The Charing Cross Mystery by J. S. Fletcher

On a late-night train to Charing Cross, barrister Hetherwick watches two men whose contrast is as unsettling as their behavior: a prosperous, military-looking older gentleman and a shabby, sharp-eyed companion with stained fingers. Their exchange about a woman recognized from a portrait hints at a buried secret, but the conversation ends in horror when the older man suddenly collapses and dies. When the supposed companion vanishes instead of fetching help, suspicion turns at once to poison and foul play. The dead man is identified as Robert Hannaford, a retired superintendent from Yorkshire, and the investigation draws Hetherwick into the orbit of Hannaford's anxious granddaughter, Rhona, and her aunt, Mrs. Keeley. A clipped newspaper portrait marked "Through my hands ten years ago!" suggests a long-hidden connection, while the post-mortem confirms murder. Inspector Matherfield's inquiries then widen the mystery: a woman believed to be Lady Riversreade appears to be living under aliases, perhaps as Madame Listorelle or H. Cunningham, and may be linked to Dr. Cyprian Baseverie, blackmail, and deception. As identities blur and sightings conflict, Hetherwick and Matherfield are pulled deeper into a dangerous web of impersonation and old secrets. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.