The Bittermeads Mystery

"The Bittermeads Mystery" by E. R. Punshon is a mystery novel likely written in the early to mid-20th century. The book introduces a compelling narrative centered around Robert Dunn, a mysterious and physically imposing man who arrives at a secluded location called Bittermeads, where he appears to be on a mission shrouded in intrigue and danger. The story unfolds with elements of tension, as Dunn encounters both the charming Ella and her formidable stepfather, Deede Dawson, suggesting conflicts that may intertwine personal relationships with darker undertones. The opening of the novel presents Dunn arriving at a small country station, where he immediately draws attention with his rugged appearance and unfiltered behavior, leading to a confrontation that establishes his strength and unpredictable nature. As he wanders through the night towards Bittermeads, he observes a young couple bidding farewell, which elicits a sense of suspicion and purpose within him. The following chapters depict Dunn's gradual uncovering of a buried tragedy connected to an intriguing character named Charley Wright, culminating in a shocking discovery of a body hidden in an attic. The narrative is rich in tension as Dunn grapples with the duality of his mission while navigating deeply concerning dynamics involving Ella and Dawson, raising questions about trust and motive in a landscape painted with mystery and impending conflict. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ernest Robertson Punshon was an English novelist and literary critic of the early to mid 20th century. He also wrote under the pseudonyms Robertson Halkett and Robertson Halket. Primarily writing on crime and deduction, he enjoyed some literary success in the 1930s and 1940s. Today, he is remembered, in the main, as the creator of Police Constable Bobby Owen, the protagonist of many of Punshon's novels, who was eventually promoted to sergeant, inspector, superintendent and, finally, commander. A popular Scotland Yard detective, Owen appeared in 35 novels from 1933 to 1956. Punshon reviewed many of Agatha Christie's novels for The Guardian on their first publication. Punshon was also a prolific writer of short stories, and a selection of his crime and horror fiction has recently been collected together.