"The Crooked Cross" is a compelling classic mystery featuring the analytical Harley Manners, a professor of psychiatry and renowned criminologist. Set in the 1920s, the narrative explores a complex web of crime and intrigue triggered by a baffling murder. As the investigation unfolds, Manners must use his expertise in human behavior to decipher the meaning behind the cryptic symbol of the crooked cross and unmask a clever killer.
Charles J. Dutton delivers a suspenseful plot that blends traditional detective work with early psychological profiling, a hallmark of his Manners series. The story delves into the dark motives hidden beneath the surface of respectable society, challenging the reader to solve an intricate puzzle alongside the protagonist. Rich in atmosphere and period detail, "The Crooked Cross" stands as a significant work of early twentieth-century detective fiction, offering a sophisticated look at the evolution of the amateur sleuth genre. It is an essential read for fans of golden age mysteries and historical crime fiction.
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