The Master Detective: Being Some Further Investigations of Christopher Quarles

"The Master Detective: Being Some Further Investigations of Christopher Quarles" by Percy James Brebner is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the astute and eccentric detective Christopher Quarles as he solves various intricate cases, starting with the mysterious disappearance of Sir Grenville Rusholm's body immediately after his supposed death. Quarles is accompanied by his friend and investigator Murray Wigan, who calls upon Quarles's expertise to unravel the enigma central to this startling crime. At the start of the book, we are introduced to a shocking scene where mourners gather for Sir Grenville Rusholm's funeral, only to discover that his coffin is inexplicably empty, save for two pieces of lead. This revelation prompts Wigan to seek out Quarles, who has vowed to retire from crime-solving. However, Quarles is ultimately drawn back into the fray, intrigued by the mystery. The opening chapters lay a complex groundwork for investigations involving themes of deception, social status, and familial ties. As they delve deeper, Quarles and Wigan consider various suspects, motives, and the implications behind the corpse's disappearance, setting the stage for a gripping whodunit that weaves through the murky waters of societal intrigue.