This is arguably the first 'locked-room' mystery novel (1892 UK; 1895 US), that is, a detective story in which the puzzle aspect is the critical element of the plot rather than being an ancillary item, as it was in Le Fanu's Uncle Silas, for example. It is also a pre-Golden-Age-of-Detection prototype in that it follows the rules of 'fair play' by providing the evidence for the solution in the form of clues imbedded in the text, supplies alternative solutions and suspects -- the classic 'red herring' approach -- and has a 'least-likely' suspect as the villain. All that it is lacking is what we would call a proper detective who out-thinks the reader. Many thanks to Adrian Praetzellis whose performance is commendable. A highly recommended reading. A splendid reading Philippe Horak 2008-04-07 13:03:05 2008-04-07 12:40:09 5 This reading is excellent. The reader breathes life into the various characters by his skill with accents. The book is both fascinating and funny. Recommended A really good book MickR 2008-05-15 06:20:06 2008-05-15 06:20:06 5 I had never heard of Israel Zangwill, but enjoyed this book thoroughly. Adrian Praetzellis' reading is of a very high standard and really helps to add colour to both setting and character. The book is very well written, managing to not only provide a genuinely intriguing mystery, but also to broadly examine the society of the time; often with a gentle, satirical humour. Highly recommended. Great book, great reading. B143 2008-08-19 04:33:45 2008-08-19 04:33:45 4 I liked this book very much. Very interesting and amusing. The reader did a very nice job! Very Good mcm2500 2008-09-01 23:30:01 2008-09-01 23:30:01 5 4 4.75