Guy Boothby

The Childerbridge Mystery Guy Boothby

William Standerton returns to England with his two kids and a small fortune, where he purchases a supposedly haunted-house. Shortly after, William is killed by an old enemey and so we have a great mystery to follow while his son, James, tries to work out who killed him. A classic tale of crime and mystery, which although lacks some of the depth found in more modern titles, is still a great read. One had only to look at William Standerton in order to realise that he was, what is usually termed, a success in life. His whole appearance gave one this impression; the bold unflinching eyes, the square, resolute chin, the well-moulded lips, and the lofty forehead, showed a determination and ability to succeed that was beyond the ordinary. The son of a hardworking country doctor, it had fallen to his lot to emigrate to Australia at the early age of sixteen. He had not a friend in that vast, but sparsely-populated, land, and was without influence of any sort to help him forward. When, therefore, in fifty years' time he found himself worth upwards of half-a-million pounds sterling, he was able to tell himself that he owed his good fortune not only to his own industry, but also to his shrewd business capabilities.