him. Some of the neighbors disliked him as well. With his easy way of talking with people, Macdonald will find the person who followed through with that murder.

There’s a quote from the book that appears several places because it emphasizes the setting and atmosphere: ““...this crime is conditioned by the place. To understand the one you’ve got to study the other.” And, I’ll admit, the setting is important, and it’s beautiful. But, I read for character. And, there’s one scene that impressed me more than any other. After Robert Garth was found dead, the farmers in the community gathered at the local pub, Garth Arms. It was almost a wake, and they eulogized the dead man, talking about his good and bad points. That scene pointed out the hierarchy within the community, and the protective nature the leaders felt for the Garth family. Yes, place is important. But, the people involved are even more important in my opinion.

I’ll admit yesterday’s book is difficult to find. If you like a good traditional mystery, though, you’ll be able to find Fell Murder.

Fell Murder by E.C.R. Lorac. British Library Crime Classics, Poisoned Pen Press, Sourcebooks, 2020. ISBN 9781492699590 (paperback) 231p.


FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book.