First published in 1961, this is a very traditional English crime novel and if, like me, you are a fan of the genre, you will surely love this one. Set in Stoke, it tells how freelance detective Nicholson is called in by Luke Shentall, the owner of a long-established pottery firm, to find out who has been passing on the firm's new designs to foreign competitors. The main suspect is chief designer Corinna Wakefield, a beautiful divorcee with a burgeoning drink problem. Of course Nicholson soon falls in love with her, and it then becomes his task to prove her innocence. As this type of novel depends on the surprise element to maintain suspense, there are many red herrings unearthed before a climax is reached. Highly satisfying.
Vincent Banville