This is a very good classic crime novel from 1941, which I really enjoyed. Basil Willing is a psychiatrist working with the NY District Attorney's office. He is vacationing on Long Island at the cottage belonging to Claudia and Michael Bethune. The Bethunes like to give parties, and on this particular weekend, present are Phyllis Bethune (Michael's prior wife); Margaret Titus, a young woman; Charles Rodney, President of the Renfrew Textile Mills (Claudia is the largest share holder); and Dr. Roger Slater, who showed up at the last minute because Claudia had stolen truth pills from his lab earlier that afternoon and he wanted to get them back. However, Claudia had already put them in the mixed drinks by the time he arrived. Although Basil Willing was not at the party, he was out with a friend, and sees a light on when he is driving home. He goes to the window and sees Claudia at the table alone with face down. As he rustles a vine, he hears footsteps mounting the stairs. On getting in the room, he finds Claudia has been strangled by her emerald necklace and by time he can get it loosened, she is dead.

Although the local police come, Basil finds himself very involved with the investigation. He interviews the party goers, and finds a lot of unpalatable truths came out during dinner. The police are having their troubles, but Basil gradually gets some clues. He also wonders why someone keeps searching his cottage when he is out! As we are wondering whether the real truth of what happened will be laid bare, Willing has the guests do a reenactment of the dinner. At the end, he annouces the true murderer, and the murderer confesses.

A Bizarre Twist Of Events....
Another hugely enjoyable entry into the excellent Agora Books’ Uncrowned Queens of Crime series and the third Dr Basil Willing mystery. The eminent psychologist, and sometime amateur sleuth, has rented a cottage on Long Island anticipating a much needed holiday but in a bizarre twist of events he finds himself amidst a murder investigation instead. The plot is complex, interesting and rather unique, the characters colourful and well drawn and the dialogue credible. A pleasure, thoroughly entertaining reading and a worthy addition to the series.

I received this book for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley

while this book wasn't my cup of tea I'm sure that a lot of people will love it and truly appreciate it it was a little dark for my taste.

Another excellent novel from Helen McCloy with her character Dr Basil Willing a psychiatrist who works for the New York District Attorney. In this novel Mrs Claudia Bethune is holding a weekend party at her house, during the early hours of Saturday morning she is brutally murdered by someone using her own necklace as a tourniquet. There are five guests in the house and one of them is the murderer, follow the story and discover who committed the crime and why.

Truth...or lies? Helen McCloy wrote this stunning mystery in 1941 and I believe it's my new favourite of hers! I was engrossed the entire way through, amazed again and again at the wit and intelligence in her superb writing. McCloy exquisitely brought characters to life, especially in this book. It was easy to picture them, in particular Claudia with the unusual eyes. I love that there are "persons of interest" and "objects of interest" lists in the front. Helpful to look at before and after reading. The objects are very curious indeed!

Not only do we have a fabulous twisty and topsy turvy mystery and fascinating characters but truth serum adds another dimension of suspense, leaving readers to try to untangle the truth from the lies. Psychologist Dr. Basil Willing goes to Long Island for vacation and rents a cottage and discovers several friends of the property owner have been invited to a spontaneous dinner at nearby Blessingbourne. He does not attend as he has other plans. Claudia Bethune is notorious for her creative dinner parties and her husband puts up with them. Basil is drawn to the house after the party and encounters something quite unexpected. The house guests have a lot of explaining to do. But are they willing to hear what Basil has to say in his investigations or will they clam up? He has solved mysteries in the past with a bit of help from the police so is experienced in dealing with crime.

I've read many dinner party murder books but this one will definitely stand out as very creative and innovative.
McCloy's sense of humour is stellar here. This is one of the most riveting Golden Age mystery I've read in many months. And I have read a LOT.

The Deadly Truth should be read by all Golden Age mystery readers as well as mystery readers in general. It's quick, bright, stealthy and rollicking good fun and truly would be a shame to miss.

My sincere thank you to Agora Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this book which is to be re-published. My gratitude goes to you for re-publishing these treasures.

Great thriller about class and privilege. I highly enjoyed this book, felt a kinship with the characters. The ending was well worth it, highly recommend.