1st ed, 1st printing (true first). Publisher’s red cloth boards (a little rubbed at edges, rounded on corners and spot faded around spine). Library lending sheet on front endpaper but no other library markings. In its original dust jacket by Pollack ( rubbed and chipped at edges, crease along spine with spine tips beginning to fray). Occasional foxing, else neat and bright internally. Published in accordance with British War Economy Standards. George Bellairs was the nom de plume of Harold Blundell, a crime writer and bank manager who settled in the Isle of Man on retirement. He wrote more than 50 books, most featuring detective Inspector Littlejohn. He also wrote four novels under the alternative pseudonym, Hilary Landon. This is a very hard to find title, scarce in its original dust jacket. This copy is not perfect but still attractive and good enough to gift or grace a collection. Bibliographies of Bellairs’ books tend to give a first edition publication date of 1947 but the book itself clearly states 1946. It is likely that it was printed at the end 1946 for release early in 1947.
