A scarce title by Cecil Day-Lewis under the pseudonym Nicholas Blake, this the eighth work in his series featuring Nigel Strangeways. Lacking the dust wrapper. Publisher's red cloth, black titles to spine. Spine rather cocked & worn, with wear to head & tail of the spine and some damp spotting to lower spine. A few ink marks & blemishes to spine & boards, which are rather age-toned and discoloured towards the edges. Extremities noticeably bumped and bruised; rear board heavily sun faded, with some damp staining towards lower edge. Textblock edges spotted, front hinge a little strained. Title page & prelims foxed as common, spotting apparent throughout. Uncommon.