The Man Without a Face

Detective Clay Harrison is called upon to solve a mystery at a stately home

Barrister-turned-detective Clay Harrison finds himself summoned to the West Country by a Mrs. William Marston, to 'keep an eye on things' while the Marstons stage a pageant to celebrate the birthday of their daughter Livia. Harrison feels the job somewhat beneath him but is in need of the money and, when he arrives with his invaluable assistant Henry, he discovers there is more to this role than meets the eye.

It turns out that Harrison has been recommended to Mrs Marston by a family friend, Helen Williams; a woman who bears more than a passing resemblance to his old foe, Jeanne de Marplay. When the Marstons' neighbour Sir Jeremiah Bamberger dies in mysterious circumstances, Harrison is called upon to solve the crime, and uncovers dark family secrets in the process.

First published in 1932, The Man Without a Face is the second Clay Harrison mystery from the great forgotten crime writer, Clifton Robbins.