Death at the Jesus House

It is 1910 and a murder has occurred at an almshouse outside London.  Sir Peregrine Fishborne is not impressed with the inspector in charge, one Albert Fletcher, so he requests the help of Sir Francis Powerscourt.  There is an unusual mark on the chest of the victim that draws the attention of Powerscourt and Fletcher.

While the investigation is just starting, Fletcher receives a telegram from Fishborne that another murder has been committed in a school he is responsible for in Norfolk.  This victim also has the same imprint on his chest.  Peregrine wants Powerscourt to immediately investigate that murder, too.  Powerscourt finds an Inspector Grime in charge of the investigation.

It isn't long before a third victim turns up.  This one is a member of the governing body of the almshouse and school and he also has the same mark left on his chest. Powerscourt meets a third inspector, one Miles Devereux.

Meantime, Johnny Fitzgerald, discovers that William Monk, warden of the almshouse might be fiddling with the wills of the inmates.  At the same time, Powerscourt finds out that the company in charge of the three venues, plus others, could be sold in the near future, making a lot of money for the owners.  It appears that is the leaders of the opposition are the ones who were murdered.

Conspiracy, fraud, international intrigue, history, and vengeance are all tied up in the latest murder mystery involving Lord Francis Powerscourt.  However, author David Dickinson does leave the reader wondering about one thing at the end of the novel. A very good read.