The story in one page
When a young physician is called to treat a mysterious patient, he finds himself tangled in the sudden vanishing of Angelina Frood. As her husband remains a figure of suspicion, the investigation moves to the Kentish marshes. Sergeant Cobbledick finds a discarded scarf, leading experts to believe a murder has occurred. Dr. John Thorndyke systematically picks apart the evidence, examining construction rubble and hidden paths. The case builds toward a grim discovery behind a brick wall, but the truth proves to be an elaborate theatrical performance designed by the supposed victim herself to escape a miserable marriage.
Who's who
- Angelina Frood
A woman escaping a troubled marriage through a complex ruse.
- John Thorndyke
A precise investigator who solves problems using systematic physical evidence.
- Sergeant Cobbledick
A local officer whose search for a killer relies on physical clues.
- Nicholas
Angelina's husband, whose jealousy drives his wife to extreme measures.
What it's really about
- Deception
- Identity as a constructed and fluid performance.
- Forensic Logic
- Physical evidence outweighs intuition in criminal investigation.
Why it's memorable
- A bronze button with an embossed Tudor Rose pulled from fresh rubble.
- A woman doubling as her own mysterious male acquaintance.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Angelina reveals she orchestrated the entire disappearance to escape her husband, having disguised herself as a man named Bundy. She is now free to pursue a new life, having successfully used the detective to confirm her husband's demise.
For your book club
- How physical details like scarves and buttons anchor the mystery.
- The role of the physician as an accidental investigator.