Case of the Rusted Room

The Case of the Rusted Room, first published in 1937 as a Clue Club Mystery, is a golden-age British murder mystery by prolific author Nigel Morland (here writing under the pen-name John Donavan). From the dustjacket: A curious and baffling murder mystery introduces a uniquely scientific detective: Johnny Lamb, sleuth by profession, outstanding scientist by avocation. The plot is ingenious, the characters alive, and the narrative moves briskly, but always with proper regard for the probabilities of life. The placid, exclusive atmosphere of Sion House is rudely shattered by the discovery of the dead body of Samuel Wiseman, wealthy hypochondriac and misanthrope. The clues are scanty, the suspects numerous. The Case of the Rusted Room will appeal both to those who like to read about real police in action and to those who find delight in the skillful unraveling of minute clues by scientific analysis.