Two young estate agent's clerks are sent to check an inventory on a house in Daylesford Gardens, South Kensington. Upon arrival, they find an unlisted item - a corpse. Furthermore, the mysterious tenant, Colin James, has disappeared. In a tale which uncovers many of the seedier aspects of the world of high finance, Hare also introduces his readers to the formidable Inspector Mallett of Scotland Yard.

An Inspector Mallett mystery - The story begins deceptively with a pastoral setting in the River Didder and peaceful villages of Didford Parva and Didford Magna. Four businessmen have formed a syndicate and bought the fishing rights of a reach of the Didder. Their unofficial headquarters is the Polworthy Arms. Against the idyllic backdrop however run local passions, rivalries and then murder. It is up to Inspector Mallet to draw upon his fishing knowledge to resolve the case.

An Inspector Mallett mystery - Inspector Mallett's stay at the country house hotel of Pendlebury Old Hall has been a disappointment. Room, food and service have been a letdown and he eagerly anticipates the end of his holiday. His last trial is to sit and listen as the hotel boor, whose family once owned the house, sits down at his table. The next day the man is dead and Mallett unwittingly finds himself investigating the suspicious 'suicide'.

Tragedy at Law follows a very important High Court judge, Judge Barber, as he moves from place to place presiding over cases in the Southern England area. When an anonymous letter arrives for the judge with a warning.

A Francis Pettigrew mystery - It is the Second World War and the Blitz has forced the evacuation of various Government offices from London. Francis Pettigrew accompanies his ministry to the distant seaside resort of Marsett Bay where the civil servants must make the best of their temporary home. A lighthearted game of 'plan the perfect murder' starts and Pettigrew remains detached from the silliness - until a real murder happens.

A delicious mystery of a haunting childhood nightmare and a vanishing murder victim, Untimely Death will enthrall Inspector Mallett and Francis Pettigrew fans. While on holiday with his wife, Pettigrew stumbles upon a body on the moor, but when he returns with help, the body is nowhere to be found. Originally published in 1958.