Corpse with The Eerie Eye

The Corpse with the Eerie Eye, first published in 1942 (and in the UK as Castle-Dinas) features private investigator Philip Tolefree. From the dustjacket: 'There was mystery rampant in Castle-Dinas, although Tolefree at first didn't recognize it. He thought he was there to straighten out a lovers' quarrel-until the telephone rang at dinner that night and turned a gay and charming atmosphere into one resembling a wake. Mrs. Lowell returned to the table with her face strained beyond her well-carried years. Mr. Lowell retired dejectedly into a shell. And Katherine, their daughter, became tense and distraught. Later at Dr. Mapperley's, a succession of peculiar sounds kept Tolefree on his feet most of the night-to the obvious dismay of Peter, the nautical butler. And then they found the corpse-the corpse with a vacant stare and pupils the size of a pin-point. ... Mr. Walling is noted not only for his excellent plots, but his subtle characterizations and portrayal of English country life. The picture of Castle-Dinas, situated on the rolling moors of Devonshire, and its leisurely way of life are pleasing highlights in this mystery from the pen of a master craftsman.' Robert Alfred John Walling (1869-1949) was an English journalist and author of numerous novels featuring private investigator Philip Tolefree.