George Bellairs (1902–1985)

Detective Inspector Thomas Littlejohn heads to Cobbold-in-the-Marsh to investigate the murders of a constable and Granville Salter, the scion of the family that once owned the manor house. Who would have a reason to kill both a bobby and the Salter heir? Several other deaths occur before Littlejohn and his trusted Sergeant Robert Cromwell track down the clever murderer. The title refers to an old legend of a marauding murdered ghost said to haunt Salter Hall.

Readers will find The Case of show more the Headless Jesuit one of George Bellairs’ most innovative novels. I never guessed who the murderer was — or even what the motive was. With plenty of twists, memorable characters and a sly send-up of both High and Low churches, the 16th novel in this series is one of the best. show less

After the so-so Turmoil in Zion, what a relief to once again encounter Detective Inspector Thomas Littlejohn! George Bellairs’ wit and suspense really shines when Littlejohn and his sidekick, Sergeant Robert Cromwell, are at work; Turmoil in Zion’s Superintendent Nankivell wasn’t quite up to snuff.

In Crime in Lepers’ Hollow, Littlejohn and Cromwell are investigating a series of deaths involving a very dysfunctional family and a tumbledown manor. The village of Tilsey has more show more secrets than an afternoon soap opera! But the writing never becomes silly or over the top, a testament to Bellairs’ prowess. He includes more twists and surprises than usual in this, the 17th novel in the series, so readers will love every single page. Newbies to the series should be able to delight in this 1950s cozy (which is much more modern than you’d expect) without feeling they’re missing anything.

As icing on this delicious cozy cake, the book is free for subscribers to Kindle Unlimited. show less

I think I've found my new favorite detective in Superintendent Littlejohn! I was growing weary of searching for a detective that could hold my interest in vintage stories, have a long enough series of novels to make sure I would have plenty to read, and not have the usual hang-ups with society that most classic detectives usually have (their viewpoints towards women, mostly). As this is my first George Bellairs novel and I haven't read enough of this series to be sure of that last point, I show more definitely have a good feeling about it.

The Body In The Dumb River is listed on Goodreads as being the 35th installment in the series (yes, 35th!!). It honestly reads as a standalone novel, so anyone just picking up this book from the series should not have any trouble jumping right in. The setting was phenomenal. I loved the feeling of going back to a simpler time without the convenience of cell phones, the instant knowledge of DNA testing, and the quick work of computers instead of relying on good old fashioned detecting. I loved the idea of the double life in this story as it's always been a plot point that has intrigued me (watch out, dear husband!) The characters were uniquely flawed and so realistic. Their passions, hatreds, and desires were all easy to relate to. The mystery was classic and I was unsure of how the story would play out until very close to the end. It really could have went several different ways.

A bank manager by day, Bellairs wrote the Littlejohn novels in his free time and never really hit the success of other writers from that time period. What a shame! His novels are, if this one is any indication, full of the scandals and plot twists very similar to the much loved black and white detective films of yesteryear. These will be added to my list of books I need to collect. show less

Sir Martin Skollick was an all-around scoundrel: imprisoned for two years for financial fraud, a womanizer, a bully. So it’s no surprise that he ends up shot to death. What is a surprise is that the humble vicar of Mylecharaine in the Isle of Man stands accused. Neither the Archdeacon of the Isle of Man nor Superintendent Thomas Littlejohn of Scotland Yard believe that Vicar Sullivan Lee is the real murderer. But then who is?

Author George Bellairs has littered this 32nd novel in the series show more with plenty of twists and turns. I never guessed who the culprit was, and I enjoyed the plot and the sly jokes on country life. Highly recommended. show less