Archy Mitfold is a most irritating young man. There are three attempts on his life, but does he report them to the police? No, he tells conflicting stories about them to his family and friends instead. He also leaves irritating pictorial clues lying around. No surprises, then, when a fourth attempt succeeds, and despite a clumsy attempt to make it look like suicide, provokes an investigation by the Yard in the shape of Inspector Pardoe and Sergeant Salt. Colourless detectives, these, dedicated only to exploring the victim's final weeks and unravelling the secret of the mysterious bird pictures. Back and forth they go, picking up a bit here and a bit there. Along the way a kidnapping mystery is solved and another murder is attempted. They get there in the end, but oh, how much quicker and safer for everyone if silly Archy had just let on in the first place!
Two black marks to the cover artist of my edition (Pan, 1948); one for showing Archy with two intact hands when the text makes it clear that his left hand was damaged; and one for giving away the fact that his mysterious visitor was male.
Jon.
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